[19357]

I recently picked up an older Outcast Pac 1200 13' pontoon. It has 7' Mini Mags with it that seem way too small for the boat. Any suggestions on oar length, brands, etc.

I found a deal on some Sawyer PoleCats in a 9' length. Wondering if 8-8'6" is the sweet spot for the boat. 7' certainly seems too short.

Thanks!

 

[Mumbles]

I agree 7' seems too short, yielding a steep angle and wide grip position. I prefer a narrow grip and shallower angle. Although 9' may be a bit long, it could prove to be the combo you like. I know a couple of guys that like 9' on that boat.

 

[jake-e-boy]

8' sawyer square tops

 

[19357]

Thanks guys. I'm taller (6'2") with decently long arms. Dunno if that makes too much of a difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jake-e-boy]

If ya got a shop nearby I would try and sample an 8', 8'6" & 9' setup. Some people prefer different setups but nrs has a formula, http://www.nrs.com/boating_tips/oarlength.asp

Not an end all but a good starting point!

 

[skitterbug]

I agree that 7' oars seems short. There are many factors that determine the correct oar length. What are the tube size (diameter)? The width from oarlock to oarlock? Your seat height in relation to the level of the Pontoons, ie. how many inches above or below, or is it exactly level? And your height is a factor, you'd be able to use shorter oar than a shorter person. With longer oars you'll have more control, easy of pivoting and power.

 

[Capn Chicken Man]

8.5' cataracts are the cheapest best way to go. Get the floating tips.

 

[A.A.]

7.5' mini mags work well with my 12' pontoon. 8' might be a little better. I think 8' would be the minimum length for a 13'.

 

[skitterbug]

7.5' mini mags work well with my 12' pontoon. 8' might be a little better. I think 8' would be the minimum length for a 13'.

The width of the frame is important as well as the length of boat, for oar size. What's the width(oarlock to oarlock) of the PAC 1200? I'm guessing 18" diameter tubes? Seat same level as the top of the tubes? Or depressed or elevated?

 

[A.A.]

The width of the frame is important as well as the length of boat, for oar size. What's the width(oarlock to oarlock) of the PAC 1200? I'm guessing 18" diameter tubes? Seat same level as the top of the tubes? Or depressed or elevated?

All true.

Better yet, look at the PAC 1200 instruction manual...

 

[BDD]

Funny how the official instruction manual is always the last resort. I remember this at every Christmas when putting kids' toys together.

 

[skitterbug]

All true.

Better yet, look at the PAC 1200 instruction manual...
View attachment 117394

Wow! The rowers seat is quite high!!!

Ultimately, the best rowing ergonomics is to have the end of the oar handles a fist width apart, and when rowing backwards the your hands should be mid chest. In this position you will have the most power with the least amount of fatigue, and will have clearance from hitting your knees when rowing(especially through rapids)

If when rowing backwards your hands end up at shoulder level or higher, you will become fatigued quickly and your power will significantly reduced.

If your hands end up below mid chest, you'll have a clearance problem and reduced power.

I have a 11' boat with 18" diameter tubes, the oarlocks are 57" apart and I have 7½' oars. With that setup, my hand were above shoulder level, so I raised the seat 2½" and now it's perfect!

I must add that it came with 7' oars, which were way too short for the design. I'm 6'2", so someone shorter would've been rowing at head level. It's seems many manufacturers are somewhat oblivious to rowing ergonomics. I've contacted a couple companies with the complaint....they seem a little perplexed on the concept.

 

[Robert Engleheart]

Rule of thumb is 1-1/2 times the width between oarlocks.

 

[19357]

I ended up getting a bargain on some clearance Sawyer Polecats for $95 each and pulled the trigger after talking to the folks at Outcast. They said 8' to 9' would be just fine with the boat.

They are 9' but I may replace the blades with Cataract Magnums which cuts it down to just about 8'8". Felt good to me, and I rowed a buddies Creek Co. 13' and he uses 9'6" (which seemed a bit long). No qualms with what I got and thanks for all the feedback.

 

[skitterbug]

Rule of thumb is 1-1/2 times the width between oarlocks.

That's very generic rule of thumb, the width between the oarlocks is only one part of the equation.