I need to buy oars for my 12 foot jon boat. What length should I buy? Does it depend on the width of the boat? From Gander Mountain, I can choose 5, 5.5 or 6 foot oars. Thanks!

You want the two ends to just miss each other when you are rowing. If the oars are too long the handles willhit together when you row. Measure the width of the boat at the oar locks and divide by 2. That measurement should be a little more than the length of the individual oar from handle to the boat connector.

Thanks for the reply. The oar won't have pre-installed oar locks. I'll have to install them myself. So could I just buy whatever size oar I want?

You can put any size oars on the boat. Like you said just adjust the locks. The longer the oars the more levarage you will have. The only time you would want to use short oars are if you will be in tight cover, like a river.

If you are going to have 2 people in the boat, I prefer to just buy two paddles and have on person in the front and one in the back. Much easier to control the direction and easier to get moving.

I second the paddles. I used oars once and wont do it agian.

Sorry guys. I have to do oars. There's too many memories of me rowing around the lake in grandpa's boat, or racing with my cousins. I can't wait to get in and start rowing again.

Thats awesome...I think I'm too young to ever see oars...Doesn't seem like oars are advertised on anything anymore.

PUT A MOTOR ON IT BUD!!!!

Jim.

Amen to that. I bought the oar locks as well.Big rip off. 2 Walmart paddles are better , cheaper , more room , lighter, easier, and much cheaper. I can row faster than any trolling motor with one of those 9.00 paddles from Wally. I do prefer my 40 lb Minn Kota though.. a little quieter.