Oarlock with Base for Inflatable Boat – Plastic Set (Ø43 mm / Ø52 mm)

This plastic oarlock with base set is a complete solution for equipping your inflatable boat with oar mounts. The set includes two parts: a U-shaped plastic oarlock horn and a round base that attaches (usually via gluing) to the boat’s inflatable tube. The design is “watertight” – the base is engineered to prevent any air or water leakage at the attachment point, which is critical for inflatable vessels.

Two size options are available for the inner width of the oarlock fork – Ø43 mm and Ø52 mm – to accommodate different oar thicknesses:

• Ø43 mm Set: Suitable for most standard oars on small to medium inflatables. The 43 mm inner opening securely grips oar shafts up to about 40 mm in diameter. Example: Use the Ø43 mm oarlock for a 2.5–3 m recreational dinghy, where the aluminum oars typically have ~30 mm shafts. The base that comes with this set is compact, making it ideal for smaller diameter tubes.
• Ø52 mm Set: Intended for larger or professional-grade boats that use thicker oars (or oars with rubber sleeves/grips). The 52 mm fork can accommodate oars up to ~50 mm diameter. Example: For a 3.5–4.5 m inflatable or a military/rescue craft with hefty oars, choose the Ø52 mm variant. This wider oarlock provides room for oars with thick insulation or special handles without binding.

Construction and Advantages:

• Material & Strength: Made from high-strength nylon (plastic), reinforced at stress points. A 316 stainless steel element – such as a metal pin or spring – is integrated into the assembly to add durability and a bit of flex during use. This allows the fork to flex slightly when inserting the oar, making clipping in easier and protecting it from breakage, while the stainless part ensures long-term strength and corrosion resistance.
• Watertight Base: The round base has a solid rim and a wide surface area for gluing onto the PVC fabric of the boat. Once properly installed (using a recommended marine adhesive for PVC or Hypalon, depending on your boat), it creates a leak-proof bond – the integrity of the tube is maintained. This surface-mount solution means no holes are needed in the boat; everything is securely attached externally.
• Pivot & Stowage: The oarlock allows the oar to pivot vertically for a natural rowing motion. When not rowing, the oar can be swung alongside the tube, held in place by the fork (often in conjunction with an oar clip further forward), keeping the oar stowed but ready.
• Typically Supplied in Pairs: Usually, these supports come as a set of 2 (one for each oar, port and starboard). This makes outfitting your entire boat straightforward. (Note: Check the packaging – code 04684 corresponds to a set of two identical oarlock units.)

Usage Recommendations: When installing a new set, position the bases on the tubes at an optimal location for rowing – typically about 2/3 of the boat’s length from the stern, at a comfortable reach for the rower. Ensure the area is smooth, clean, and properly primed before gluing the bases. Once mounted, this set provides reliable support for your oars and withstands vigorous rowing, as well as prolonged exposure to sunlight and seawater. It’s an essential upgrade or replacement to keep your inflatable’s rowing system in top shape.