Plastic Oar Lock Base (White) – 270 x 60 mm

This white plastic oar lock base (270 x 60 mm) is a modern alternative to traditional metal or wooden bases. Designed with an elongated shape, it provides a larger contact area to distribute the rowing forces and ensure a more secure fastening. The material used is a high-quality engineering plastic (such as Delrin or reinforced nylon) that offers a combination of rigidity and light weight. This means the base will not crack or break easily, while also not adding unnecessary weight to your boat.

Compatibility & Functionality: The central hole of the base is intended to accommodate a standard oar lock pin. It is compatible with both the wooden oar pin (code 01128) and standard metal oar locks of Ø16 mm. The interior of the hole is smooth and well-formed, allowing the pin/oarlock to rotate freely without sticking, yet with minimal wobble. The base’s white color matches nicely with the finish of many boats (especially inflatable boats with light-colored tubes or fiberglass boats), giving a clean and professional appearance.

• Mounting Features: The plastic base has a flat bottom surface that sits flush on the gunwale or another flat area of the boat. It has four countersunk holes (two on each side of the central socket) for installation with screws or bolts. It is advisable to use stainless steel screws for mounting to avoid any rust staining around the plastic. When mounting on a wooden or fiberglass surface, applying a marine sealant (silicone or polyurethane) between the base and the boat is recommended – this prevents water intrusion and also cushions the joint. The base can be mounted either horizontally (on top of the gunwale) or vertically (on the interior side of the hull) depending on your boat’s design.
• Weather Resistance: The material of this base is UV-stabilized, meaning it won’t degrade, become brittle, or significantly discolor after prolonged sun exposure. It’s also impervious to saltwater, so the base remains strong even after repeated splashes or submersion in marine environments. Engineering plastics typically have a broad operating temperature range, which means that neither summer heat nor winter cold will cause cracking or warping.
• Advantages vs. Metal/Wood Bases: The plastic base will not rust or rot. It requires no repainting or special care – you can simply rinse it off along with the rest of the boat. Furthermore, plastic is slightly softer than metal, which means there will be less wear on the oar pin/oarlock itself due to friction. In the event of an impact or heavy stress, the plastic base has a bit of flex and can absorb some shock (where a more brittle material might shatter).
• Recommended Use: This base is an excellent choice for inflatable boats and RIBs, where plastic or composite oar mounts are commonly used – its 270x60 mm footprint matches many standard models. It’s also suitable for plastic and fiberglass boats where keeping hardware lightweight is a plus. You can use it in freshwater or saltwater without concern. If paired with a wooden pin, you get an interesting combination of modern and traditional components that operates quietly and efficiently. With a metal oarlock, you’ll have an all-weather setup (metal + plastic) that offers a very long service life.