Sweeps: Length & Rigging
We know from riding a bike that things go better if we are in the right gear. Small changes can make a big difference, so with any changes we recommend making minor adjustments and then testing before proceeding.
The overall length and inboard, along with other variables—spread, blade type, catch angle, seat and footstop height— determine the boat gearing or rigging. Some of the basic rigging concepts, including inboard and length are outlined below.
What's On This Page
Overall Length
Overall oar length has a very significant impact on loading. To determine the optimal oar length for you or your crew, it is important to consider the following factors: blade type, overall rig, rowing style, and size and speed of crew.
The overall length of the oar is measured from the end of the grip down the centerline of the shaft to the edge of the blade.
- Why is it important?
- For a given rig, a longer oar gives a higher gear or heavier load than a shorter oar. To lower the gear or make the load lighter, you can:
- Shorten the overall length while keeping the inboard constant by moving the collar towards blade.
- Increase the inboard while keeping the overall length constant by moving the collar towards blade.
- Widen the boat’s span.
- For a given rig, a longer oar gives a higher gear or heavier load than a shorter oar. To lower the gear or make the load lighter, you can:
- We recommend setting your oars shorter when rowing:
- In a slower or heavier boat.
- With a narrower spread.
- With a longer reach/ or greater catch angle.
- With blades that have a larger surface area.
Recommended Adjustable Lengths
| Range | Comp, Smoothie2 | Fat2 |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 367–372 cm | 362–367 cm |
| Medium | 370–375 cm | 365–370 cm |
| Long | 373–378 cm | 368–373 cm |
Inboard
Inboard is the measurement from the end of the grip to the blade side of the collar or CLAM. The greater the inboard, the lighter the oar will feel, and the lighter the load will be when pulling through the water.
- Adjust the inboard by moving the collar along the sleeve for a total of 12 cm.
- The inboard ranges below will accommodate most common rigger spreads:
- Adjustable handle: 107-119 cm.
- Fixed handle: 111-123 cm.
- Once spread is determined (see below) add 29–31 centimeters to come up with a reasonable inboard dimension.
- Measure this distance from the end of the handle and position the collars at that point. Tighten the fasteners evenly and firmly.
Spread
The spread of a sweep boat is the horizontal distance from the center of the boat to the center of the pin that holds the oarlock. Spread is an important factor in rigging as this affects the leverage, or load of the blade. The greater the spread, the lighter the load will be; the smaller the spread, the heavier the load will be. Common spreads are between 83–87 cm.
Pitch
Blade pitch is the angle of the blade away from vertical during the drive. Too much pitch makes it difficult to bury the blade; too little makes it easy to pull too deeply through the water.
- Recommended blade pitch is 0 degrees. Pitch can then be adjusted in the oarlock.
- When using Concept2 oarlocks, the pitch can be set from 1–7 degrees using replaceable Concept2 bushings.
