1968 13-footer Oar Lock Repair

[douginport]

On a 1968 Boston Whaler 13-footer, one of my kid's friends tripped over a partially inserted oar and tore the bronze receiver right out of the gunwale.

I have contacted Caplugs, the gunwale insert manufacturer, no luck yet

I might 3-D-print one if I can get good measurements from the parts.

The insert prevents the oar yoke from getting water into the hull.

Has anyone ever fixed one of these before?

Any insight would be appreciated.--Doug

Oarlock break-out at gunwale, part way through foam removal.

gunwale 1 sm.jpg (43.41 KiB) Viewed 4635 times

Profile view of oar lock insert: Caplugs # B-178

Caplugs profile sm.jpg (50.34 KiB) Viewed 4635 times

End cap with manufacturer and model # of oar lock insert

Caplugs end sm.jpg (19.1 KiB) Viewed 4635 times

[ConB]

West system epoxy with fillers.
And here is a new socket if you need one.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=298

Con

[Meaty]

I’d like to install oar lock sockets on my 13-footer.

[Where can a] replacement mold be purchased?

[What are the] measurement to location of socket?

[Give me] any other useful information about materials and process.

Thanks.

[Meaty]

I called CARPLUGS. They will make them [that is, I presume, the molded insert that goes into the open oarlock to prevent intrusion of water into the hull as seen above in the initial discussion--jimh] for only $0.19-each. The problem is 5000 pieces minimum order.

[jimh]

[Where can a] replacement mold be purchased?

If you are trying to mold your own oarlock plugs, why can't you use the oarlock itself as the mold?

[Meaty]

True. Probably over thinking it. But I’m now thinking about side mount sockets. I think they will go about 11-inches from the gear locker seat. Based on the wood locating diagram I don’t think there is any wood in that location.

Will a side mount oarlock installed where there is no imbedded wood support be strong enough?

[biggiefl]

Do you row this boat? Are there not 2 sets of oarlocks? Reason I ask is you would not usually be rowing while sitting at the front of the boat, most likely use the aft set of oarlocks. I would fill them in personally.

[Meaty]

I believe some whaler 13 have one set of oat sockets. Was an option on some models. Rower sits on gear locker.

[biggiefl]

I am assuming the gear locker is the bow locker up front that holds your lines, etc.

Again I would not row from that position unless you had a heavy person in the rear. Not sure about my old 13 as I did have a 9' Squall first and one, if not both, had 2 sets of oar locks.