Do oarlock sockets need to be vertical??

[Nesting Ray.]

Hi all.
Do l need to fix blocks to the sides of my boat in order to make the the oarlocks vertical or can they be fixed direct at the same angle? I myself feel the angle would be better as the oars are used at an angle. But l am a complete novice having only ever rowed on park boating lakes, years ago.

[Timmo]

Oarlocks work fine at a slight angle. Height is more critical, sometimes blocks are used to raise them slightly. Others are better qualified than I to discuss the subtle aspects of oar length, seat height, stretcher and oerlock positioning!


On 3 Mar 2014, at 16:58, Nesting Ray. [via UK HBBR Forum] <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Do l need to fix blocks to the sides of my boat in order to make the the oarlocks vertical or can they be fixed direct at the same angle?
>

[Nesting Ray.]

Thanks Timmo. You have confirmed what l was hoping for. That saves me a job. I shall just screw them into the gunwale. Seems strong enough to me.