Vertical Oar Racks

Rowing Centre vertical oar racks are for storing both sweep and scull oars vertically, by hanging them on arms, from each oar. With these racks you can store both scull and sweep oars on the same rack.

Each arm is 60mm wide, which is enough distance between each row of oars, provided that the oars are stored with the spoons, ie. with only the edge of the oar visible when standing in front of the rack. Storing oars this way allows many oars to be stored in a small space.

Before ordering, make sure there is enough height in your boathouse to store oars vertically!

To order your Vertical Oar Rack system please click HERE.

To order your Vertical Oar Rack components please click HERE.

See below for further details:

Single sided or double sided?

There is a single sided version, which is suitable for positioning against a wall, or in a corner.
There is also a double sided version, for which rowers need to be able to access both sides of the rack.

1.4m cross stays, or 2m cross stays?

We make 2 lengths of cross stays for you to choose from. Firstly you need to make sure that you have enough room for these racks. The total width of the rack with the"1.4m cross stays” is 1.4m, and likewise, the total width of the rack with the “2m cross stays” is 2m. The distance from the front to the back of each single sided rack is approximately 75cm. For the double sided rack, this is approximately 145cm.

How many oars can be stored on each arm?

The length of each arm is enough to store 8 scull or 8 sweep oars.

How many oars can be stored on a 1.4m rack?

If you intend to rack sweep oars only, the maximum number of arms is 10, which gives 9 spaces, so can hold 72 sweep oars (9 spaces x 8 oars).

If you intend to rack scull oars only, the maximum number of arms is also 10, which gives 9 spaces, so can hold 72 scull oars (9 spaces x 8 oars).

If you intend to rack scull AND sweep oars on the same rack, the maximum number of arms is also 10, so can hold any combination of up to 72 oars (9 spaces x 8 oars).

The above is based on CII oars with sleeves and collars. For these we recommend about 63mm space between arms for scull oars, and about 75mm for sweep. For older oars, or different makes of oars, the sleeve and collar sizes may be different (smaller usually), so it might be possible to use 1 extra arm, to hold more oars.

How many oars can be stored on a 2m rack?

If you intend to rack sweep oars only, the maximum number of arms is 14, which gives 13 spaces, so can hold 104 sweep oars (13 spaces x 8 oars).

If you intend to rack scull oars only, the maximum number of arms is 15, which gives 14 spaces, so can hold 112 scull oars (14 spaces x 8 oars).

If you intend to rack scull AND sweep oars on the same rack, then it is possible to use 15 arms, which will hold 56 scull oars and 56 sweep oars (14 spaces x 8 oars).

The above is based on CII oars with sleeves and collars. For these we recommend about 63mm space between arms for scull oars, and about 75mm for sweep. For older oars, or different makes of oars, the sleeve and collar sizes may be different (smaller usually), so it might be possible to use 1 extra arm, to hold more oars.

With wheels or without wheels?

These racks cannot be fitted with wheels.

What stops the oars getting scratched?

The arms are already fitted with our purpose made rubber “capping”. This will protect the collars/buttons and sleeves from scratching.

1 rack is not enough….

Because the rack is modular, if you want more than 1 rack, then you have the possibility to connect the racks together, and save the cost of some parts. For 1 rack you will need 2 frames, but for 2 racks you just need 3 frames.

How do the single sided rack parts fit together?

At each end there is an “A frame”, comprising an upright, and a diagonal, which bolt together at the top, and a connector which is bolted to the bottom of the upright and to the bottom of the diagonal.

The 2 “A frame” are connected to each other via 3 cross stays. Near floor level, 2 cross stays are bolted to each “A frame”. At the top is another cross stay, called the “main cross stay”, which as well as connecting the 2 “A frame”, is also what the arms need to be attached to. The arms are attached by sandwiching the main cross stay between the foot of the arm, and a “back plate”.

How do the double sided rack parts fit together?

At each end there is an “A frame”, comprising an upright, and 2 diagonals which bolt together at the top, and 2 connectors, one of which is bolted to the bottom of the upright and to the bottom of each diagonal.

The 2 “A frames” are connected to each other via 4 cross stays. Near floor level, 3 cross stays are bolted to each “A frames”. At the top is another cross stay, called the “main cross stay”, which as well as connecting the 2 “A frames”, is also what the arms need to be attached to. The arms are attached by sandwiching the main cross stay between the feet of 2 arms (one on each side).

Is there a choice in the height of arms?

The main cross stay (to which all arms need to be attached) can be connected to the uprights in one of a choice of 8 heights. However, if sweep oars will be stored, one of the higher positions must be used.

What are the shims for?

We make 2mm thick steel shims (spacers) that you can use, if needed to make your racks level, even when the ground surface is not level. You may prefer to make your own shims, as needed, after installing the rack.

Why make racks that bolt together?

• Shipping is cheap, because none of the parts are bulky.
• You can order only the parts that you need, and use them in the best way for you.
• If you ever want to add parts, you just need to give us a call for the extra parts.
• If you ever want to change the configuration, you can easily reassemble.

How is the finishing?

Each part is hot galvanised in the UK to protect from rust. All parts are very strong, and will do the job of racking your oars effectively.

What do I need to put a rack together?

Any of the vertical oar racks can be assembled by 2 people. However, once the rack has been assembled, you will need to move it into position, and for this, the more hands the better. For tools, at least x1 of 13mm, and x1 of 14mm spanners. If you have “socket/ratchet” spanners this will be faster. It is best to have a cordless drill with 13 and/or 14mm socket attachments. It is also useful to have a hammer available. You will need a step ladder.

To order your ideal Vertical Oar Rack system please click HERE.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at enquiries@rowingcentre.co.uk or call us on 01582 872338.