The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

[IraRat]

Okay--call me Fred Flintstone, but this pram is all I can afford and I'm having fun working on it.

I bought my oar locks that have 1/2" stems, but the boat is configured with 5/8" holes, so it's not a proper fit. BassPro has little insert adapters/bushings for $3.99 a pair--with the absurd shipping charge of $5.99:

Mind you, these are nylon, and combined, they must weigh about an OUNCE--so $5.99 for shipping? Are they NUTS!? And I want to buy two pairs.

Granted, they combine shipping costs, but with tax we're still talking 15 bucks for something I figure should run me around a buck total at HD. What's more, BassPro is not known for expedient standard shipping. (I think most of this stuff is drop-shipped.)

Any ideas what I should consider to converting a 5/8" hole to 1/2"? Heck, I was thinking that even rubber/vinyl/aquarium TUBING might do the trick, if it's not something metal or plastic. Or even wrapping the stems in plumbing tape.

Edit:

Does iBoats sell these bushings? If so, I'd rather give the money to THEM.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Any West Marine's around you? They are pricey too, but maybe.

 

[IraRat]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

I didn't event think of West Marine because their web site is so horrible, but I'll give it a try.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

If all you need is bushings....try a local hardware store....

 

[GT1000000]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Maybe get a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" PVC pipe and sand to fit...???

 

[jasoutside]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

By the way, this is not even close to the stupidest thread.

I'm pretty sure I know which one that is.

And there are a whole lot more close seconds, so, yur good:thumb:

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Wanna save some money. Use iboats because, yes- they have 'em. Don't know about shipping. Oarlock Socket Insert - Seasense 50091121 - iboats

I did check shipping - UPS ground, $5.77, grand total $8.13. Look around on iboats, you might find something else you need.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Ace Hardware sells nylon reducer bushings

 

[IraRat]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Thanks, guys.

For Ace, where would they have those bushings--with all of the fasteners? Same thing for HD.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Yep with all the fasteners

 

[ondarvr]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

You can also get them at K-mart, Walmart, sporting goods stores, and many other stores located anywhere around water.

 

[IraRat]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

Thanks, men. I'm heading out now.

 

[colbyt]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

$10 worth of gas later, did you find them?

Just in case you did not, .50 copper pipe is 5/8" OD and 1/2" ID. Forming a small retaining lip on the top with a ball pein hammer should not be a problem with copper.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

from Iboats to your door for less than $9 and you are STILL going to get into your car and go look for them... ACE will NOT have them...Ace MAY have something that is SIMILAR that you THINK might work for about the same price maybe higher than the $8 and change AND you drove there in your car!! if they don't have them you are in the HOLE no matter where else you drive to LOOK for them!!! remember this if they don't PRESS fit either onto the ourlock leg, or into the hole on the part on the boat, then you will lose them at some point... they will pop out when you pull the oar out one day!!! good luck..bob

 

[IraRat]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

$10 worth of gas later, did you find them?

Just in case you did not, .50 copper pipe is 5/8" OD and 1/2" ID. Forming a small retaining lip on the top with a ball pein hammer should not be a problem with copper.

Nope--I got skunked. Home Depot had nothing with the proper dimensions.

And I perused the plumbing aisle for a half hour--but didn't really think to look at the long lengths of copper. (Where were you when I needed you?)

So I bought JB Wood...filled the holes...JB welded 20-cent 1/2" washers to the top of the existing plates...and I'll drill 1/2" holes later when the wood is set.

 

[IraRat]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

remember this if they don't PRESS fit either onto the ourlock leg, or into the hole on the part on the boat, then you will lose them at some point... they will pop out when you pull the oar out one day!!! good luck..bob

I hear you, brother.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: The stupidest thread ever--about Oar Lock shanks/stems

I have bought brass bushings at my local bearing shop. I would think that ebay would have them cheap with cheap shipping. With a quick look I found;
Oilite Flange Bushing Bronze 1 2 ID x 5 8 OD 1 2 Brass | eBay