Product Code Database
A rowlock (), sometimes spur (due to the similarity in shape and size), oarlock (American English) or gate, is a brace that attaches an oar to a rowing. When a boat is rowed, the rowlock acts as a lever for the oar.
On ordinary rowing craft, the rowlocks are attached to the . In the sport of rowing, the rowlocks are attached to (often just called "riggers"), which project from the boat and provide greater leverage. In sport rowing, the rowlocks are normally U-shaped and attached to a vertical pin which allows the rowlock to pivot around the pin during the rowing stroke. They additionally have a locking mechanism (properly known as "the gate") across the top of the "U" to prevent the oar from unintentionally popping out of the rowlock.
some, largely older, strict terminologies, a rowlock is a U-shaped cut-out in the top strake of a boat (usually the wash-strake). In older texts, the U-shaped metal fitting may be called an "oar crutch", a usage which is largely obsolete.
An alternative pivot point for oars are thole pins that the shaft of the oar nestled between. Single thole pins may be used when the oars have holes cut into the loom, which then sits over/around the thole pin.Captain Dennis Robinson FNI, Master Mariner
Oarlocks are technical pieces of equipment in sport rowing, holding the oar shaft and therefore the oar blade at the correct angle in the water to ensure optimum performance.
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