Press Release
Friction Free !
Light smooth and easy to use, the GACO rowlock snaps onto the oar for safety's sake. The rowlock of the future costs a little bit more but saves in the long run. It employs hardened 316SS and black polypropelene for a low friction bearing which will not corrode or wear. Lighter and kinder to oars and gunwales, it's carefully angled shape eliminates the tearing effect of ordinary rowlocks and facilitates the stroke. Forget the struggle and snap onto your oar for an unbeatable rowing experience.

"I have discovered the GACO oar-locks. Though they couldn't be described as traditional in appearance, I have found them to be light, strong, and moderately priced. In addition, they make no noise whatsoever. I am not affiliated with GACO."
(Letter to the editor Wooden Boat magazine, October 2005)

"I have a set of your oar-locks already and love them. They do what you said they do and they have remained wabble and squeak free for a couple of years and probably 800 miles. Thank you."
(David Bridges, Rhode Island)

"I have to say that the Gaco oarlock assembly is not only unique, but a delight to use. I have in the past used various systems but none have been so trouble free or kind to the oars as Gaco."
(Garry McPhail, Ontario Canada)

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*Kit contains: 2 Oarlocks + 2 sockets + adaptor sleeves for existing sockets & fitting instructions. (Most common size adaptor sleeves supplied but other sizes available on request.)
To fit oars up to 2 1/4 inch (56mm) diameter.

Why it works so well

Ordinary rowlocks develop friction and wear because of the uneven pressure where the pin rotates in the socket.

In the GACO rowlock the pin does not rotate in the socket. Up and down movement of the oar is accommodated by the carefully angled shape. The two features above are employed in the design of rowlocks fitted to racing sculls.

  1. Light, strong and won't corrode
  2. Much lower friction in both horizontal and vertical planes
  3. Will not wear out.
  4. Less wear on the oars and gunwhales.
  1. Snaps onto the oar so rowlocks can t be lost.
  2. Does not develop slop with time
  3. Quiet and elegant
  4. User friendly, magic to use

Fitting the Rowlock to the oars

  1. Lay the oars alongside each other so that the blades are together. Open the gate of the rowlock by pressing a screw driver into the the bottom of the slot at the front top of the rowlock.
  2. Pull the gate open and slip the rowlock over the shaft of the oar.
  3. Press the clip on the end of the gate shut. Repeat these steps with the second rowlock. The rowlocks must be mounted so that the arrows on top are pointing towards each other. (See picture 4)
  4. You now have a port and starboard oar. They will function much better if they are mounted so that arrow on the top of the rowlock is facing the bow when rowing. NB: If your rowlock sleeves have lugs on them you will need to cut them off with a knife (a simple task).

Fitting the socket to the gunwale.

The socket has a 10 mm internal diameter and a 5/8 (16mm) outside diameter, and should fit most socket holes. For high sided boats the rowlocks will work more efficiently if they are angled outwards. If no suitable hole exists drill a 5/8 hole in the gunwhale.. and insert the socket and secure with 3/4"(20mm) by 10 gauge screws.
The rowlock set includes 7/16"(11mm) adapter sleeves for current sockets while other sizes are available on request.

How the conventional design damages the oar.




How the Gaco design avoids wear problems.

The GACO snap-on Rowlock makes it easier to row well! - It s as simple as that. The GACO snap-on Rowlock allows the oar move up and down easily, and its unique shape encourages the the oar to sit at the best angle to achieve an efficient rowing stroke. (see Fig.1)

The plastic head of the rowlock rotates around the metal pin which remains stationery in the gunwhale. This eliminates wear in the socket holes and is virtually friction free, making it easier to row.

Conventional rowlocks rotate in the gunwhale causing wear, often causing the hole to become oval and creating that familiar clunk slap noise when rowing the boat. (see Fig.2)

The GACO snap-on Rowlock head is made of polypropylene, a material that is very strong, UV resistant and extremely light.

The pin is 316 Stainless Steel. It will not corrode or wear and is the benchmark for metals used in a salt water environment. It is 40-50% stronger than conventional rowlocks


Contact
mail@gacooarlocks.com
Or Fax: 94567150

(Trade Enquiries Welcome)


John is shown here rowing one of his dories on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney, Australia.

About the inventor John Murray,

a keen recreational rower and sailor, has circumnavigated the world. Unable to find a satisfactory rowlock, he developed this product over a period of five years to use on the dories which he manufactures in his spare time. John, an industrial chemist, works as a High School science teacher.

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