The process of applying leather coverings to oars, intended to protect them from wear and tear, involves specific material selection, preparation, and installation techniques. This article details the methods for leathering oars, focusing on material properties, measurement procedures, stitching techniques, and finishing steps, based on available documentation. The goal is to provide a protective and aesthetically pleasing covering for oars, particularly in areas subject to friction within oarlocks.
Leather Selection
Recent findings suggest oiled and siliconed boot leather is a suitable material for oar coverings. This type of leather offers a balance of suppleness, thickness, water resistance, and durability. Vegetable-tanned leather, approximately 3/16 of an inch thick, is also a viable option, particularly for applications where the leather will not be consistently submerged in water. Oil-tanned leather is noted for its inherent stretchiness, potentially reducing the need for extensive soaking during installation. The documentation suggests that the choice of tanning method may depend on anticipated exposure to water; vegetable-tanned leather can be treated with a finish for added protection.
Preparation and Measurement
Accurate measurement is crucial for a proper fit. The length of the oar section to be covered should be determined first. The leather piece should be slightly wider than the circumference of the oar loom, allowing for overlap during stitching. A gap of 1/8 to 1/4 inch should be left in the leather to facilitate wrapping and prevent excessive tightness. For narrow sections, a smaller gap is recommended; wider sections can accommodate a larger gap. If the object being covered curves in multiple directions, a smaller gap is advisable.
Leather stretches when wet and shrinks when dry. Therefore, a sample piece should be wetted and wrapped around the oar to accurately mark the required width. The amount of stretch varies between pieces of leather, necessitating individual assessment.
To determine the correct positioning of the leather, a formula is provided for boats approximately 54 inches wide: divide the boat’s width by two (27 inches), then add 2 inches (29 inches). This measurement, taken from the end of the oar handle, indicates the center point for the leather covering. Adjustments may be necessary based on rowing style and hand placement. The circumference of the oar should be measured in multiple locations, as variations may exist along the shaft.
Cutting and Hole Preparation
Once the measurements are taken, the leather should be cut to the appropriate dimensions, subtracting a small amount (approximately 1/8 inch) from the measured width. If the oar tapers, the leather should also be tapered accordingly. Strips of leather, approximately 5/8 inch wide, should be cut for use as stops or collars.
Stitching holes should be marked along the edges of the leather, spaced approximately 3/8 inch apart and positioned 1/8 inch from the edge. A leather punch is the preferred tool for creating these holes, though a nail can be used as an alternative. Re-punching the holes from the back can improve their clarity and ease of use.
Stitching Procedure
Waxed whipping twine is recommended for stitching. A length of twine four times the distance from the elbow to the fingertips is a reasonable starting point, though additional twine may be required for longer sections. A sturdy needle, such as a sailmaker’s or canvas needle, should be threaded onto each end of the twine.
The leather should be positioned on the oar and secured before beginning the stitching process. The stitching begins with needles inserted through the first holes on each side. The needles are then crossed to the opposite holes, stitched down, and brought up again on the original sides, creating three strands next to the oar and two strands on top. The thread should be drawn tight with each stitch.
Subsequent stitches involve alternating the needle direction, going down under the seam and up through the next hole on the opposite side. The process is repeated, ensuring the needle starts and finishes on the same side with each stitch. Maintaining tension on the thread is critical throughout the process.
To finish the stitching, a loop of thread is created and sewn into the last pair of holes. The ends are tied in a square knot, fed through the loop, and drawn tight under the seam. The ends are then trimmed.
Finishing Touches: Collars and Knots
To provide additional protection in areas prone to wear, such as where the leather contacts the oarlock, collars can be added. One method involves wrapping a strip of leather around the leather covering, leaving a gap where the stitching is located. This strip is temporarily secured with double-sided tape. A Turk’s Head knot, triple-passed and sized to fit over the leather strip, is then placed on the oar and tightened.
Adhesive Application
The application of glue, such as yellow carpenter’s glue, is optional but recommended. The glue should be applied before stitching, as it remains pliable until dry and does not interfere with the lacing process. Rubber cement is presented as an alternative, though its suitability may depend on whether the leather is being stretched during installation.
Stitching Orientation
The orientation of the stitching is important to minimize abrasion. The stitching should be positioned so that it experiences minimal rubbing against the oarlock. For spoon oars, the stitching should be aligned differently on the left and right oars to account for the blade shape. In regular oars, alignment with the corner of the oar blade is sufficient.
Lacing Technique
Needles are threaded on both ends of the twine. The process begins by inserting the needles into the end holes of the leather and bringing the thread to the front. The leather is then laced along the oar shaft, maintaining consistent tension. The documentation advises against excessive tightness, as it could tear the leather.
Conclusion
Leathering oars is a multi-step process requiring careful measurement, material selection, and precise stitching. The use of oiled boot leather or vegetable-tanned leather, combined with waxed whipping twine and appropriate stitching techniques, results in a durable and protective covering. Attention to detail, particularly regarding stitching orientation and tension, contributes to the longevity and performance of the finished product. The addition of collars or knots provides further protection in high-wear areas.