Alternate Solutions

Alternate Solutions

Design One- Wood and Metal Hybrid
This iteration of design has been created to provide for a model which boasts fast production with the use of available materials. Wood is easy to work with when compared with other mediums, such as steel or fiberglass, and can be modeled into a variety of shapes to suit an individual requirement. With all of the positive traits attributed to wood, there is one major negative: structural integrity. Wood is somewhat flimsy when compared to metals, and even hard wood can crack under pressure. This design incorporates metal into a wood dominant design, reinforcing the product at several key points. Each hole, tapped to provide a space for the oarlock, is lined with metal, to protect against friction and other wear normally associated with a rowing action. A stainless steel bolt, part of each design offered, is tapped directly through the entire wood block, at its exact center. This bolt will travel through the existing oarlock socket and be secured with a locking washer and nut, firmly seating the block in place. The washer and nut can be removed at any time, without resulting in damage to the vessel or the adjustable oarlock block.

Design Two- Angle Iron
The second design presented is more conventional, using an entirely metallic structure to ensure lasting integrity for the life of the product. This design is more difficult to construct then a wooden hybrid, requiring the use of solder, and possibly light welding. However, the tradeoff of the more complex design is a lighter, more durable mechanism which is more resistant to both the actions of the marine environment and repeated, heavy use. The two pieces of angle iron are supplemented by metal tubes, used to sheath the oarlock pegs. Free space below the tubing allows for the insertion of a small cotter pin, which can ensure that oarlock cannot come loose during operation. The wooden block cannot offer this functionality; as such a space would compromise the entire block’s integrity. The stainless steel bolt works in the same manner as the wooden block, but can safely be positioned towards the bottom of the block without sacrificing stability. A washer, placed underneath the bolt’s head, ensures firm and constant pressure to lock the adjustable block onto the vessel’s existing apparatus.

Design Three- Sailboat T-Track Modification
The final design is the most ambitious of the three proposed models. This rendition involves taking existing technology, namely, a sailboat rail track, and adapting it into use for the adjustable oarlock. The sailboat track uses a ratcheting system in order to move line, which in turns adjusts the sail. This technology can be adjusted easily, without tools, which lends itself to modification for the purposes of this design project. A base of angle iron can secure the sailboat track in position about the original oarlock socket, keeping a low center of gravity which will reduce twisting and other undesirable movement of the adjustable oarlock block. Since the hardware is already available, the design process will concentrate on creating an object that can move effortlessly along the existing rails.