Construction Images

Steel Flat measured for cutting



Steel Flat before cutting


Steel Flat cut into 2 equal parts




Steel Flat with 1/2" holes drilled through



Unfinished product with oarlock mounted

Press Release

Assessment of Project Progress
Math, Science & Technology Application

Contact: Brian Rees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Period 5/6 19 MARCH 2008

Systems Engineering II: Adjustable Oarlock

Sandy Hook, NJ (3/19/08)
Brian Rees, a senior at the Marine Academy of Science & Technology, taking Systems Engineering II, and during the course of the school year, has designed and created a fully functional adjustable oarlock, designed to provide an alternative to the obsolete preexisting technology, which is currently in use worldwide. This adjustable oarlock is designed to fit into a test vessel, also provided by Mr. Rees, and will eventually be tested under real-life conditions.




Figure 1- Collection of Three Standard Oarlocks

Oars have been used to propel boats for thousands of years, from before the era of recorded history. While the technology used in production and design of these vessels has progressed through the years, the system used to lock oars into place has not changed. Brian Rees has attempted to solve this fundamental issue with the creation of a new product, which allows for one to adjust the oars in ways previously impossible.
In figure one, three separate oarlock designs are shown. These designs have existed for decades, with virtually no changes involved. In modern (and ancient) oarlock design, oars are placed inside of small metal hoops, and are securely fastened to the boat through the vessel’s oarlock fitting. These fittings cannot move, and the oars can be hard to manage for smaller rowers, or cumbersome to row for larger people. Personal preference could demand the oars be placed further forward or backward, but even modern oarlocks make no concessions for adjustments. This is due, in part, to the wide range of owners and operators who take advantage of the versatility and utility of rowboats, requiring boat designers to craft vessels which are comfortable for the greatest range of people: Those outside this range will have a reduced level of comfort, and as such, the accessibility of the design will be significantly reduced.
Through careful research, Mr. Rees attempted to draft a model that could solve the problem at hand. Combining personal experience with various published sources, Brian identified several areas critical to the success of any potential design. These areas included: Use of marine grade materials, ability to be removed at any time without tools, and a semi-modular design. Based on these, and additional criteria, Brian created three separate solutions to the problem, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
The three solutions followed the same general guidelines, but each solved the problem in a different way. The first solution involved the use of metal and wood to achieve the desired goal. Wood is easy to work with when compared with other mediums, such as steel or fiberglass. However, wood is somewhat flimsy when compared to metals, so the design incorporated metal into the wood dominant design, reinforcing the product at several key points. The second design presented is more conventional, using steel flats in its construction. This design is more difficult to construct then a wooden hybrid, requiring the use of solder, and possibly light welding. This 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 final design involves taking existing technology, namely, a sailboat rail track, and adapting it into use for the adjustable oarlock. Since the hardware is already available, the design process will concentrate on modifying the T-Tracks, instead of designed an entirely new product.
Having three possible solutions in mind, it was time to narrow the field to one model to be put into production. Based on the pros and cons of each individual idea, the final solution was chosen as an all steel design, with a mockup constructed (see figure two) to highlight the design aspects of the product. Construction would begin soon afterwards, with steel flats ordered to the design specifications required. Construction could not continue, however, without assistance from an experienced mentor. Mr. Rees’s mentor has had years of experience working around boats of all shapes and sizes, and has owned the largest marina in Fair Haven, NJ for several years. This mentor assisted Mr. Rees throughout the project, giving helpful advice and input throughout the entire planning phase. When construction began, this mentor assisted Brian by giving general advice as to how to properly manufacture the product in preparation for use in the marine environment. This project could not have been successfully completed without the help of this mentor, and many of the design elements are drawn straight from his suggestions.



Figure 2- Finished Mockup, topside

With construction nearly complete, Mr. Rees has examined the mathematic, scientific, and technical features of this project, and how the completion of the adjustable oarlock would best exemplify these aspects. Rudimentary mathematical skills were required to place holes in the steel flats, taking into account balance and symmetry. The scientific aspect most pertinent to completion of this project was that of ergonomics, previously taught earlier in the Systems II curriculum. The oarlock was designed from the outset to provide a comfortable, accessible product, with the end user’s experience being of chief concern. The technical aspects of the project were of the utmost importance, involving the use of the drill press, hacksaw, and eventually, welding tools. The skills taught in the Systems Engineering course played an important role in the manufacture of Brian’s project. The process is illustrated below, in Figure 3, where the steel flat has been cut in half carefully, with the use of a hacksaw.



Figure 3- Steel Flat Prepared for Further Construction

At this stage, Brian’s project is nearing completion, with only minor welding required to complete the end product. Mr. Rees plans to test the final model using a test vessel he will provide, so the prototype can undergo the stresses it would experience in the course of normal use. This period of testing will reveal any flaws in the final design, which will be corrected as needed. This project is the result of over a year’s worth of work, and has only a few small steps before reaching completion. Mr. Rees is excited and motivated to finish his endeavors, and looks forward to the successful test of the finished adjustable oarlock.


For more details about the Adjustable Oarlock, contact Brian Rees at brianjrees@gmail.com, or visit the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at http://mast.mcvsd.org

Calender: MP3

Week of February 4th
-Complete Calender of Events Due 2/05
-Order Construction Materials
-Begin Layout for for Weblog Portfolio
-Add existing images to weblog portfolio
-Update Log

Week of February 11th
-Begin Construction (if materials are recieved)
-Construction: Cut Material to size
-Visit & Update Mentor
-Update Log

Week of February 18th
-Construction: Cut holes in steel flats
-Update Log

Week of February 25th
-Construction: Begin Welding Process
-Update Log
-Visit & Update Mentor

Week of March 3rd
-Construction: Continue Welding Process
-Begin Work on Press Release
-Update Log

Week of March 10th
-Construction: Finish Welding Process
-Press Release: Write Introduction, Body, Conclusion
-Press Release: Add Applicable Images/Illustrations
-Update Log
-Visit & Update Mentor

Week of March 17th
-Press Release Due 3/19
-Bring Test Vessel to Tech Lab
-Construction: Fitting Product to Vessel
-Update Log

Week of March 24th
-Spring Break

Week of March 31st
-Presentations Begin 4/02
-Prepare for Presentations
-Update Log
-Visit & Update Mentor
-Complete Mentor Contacts

Plan of Procedures

Adjustable Oarlock Design Process

Mounting oarlocks in different spots on a vessel requires a sturdy mounting block, capable of working with the stresses that occur from normal operation. Steel pieces offer the greatest strength for the lowest cost, making it the ideal choice for use in this project. Steel construction will be used throughout, from the mounting block, to the bolts and washers used to secure the assembly to the vessel hull. Knowledge of metalworking, specifically, welding, is required for the project’s success. Several holes must be tapped through solid steel, requiring careful attention to detail by the builder. There are two oarlock blocks required for the project, with both sides undergoing construction simultaneously. If both sides are built at the same time, it will be easier to apply similar techniques to both units instead of finishing one before beginning another.



Plan of Procedures:

A. Material Processing Steps:
1. Receive uncut steel flats in 40” size
2. Measure & cut 40”x 3” x ¼” steel flat into two 20” sections
3. Measure & cut 40” x 1.5” x ¼” steel flats into four 20” sections
4. Measure & cut 1” diameter hole into 3” steel flat
i. Measure 2” from end of flat to center of hole
ii. Measure 2” from center of hole, cut second hole
iii. Repeat cuts: four holes from side
5. Measure and cut access hole for stainless steel bolt
i. Measure 10 inches from center
ii. Cut hole wide enough for SS Bolt
6. Measure and cut 1” diameter hole for remainder of flat
i. Measure 2” from center of SS Bolt hole
ii. Cut 1” diameter hole in flat
iii. Repeat cuts: four holes from center
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for second 3” steel flat
B. Assembly Procedures
1. Clamp 1.5” steel flat at 0.5” from outside of 3” steel flat
2. Weld 1.5” steel flat into place onto 3” steel flat
3. Clamp 1.5” steel flat at 1.5” from outside of 3” steel flat, opposite of first 1.5” flat
4. Weld second 1.5” steel flat into place onto 3” steel flat
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for second steel flat
6. Mount washer and bolt assembly through bolt hole on steel flat
7. Mount completed oarlock assembly to vessel through existing oarlock hole
8. Secure device to boat with attachment of steel nut to stainless steel bolt
C. Finishing Steps
1. Mount desired oarlocks through holes in steel flat
2. Secure oarlocks to steel flat using existing cotter pin system
3. (if present on chosen oarlock)

MST Report

Math, Science & Technology:
Adjustable Oarlock


Upon completing the design of the final solution, there is often abundance in the amount of science and mathematics used to develop the project. In solving the question of an adjustable oarlock, a variety of applied sciences were used to better judge the value of the presented solutions. The very design of the final solution comes from simple mathematic equations, combined with use of technology to solve a problem which has no existing remedy. The careful use of science in conjunction with the technology requires a great deal of development, and these developments have been carefully documented in this paper. From the basic equations used to form the outline of the chosen solution, to the careful study of ergonomic and biometrics, which lead to the small details present in the final model, and includes the technology which has been designed as a result of the application of science.
The leading scientific cause that concerns the use of an adjustable oarlock is that of ergonomics. Comfort, or lack thereof, is of primary concern for the user of this product. If the adjustable oarlock is awkward to use or otherwise ungainly, there is no reason to continue using it. Human beings come in a variety of sizes, and products which cannot cater to this broad spectrum will fail in an open market. The adjustable oarlock has been designed from the outset to be a product which can be easily used by many types of rowers, and its very purpose is to improve upon the rigid and anti-ergonomic design of the original, basic oarlock. The final design is anthropometrically sound, and includes features which are not limited by user size and body type. The final model presents a product that can be easily adapted to any user requirement, with quick and easy adjustment. Ergonomically, the mechanism must conform to the hull patterns of a wide range of vessels, and must also project no dangerous points or contain any sharp protrusions that may inadvertently injure the operator during normal operating procedures. Since the oarlock is attached to the boat using a nearly universal socket/bolt system, there is little doubt as to the products ability to be used in a wide range of vessels, expanding the suitable application of the adjustable oarlock.
It was equally important to consider the biometric factors of design, as the adjustable oarlock is simply an improvement over an existing technology. If a customer spends the money to purchase an adjustable oarlock, it is assumed that they already have a vessel which uses standard oarlocks, so the adjustable product must justify the expenditure of additional capital, as typical oarlocks are an available, cheaper alternative. The improved product must represent a marked improvement over the original design, or the expense cannot be warranted. Building the product out of superior materials and taking careful care to construct using professional methods will only increase the appeal of the product. The adjustable oarlock can be seen as an add-on, but one that is required in order to obtain maximum performance in any vessel designed to be rowed.
The mathematical portion of this project consists of simple arithmetic equations, each one determining how the end product will function. Measurements were taken of each critical aspect of the vessel relating to oarlock function, and these dimensions were used to create the original drawings of the adjustable oarlock. Working with an overall length of 20 inches (shown in Fig 1), determined to be the ideal length when concerned with adaptability among different vessel types. A shorter length may prove unstable, and a longer length may cause compatibility issues. Inside these 20 inches, multiple holes are to be drilled, with equal spacing between each hole. The final design offers a one inch diameter hole, with two inches from each center of the hole to the next. This configuration was utilized due to the limited space and a desire for symmetry. With four holes on either side of a central bolt, the final design presents a clean, streamlined design. Mathematics played another role in the design of the final product, when concerning the mounting of the adjustable block to the original vessel. The length of the stainless steel bolt can be changed depending upon the situation (Fig 2), with overall emphasis on a modular design. Everything, from the size of the oarlock mounting holes to the major dimensions of the device, is designed for use among many types of vessels and oar types.
The technology aspect of the adjustable oarlock design relies heavily upon the choice of material. The design can be completed with some degree of success across a large number of material choices, but using an affordable, available material such as steel has many benefits. Using rudimentary welding techniques (Fig 3) in conjunction with various other metalworking tools, the product can be completed quickly, with minimum effort. Other materials, such as aluminum, may be cheaper and easier to work with, but lack the durability required to withstand the pressures of a working within a marine environment. Using quality materials will extend the life of such a product, and ensure that the product will remain in a functional state for years to come.

With the application of science expressed in technology, and a grounding of mathematics to form the standard design of the product, the adjustable oarlock has a great deal of support. The final design is a result of many alternative designs and has been selected from a series of different solutions. The end result is a product which has been refined to best provide for needs of the potential customer, and represents the evolution of ideas from brainstorming to the future creation of a prototypical example.

3D Model

3D Model

Exploded, Isometric, Orthographic Views

Orthographic View


Exploded View


Isometric View