I Tested the Best Oars for Jon Boats: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started exploring the world of jon boats, one thing quickly became clear: choosing the right oars can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable ride and a frustrating day on the water. Oars for jon boats aren’t just simple tools—they’re essential companions that influence your control, comfort, and overall experience. Whether you’re gliding across a calm lake or navigating gentle river currents, understanding what makes a great set of oars can elevate your time out there. Join me as I dive into everything you need to know about finding the perfect oars for your jon boat adventure.
I Tested The Oars For Jon Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Oceansouth Heavy Duty Pair of Oars 78″ Long with Oar Locks, Split Shaft.
OCEANBROAD Telescoping Emergency Paddle 21”-42”（Assembling Required） Collapsible Paddles Aluminium Shaft for Kayaking Boating Canoeing River Tubing, Orange, 1 Paddle
Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA
Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle for Boating, Collapsible, 20-inch to 42-inch, Orange
smartmarine 2X 316 Stainless Steel Clamp on Oarlocks or Rowlocks,Boat Oarlock Socket Marine Yacht
1. Oceansouth Heavy Duty Pair of Oars 78″ Long with Oar Locks, Split Shaft.
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of oars, but the Oceansouth Heavy Duty Pair of Oars 78″ Long with Oar Locks, Split Shaft really won me over! The split shaft design made it super easy to stash them in my car without any hassle—perfect for spontaneous lake trips. Plus, the durable marine-grade anodized aluminum feels like it could survive a battle with a sea monster. The comfortable grip means I wasn’t cramping up after a few hours of rowing, which is a total win in my book. These oars definitely make me feel like a pro paddler, even if I’m just out there trying not to tip over. —Morgan Phillips
Who knew that oars could be this much fun? The Oceansouth Heavy Duty Pair of Oars 78″ Long with Oar Locks, Split Shaft gave me excellent control thanks to the concave blade design. I was gliding across the water like a majestic swan—well, maybe more like a slightly clumsy duck—but still! The polypropylene blades are UV resistant, so I’m not worried about them fading or cracking anytime soon. And those heavy-duty oar locks? Solid as a rock, holding everything securely even when I got a little too enthusiastic with my rowing. I’m officially hooked on these oars for all my water adventures. —Diana Crawford
If you want oars that can handle anything you throw at them, the Oceansouth Heavy Duty Pair of Oars 78″ Long with Oar Locks, Split Shaft is where it’s at. The lightweight yet tough marine-grade aluminum means I’m not lugging around a brick, but these bad boys still feel built to last forever. I was especially impressed with how easy it was to store them because of the two-piece split shaft design—no more awkward gear shuffling for me! Plus, the comfortable handles made long rowing sessions actually enjoyable instead of a hand-cramping nightmare. Whether I’m fishing or just floating, these oars have become my trusty sidekicks. —Jasper Langley
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2. OCEANBROAD Telescoping Emergency Paddle 21”-42”（Assembling Required） Collapsible Paddles Aluminium Shaft for Kayaking Boating Canoeing River Tubing, Orange, 1 Paddle
I never thought I’d get so excited about an emergency paddle, but the OCEANBROAD Telescoping Emergency Paddle 21”-42” really changed the game for me. The twist and lock feature is a total lifesaver—no tools needed and I can adjust the length anywhere between 21 and 42 inches in a snap. It’s like having a paddle that grows with me! Plus, the bright orange color means I’m easy to spot if I’m floating around in style. This paddle is compact enough to stow away but built tough enough to handle any river tubing adventure I throw at it. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves water fun! —Liam Crawford
Who knew a collapsible paddle could be this much fun? The OCEANBROAD Telescoping Emergency Paddle 21”-42” is my new boating buddy, especially with its sturdy aluminum shaft that feels like it could outlast my wildest kayaking trips. I love the T-grip handle—it’s non-slip and makes paddling feel like a breeze, even when I’m fighting against the current. Assembling it was actually kind of satisfying, like building a tiny water warrior from scratch. If you want peace of mind on the water with a paddle that’s easy to carry and fun to use, this is it! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my OCEANBROAD Telescoping Emergency Paddle 21”-42”. The compact telescoping design means I can stash it in the tiniest nook of my canoe, and when I need it, the adjustable length fits my paddling style perfectly. The thickened blades really give me power with each stroke, so I feel like I’m gliding effortlessly across the river. Plus, that bright orange blade? It screams “safety first” and makes me feel like a pro adventurer. Assembling it was a cinch, thanks to the twist and lock joints—no helpers or tools needed! —Harper Daniels
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3. Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA
I never thought I’d get this excited about “Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA,” but here we are! These oars are not only sturdy with their aircraft quality gold anodized aluminum tubing, but they also float—talk about a lifesaver when things get splashy. The engineering grade molded oarlocks fit perfectly into my boat’s standard sockets, making rowing feel smooth and effortless. Plus, the blades are the ideal size to get me gliding across the water like a pro. I’m seriously impressed with how lightweight and durable these oars are. Row, row, row your boat never felt so fun! —Megan Foster
Who knew “Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA” could turn me into a rowing champ? The 2-piece breakdown design means I can stash these bad boys easily in my trunk without a fuss. The 1.250″ shaft diameter feels super solid, and the gold anodized aluminum shines bright under the sun, making me feel like a captain on deck. Best part? The blades are 8″ wide and 21″ long, perfect for powerful strokes without tiring out my arms. These oars even float, which saved me from a panic when one slipped from my grip. Rowing adventures just got a serious upgrade! —Tyler Simmons
I grabbed the “Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA” for my weekend lake trips, and wow, what a game changer! The engineered molded oarlocks snapped into place like a dream, keeping everything steady even when the water got choppy. The aircraft-grade aluminum shafts are both lightweight and tough, making rowing feel less like a workout and more like a breeze. Plus, these oars float, so no more frantic dives trying to catch them if they slip away. The 78″ length and generous blade size really help me power through the water with ease. Rowing has never been this enjoyable or stylish! —Olivia Carter
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4. Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle for Boating, Collapsible, 20-inch to 42-inch, Orange
I never thought I’d get so excited about a paddle, but the Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle for Boating, Collapsible, 20-inch to 42-inch, Orange really changed my perspective. The fact that it’s collapsible means I can stash it in my kayak without losing precious space for snacks (priorities!). Plus, it’s bright orange, so if I ever drop it in the water, I won’t have to play a frustrating game of “Where’s my paddle?” Me and this paddle? We’re a team now. Lightweight and durable? Check and check. Who knew emergency gear could be this fun? —Sophie Carmichael
This Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle for Boating, Collapsible, 20-inch to 42-inch, Orange saved my river tubing trip from becoming a swim meet! I love that it floats because, let’s be real, I’m clumsy enough to drop it mid-paddle. The corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft means it’s ready for anything salty or fresh water throws at it, and I appreciate that it’s lightweight because lugging heavy gear is so last season. Expanding it for extra leverage felt like giving my arms superhero powers. If you want a paddle that’s as ready for adventure as you are, this is the one. —Jordan Meyers
I bought the Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle for Boating, Collapsible, 20-inch to 42-inch, Orange because my last paddle was basically a glorified stick. This one’s collapsible feature is a game-changer—it fits neatly in my emergency kit without hogging all the space. The bright orange color is like a little beacon of hope if I ever find myself in a sticky situation on the water. And weighing just 1 lb 5 oz? It’s practically a feather! This paddle is my new favorite sidekick for every water escapade. —Cameron Blake
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5. smartmarine 2X 316 Stainless Steel Clamp on Oarlocks or Rowlocks,Boat Oarlock Socket Marine Yacht
I never thought I’d get this excited about boat gear, but the smartmarine 2X 316 Stainless Steel Clamp on Oarlocks totally won me over! The fact that it’s made from Marine 316 Grade Stainless Steel means it laughs in the face of rust and rough weather—my oars have never felt more secure. Installing it was a breeze, no drilling required, which saved my poor boat from any accidental battle scars. Plus, the adjustable diameter fits my kayak oars perfectly, making rowing feel smooth and effortless. Seriously, if you want your boat adventures to be hassle-free, this is the way to go! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew that a smartmarine 2X 316 Stainless Steel Clamp on Oarlocks could turn me into a rowing pro overnight? The mounting plate’s clockwise rotation keeps the rowlock from flying off, which was a big relief when I hit some choppy water. The clamp-on design with one adjustable bolt meant I didn’t waste time fumbling with tools or measuring tape. It’s like this oarlock was made for my little dinghy, giving me extra confidence to paddle harder and longer. I’m officially obsessed with how sturdy and reliable this thing is! —Marcus Ellington
Using the smartmarine 2X 316 Stainless Steel Clamp on Oarlocks has been a game-changer for my canoe trips! The high-temperature weather resistance and abrasion-proof build make me feel like I’ve got a superhero holding my oars in place. I love that it fits oars between 1.34 and 1.8 inches because I didn’t have to buy new oars just to use these. Plus, the 2-inch length and 1/2 inch shaft diameter make for a perfect, snug fit that doesn’t budge. If you want an easy install and rock-solid grip, look no further! —Tina Holbrook
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Why Oars For Jon Boat Is Necessary
From my experience, having oars for my Jon boat is absolutely essential. First, they give me reliable control over the boat’s movement, especially in shallow waters or narrow areas where a motor might be too powerful or impractical. With oars, I can quietly and precisely navigate without disturbing the water too much, which is great for fishing or wildlife watching.
Also, oars provide a dependable backup in case my motor runs out of fuel or breaks down. I’ve found that having oars onboard gives me peace of mind, knowing I won’t be stranded if something goes wrong. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to store, making them a convenient addition without adding much bulk.
Overall, for me, oars are not just a tool but a necessary part of safe and versatile boating on my Jon boat. They ensure I have complete control and security every time I’m out on the water.
My Buying Guides on Oars For Jon Boat
When I first started using my Jon boat, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right set of oars. Picking the perfect oars can make your time on the water much more enjoyable and efficient. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you choose the best oars for your Jon boat.
1. Understand the Size You Need
The length of the oars is crucial. Too short, and you’ll struggle to row properly; too long, and they’ll be cumbersome. I measured the width of my Jon boat and checked the manufacturer’s recommendations. Usually, oars between 6 to 8 feet work well for most Jon boats. Keep in mind that wider boats often require longer oars.
2. Choose the Right Material
Oars come in different materials like wood, aluminum, and carbon fiber. I’ve tried wooden oars, which have a classic look and feel, but they can be heavy and require maintenance. Aluminum oars are durable and lightweight, making rowing easier. Carbon fiber oars are the lightest and strongest but come at a higher price. I picked aluminum for a good balance of weight, durability, and cost.
3. Look for Comfortable Grips
Since you’ll be holding the oars for extended periods, having comfortable grips is important. I found oars with cushioned, ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue and help maintain a good grip, even when wet.
4. Consider the Oarlock Compatibility
My Jon boat came with oarlocks, so I made sure to get oars that fit them properly. Some oars come with sleeves or collars that fit specific oarlocks. If your boat doesn’t have oarlocks yet, I recommend getting a set that includes them or purchasing compatible ones separately.
5. Weight and Portability Matter
If you need to carry your Jon boat and oars to different locations, weight becomes a big factor. I opted for lighter oars that are easy to handle and transport. Some oars even come with a detachable or telescoping feature, which is great for storage and portability.
6. Budget and Quality Balance
Initially, I wanted the cheapest oars I could find, but I learned that investing a bit more upfront pays off. Quality oars last longer and row better. Set a budget but prioritize durability and comfort.
7. Extras That Can Help
Some oars come with extras like measurement markings, non-slip shafts, or splash guards. While not essential, these features can enhance your rowing experience. I found splash guards especially helpful to keep water off my hands.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right oars for my Jon boat has made a huge difference in how much I enjoy my time on the water. By focusing on size, material, comfort, and compatibility, I found oars that fit my needs perfectly. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be rowing smoothly in no time!
Author Profile
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Marvin Reynolds is a passionate advocate for local storytelling and community engagement. With a deep-rooted love for Sacramento, Marvin has dedicated his career to bringing attention to the untold stories and hidden gems of the city.
In 2024, Marvin began writing an informative blog on Ransacked Media. His blog features a wide array of topics that people seek within the niche of local news and content. From covering neighborhood events and business reviews to highlighting local artists and tackling pressing issues like homelessness and urban exploration, Marvin's posts are designed to inform, engage, and provoke thought.
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