Short answer: an Oar Snubber clamps onto your oar and connects it to your frame. It works as your oar stop, a shock-absorbing snub, and a leash that keeps the oar close to the boat. Each set is $125 and includes two clamps, so one set covers both oars.
What it does
Oar Snubber calls it a patent-pending device that connects the rower to the frame through the oar. It does three jobs:
- Oar stop: the clamp works like a traditional oar stop.
- Snub: a marine shock cord absorbs force and limits how far the oar can travel inward. Oar Snubber says that helps keep rowers from falling out of the boat.
- Leash: UHMWPE (Dyneema) webbing keeps the oar close to the boat, and it floats.
The oar still rotates and feathers normally. The webbing is designed as the weak link, so if something has to give, it's the cheap part and not your oar, and Oar Snubber says a repair is a simple stitch. Length adjusts with a 3/4" cam buckle.
What's in the box
Two clamps, two snubber lines with stainless steel oar tower rings and 3/4" cam buckles, a pair of 3/4" UHMWPE lanyards plus a spare, stainless steel hardware, and a 5/32" dogging key.
Which one fits your Sawyer oar
| Oar Snubber | Fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MXS | Sawyer MXS shafts, Sawyer Square Tops, and 1-7/8" O.D. oar shafts | $125 |
| MXS-G | Sawyer MXS-G oar shafts | $125 |
| MXL-G | Sawyer MXL-G, Sawyer's outfitter oar shaft | $125 |
The DuraMax MXS and DyneLite XD MXS oars I sell are MXS oars, and the Squaretop falls under the MXS fit too. Check the label on your shaft for "MXS-G" or "MXL-G." Not sure? Send me a photo of your oar's label and I'll tell you which one you need.
Why I'd run one
Losing an oar or getting launched off your seat in a big hit can turn a good run into a bad swim fast. A snub that limits inward travel and a leash that keeps your oar with the boat are simple insurance.
Quick answers
Does one Oar Snubber set cover both oars? Yes. Each $125 set includes two clamps and two snubber lines.
Which Oar Snubber fits my Sawyer oar? MXS fits Sawyer MXS shafts, Square Tops and 1-7/8" O.D. shafts. MXS-G fits Sawyer MXS-G shafts. MXL-G fits Sawyer MXL-G outfitter shafts.
Can I still feather my oar with an Oar Snubber? Yes. The oar still rotates and feathers normally.
What happens if the leash breaks? The webbing is designed as the weak link, so it gives before your oar does. Oar Snubber says a repair is a simple stitch.
