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A jon boat needs real oars, not short emergency paddles. Measure the beam at the oarlocks, rather than relying on hull length: a narrow 12-foot jon boat commonly takes 6-foot oars, while a wider 14- or 16-footer may need 6½ or 7 feet. The current small-boat oars below cover those practical sizes. Buy two matching oars, confirm the lock type fits the boat, and keep them aboard even if the boat normally runs a motor.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlisle Economy Oar | $45–$60 each | Amazon |
| 2 | Seachoice Synthetic Oar 71131 | $38–$55 each | Amazon |
| 3 | Seachoice Synthetic Oar 71133 | $40–$60 each | Amazon |
| 4 | Seachoice Synthetic Oar 71134 | $45–$65 each | Amazon |
| 5 | Seachoice Premium Varnished Oar 71154 | $40–$55 each | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Seachoice Premium Varnished Oar 71156 | $50–$75 each | Amazon |
| 7 | Caviness BWLSU60 Basswood Oars | $60–$80 per pair | Amazon |
| 8 | Crooked Creek 50411 Synthetic Oar | $40–$55 each | Amazon |
| 9 | Crooked Creek 50403 Clear Wood Oar | $55–$80 each | Amazon |
| 10 | KL Outdoor 6 ft Boat Oar Set 12730 | $80–$100 per set | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Carlisle Economy Oar
An anodized-aluminum and polypropylene small-boat oar available in 6, 6½ and 7 foot lengths; a solid lake and easy-stream choice for a jon boat.
- 6, 6½ or 7 foot lengths
- 1⅜-inch shaft
- 5½ × 26-inch blade
- black grip
- Several lengths for real oarlock-beam fit
- Blade cannot warp
- Sold individually
- Requires 1¾-inch bronze oarlocks
Seachoice Synthetic Oar 71131
A 6-foot aluminum-shaft synthetic oar for narrow jon boats, with an impact-resistant 23¼ by 5½-inch blade.
- 6 foot length
- 1⅜-inch anodized aluminum shaft
- 23¼ × 5½-inch blade
- 4.0 lb listed weight
- Good 6-foot fit for narrow hulls
- Corrosion-resistant shaft
- Sold individually
- Oarlocks separate
Seachoice Synthetic Oar 71133
A 6½-foot version for a jon boat where six feet leaves the blade too close to the hull.
- 6½ foot length
- 1⅜-inch anodized aluminum shaft
- impact-resistant blade
- model 71133
- Useful intermediate length
- Low-maintenance material
- May crowd a very narrow boat
Seachoice Synthetic Oar 71134
A 7-foot aluminum-shaft synthetic oar for a wider jon boat, a heavier load, or oarlocks that need more outboard leverage.
- 7 foot length
- anodized aluminum shaft
- synthetic blade
- model 71134
- More leverage for wider layouts
- Corrosion resistant
- Too long for many narrow 1236 boats
Seachoice Premium Varnished Oar 71154
A 6-foot varnished wood oar with a comfort grip for buyers who prefer wood’s feel and flex.
- 6 foot length
- varnished wood
- comfort grip
- model 71154
- Comfortable for relaxed rowing
- Traditional wood feel
- Finish needs maintenance
- Sold individually
Seachoice Premium Varnished Oar 71156
A 6½-foot New Zealand pine oar with comfort grip and a 21¼ by 4 5/16-inch blade.
- 6½ foot length
- New Zealand pine
- comfort grip
- 21¼ × 4 5/16-inch blade
- Useful middle size
- Clear protective finish
- Needs wood-finish care
Caviness BWLSU60 Basswood Oars
A matched 6-foot pair of varnished basswood oars with Caviness Power Grips, removing the need to buy two separate oars.
- 6 foot length
- basswood
- varnished finish
- Power Grip
- Sold as a pair
- Even flex-load distribution
- Oarlocks not included
Crooked Creek 50411 Synthetic Oar
A 6-foot synthetic backup-propulsion oar with comfort grip, anodized aluminum shaft and high-impact ABS blade.
- 6 foot length
- 1¼-inch aluminum shaft
- 6 × 23-inch ABS blade
- comfort grip
- Lightweight and corrosion resistant
- Wet-hand grip
- Sold individually
Crooked Creek 50403 Clear Wood Oar
A 6½-foot laminated New Zealand pine oar with waterproof polyurethane finish and reinforced epoxy blade tip.
- 6½ foot length
- laminated New Zealand pine
- polyurethane finish
- epoxy blade tip
- Strong laminated construction
- Blade-tip protection
- Sold individually
- Needs finish inspection
KL Outdoor 6 ft Boat Oar Set 12730
A ready-to-row set with two 72-inch aluminum-shaft oars, two stainless horn-style locks and non-slip padded handles.
- two 72-inch oars
- two stainless horn locks
- 7-inch polypropylene blades
- padded handles
- Oars and locks included
- Specified for jon boats and fishing boats
- Horn locks must suit the boat’s mounts
- 6 feet is short for wide hulls
Buying tips
- Measure center-to-center between oarlocks. The beam at the locks and freeboard matter more than the boat model name.
- Keep a matched pair aboard as emergency propulsion for an outboard or trolling-motor failure, and practice fitting them before an emergency.
- Confirm the lock system: bronze locks, horn locks and pin-style fittings are not interchangeable.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.