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Costs

The costs involved in producing a trophy oar can be arranged in three main groups. The oar itself, the painting of the oar and the delivery of the finished oar. However there are many other costs which may affect the final result.

All values shown below are in Australian Dollars (or as I like to call it - the South Pacific Peso) and are estimates which were accurate as of January 2003. If you wish to convert into a more familiar currency, then a currency converter will help.

Oars

While many people come to me already with an oar in hand, many also ask me to source one for them. Often a rower can get one from their club or a friend.

Timber oars are no longer made in Australia (there are only 3 companies in the world that I know still have the skills and willingness to make them) but are still in good supply with clubs and schools.The most common type available is the 'macon' shape. I am able to find timber macon oars to suit if required at prices starting from $250. The older style of timber oars with a 'pencil' or 'standard' blade shape are much harder to find and the price can be up to $900 or more if they are available at the time.

People who want a 'blade only' timber trophy need to either provide a blade or pay the full price for a whole oar. Accidents that 'shorten' the life and length of oars are not that common now with timber oars and a whole oar would need to be cut down to give the desired result.

Carbon fibre oars are in plentiful supply as they are the current oar of choice for competition. Many oars that are broken can be repaired to a suitable standard for use as a trophy. It is more common to get a 'blade only' with the carbon fibre shafted oars. I am able to provide the odd oar or blade as they come my way from generous clubs and individuals and the cost of these varies depending on the work needing done to them and any initial purchase cost. The oar makers in Australia, Croker Oars, even produce trophy oars as new items. These have all the appearances of a new oar, but none of the rowable strength. Full sweep oars cost just over $230 and sculling blades are about $170 each. Croker can also provide blades and blades with half shafts. It is also possible to buy Concept 2 oars and blades from Sykes Racing in Australia. Sykes often has second hand and damaged/repaired oars that might suit.

Preparation of the oar

The oar often needs to be worked on before it is ready for painting. Sometimes this is a simple matter of an all over clean, sanding of the blade and an under coat. This can cost as little as $10. Usually more needs to be, or is desired to be, done.

Timber oars often need small repairs to the blade. Edges are worn from use and the surfaces can be pitted from impacts. Large cracks and breaks can also be repaired by a skilled boatman. I have had a shattered blade repaired to a rowable condition by the boatman I use for $100.

Many years of old paint can also be a chore to remove to allow a smooth surface for the new art. Difficult to move paint can add up to $40 to the cost as it is a dirty and time consuming task.

I usually leave the shafts in an 'as is' condition, but sometimes they will either need to be sanded back and re-varnished or the customer may desire a stained or improved finish. A full re-varnish would be about $80.

Carbon fibre oars, if new, need only a wash and a light sanding. Older oars may need some light filling before sanding.

Design of artwork

The cost of design is minimal as most artwork (in the form of coats of arms, crests etc) is provided by the customer. There is little 'original' work needing done. Each design is mocked up on the computer and a PDF file is emailed for approval. This mock up then becomes the working design for the painting.

Any new or original artwork involving illustration or design will attract my usual fee (for my professional work) of either $35 or $55 per hour depending on complexity and what initial input is provided by the customer.

Delivery

Trophy oars are a little long for easy transport. I usually deliver free of charge to the inner Melbourne area (convenient to the boat clubs) using the roof rack of my car. There are no end to the funny looks that I get at the traffic lights!

Interstate and international delivery is a serious cost item. I have used FedEx to get a mounted blade only to the east coast of the USA and it cost over $190. FedEx charges by volume for large yet light packages. All delivery costs will need to be born by the customer.