Description & Features
The Sawyer Spare Tire 3-Piece Oar is a compact, reliable backup oar designed for whitewater rafts and drift boats. Based on Sawyer's proven MXS fiberglass oar, it breaks down into three sections approximately 36" long for convenient storage in most boat dry boxes. When needed, the sections assemble quickly using Sawyer's Tite-Set Blade Lock System, providing a solid connection for dependable rowing.
Built with a durable fiberglass shaft, the Spare Tire includes a DuraMax Oar Blade, Dynel shaft wrap, rubber stop, and laminated fir barrel grip with a vinyl rubber grip cover. The Tite-Set connections are designed to prevent rattling and jamming, allowing you to carry a complete spare oar without taking up the space required for a full-length oar.
Oar Length & Storage
The Spare Tire measures 7'11" overall when fully assembled, including the blade. Its three-piece design reduces the longest stored section to approximately 36", making it easier to fit inside most raft and drift boat dry boxes. Check your dry box's interior dimensions to confirm fit before ordering.
Important Length Note: The 7'11" measurement is the complete assembled oar length, including the DuraMax blade. It is not the shaft length. The oar breaks down into three sections approximately 36" long for storage. This product includes the shaft, blade, and connecting components needed for one complete spare oar.
Key Features
- Three-piece breakdown design allows a complete spare oar to fit into compact storage spaces
- 7'11" assembled overall length includes the DuraMax blade
- Approximately 36" breakdown sections fit inside most raft and drift boat dry boxes
- MXS-based fiberglass construction provides strength and durability for whitewater rowing
- DuraMax Oar Blade comes standard for a complete backup rowing setup
- Tite-Set Blade Lock System provides solid, fail-safe connections designed not to rattle or jam
- Dynel shaft wrap and rubber stop protect the shaft and provide consistent positioning in the oarlock
- Laminated fir barrel grip with vinyl rubber grip cover provides a comfortable, secure handhold
- Compact storage keeps a spare oar accessible without requiring full-length storage space
Oar Specs
- Sold As: One complete three-piece spare oar
- Overall Length: 7'11" assembled, including blade
- Breakdown Length: Approximately 36" per section
- Construction: Three-piece fiberglass composite oar
- Shaft Diameter: 1 5/8" I.D.
- Shaft Reinforcement: Fiberglass
- Shaft Protection: Dynel wrap and rubber stop
- Grip: Laminated fir barrel grip with vinyl rubber grip cover
- Grip Diameter: Standard 1 5/8"
- Oar Blade: Sawyer DuraMax
- Connection System: Tite-Set Blade Lock System
Best Use
- Emergency backup oar for whitewater rafting and drift boating
- Rafts and drift boats with limited storage space
- Multi-day river trips where carrying a spare oar is important
- Boaters who want a compact spare that assembles quickly when needed
Why Choose the Sawyer Spare Tire 3-Piece Oar?
The Sawyer Spare Tire provides a practical alternative to carrying a full-length backup oar. Its three-piece design makes storage easier while retaining the durable fiberglass construction of Sawyer's MXS platform. Unlike a spare shaft alone, the Spare Tire includes a DuraMax blade and assembles into a complete 7'11" oar. The Tite-Set connections provide a secure, reliable fit so you can get back to rowing when your primary oar is damaged or lost.
Materials & Construction
Longitudinal Fiberglass Shaft Construction
This construction uses fiberglass fibers aligned lengthwise along the shaft to maximize strength, flex consistency, and durability. By running fibers longitudinally, the shaft maintains a smooth, predictable bend under load while resisting fatigue and failure over time. The result is a balanced flex profile that feels responsive and forgiving on each stroke, ideal for long days and variable river conditions.
Fiberglass Shaft Reinforcement
Standard fiberglass shaft reinforcement adds durability and protection from repeated loads and impacts. It helps the oar hold up through demanding rowing conditions and long days on the water.
Tite-Set Blade Lock System
The Tite-Set Blade Lock creates a secure, fail-safe connection between shaft and blade. It eliminates rattle, prevents loosening, and allows easy blade changes when needed.
DuraMax Oar Blade
The included DuraMax Oar Blade provides the working blade surface for the Spare Tire's complete backup rowing setup. It attaches through the Tite-Set system, allowing the oar to break down for storage and assemble when needed.
Dynel Wrap & Rubber Stop
The Dynel shaft wrap protects the oar where it contacts the oarlock, helping reduce wear during rowing. The rubber stop helps maintain consistent positioning in the oarlock and keeps the assembled spare ready for a traditional rowing setup.
Laminated Fir Barrel Grip
The laminated fir barrel grip gives you a natural, responsive feel with the composite shaft. A vinyl rubber cover adds comfort and a secure hold for long days on the water. Choose standard or small grip diameters to match your hand size and rowing style.
