I ended up making a set of oars and oar locks from a plan I found online using 2-1"x8"x8' fir and some 6" bolts and misc. hardware. They work great and look outstanding wrapped with oar leathers.
I have been researching all the variations of oarlocks and oars. There seems to be a passion for this in coastal areas with wood boats but not for tinboats. Ive always thought of this as plan C for getting back to shore. Now that I'm retired I want to enjoy the sport of rowing to my fishing...
I'd say your lucky and I'm surprised you weren't throwing grease out the rear bearing I just rebuilt a trailer with 1" bearing that's when I noticed that the axle where rear bearing seals are seeded is pitted from corrosion I cleaned it up with emery cloth and noticed it wasn't that tight but...