I have the 17' willie. I allso have the balanced Sawyer oars. I wouldn't even think about getting anything but composit shafts. My blades have that black coating on them. It's like Kevlar but not it. I dig in the rocks allot and they are still looking like new. Allso I like them because they float (The blades) many people have told me that they didn't like some of the oars because when yer not on them the ends sink. Mine are wood and are allways right on top for me. And being balanced is a real arm saver.I wouldn't think about getting oars tha tarn't balanced as well as composit shafts. just my 2 bits.

One other thing if you are getting yer boat new from Willie consider getting the 17' I am glad I did. I can fish a few guys with that little bit of extra gear and it just floats it much better.It handle really good especially if you have a few extra pounds in the boat. I have had my boat for allmost 1 year and am very happy with it. If you got any questions about what to order or what things you can do yerself and save some $$$ just E-mail me dcrzfitter@aol.com. I found that I was able to save hundreds of $$$ by doing just a few things my self.

dcrzfitter