Some newer blades also include carbon fiber in their construction to further reduce the weight and increase the stiffness. These types of blades are called ultralights. Fortunately for coxswains, oars need very little maintenance. Oars are relatively impervious to damage. An oar may break occasionally due to a factory defect, but coxswains are more likely to break them by hitting something.
Damage generally results in little likelihood of repair.
The seats are a real pain. There is no doubt about this. They take a lot of action. And they are always bustin' up. So you should always check your seat before you enter the cockpit.