Semi-rec Single

[[old] PaulH]

My rowing club is considering buying a couple of intermediate singles to help people bridge the gap between the bathtub-with-riggers we learn to scull in, and the full-on racing shells that we, erm, learn to swim from. Does anyone have recommendations for a suitable shell - sleek enough to be a 'proper' single, but stable enough to build confidence for someone trying to take the next step?<br /><br />So far the Maas Aero (http://www.maasboats.com/aero.htm) seems like a possibility, as does the Alden Star (http://www.rowalden.com/store/details.asp?ProID=210).

[[old] NavigationHazard]

The Maas 24 is also a very good club boat along similar lines -- it's very easy to get into and out of, which is nice for older rowers who may have flexibility problems. Several of the lower-end Peinert models, e.g. the Zephyr, also might do the trick. My experience with the Peinerts has been that they're virtually indestructible -- if they can survive me they can survive anyone -- a good quality for an intermediate club boat....

[[old] kinley]

I own both a Maas 24 and an Alden Star. I love the 24 now, but found it extremely challenging at first, even though I already owned a racing single. The 24 is an open water shell, and seems to be designed somewhat like a sailboat, in that it firms up when it's heeled over. It has a fair amount of secondary stability, but almost no initial stability, which is the opposite of a racing single. <br /><br />Rowing a Star, which has a flat bottom, is like rowing a plank. It's rock solid, but certainly doesn't demand skills that would be required at the "next step."

[[old] Kappy]

Get the aero. <br /><br />I have one.<br /><br />When the water is too rought and I'm scared my empacher might swamp but I want to go out, I have the aero. And its a NICE row. It is slower than a racing single (duh) - but it doesn't 'row' like a tub. The rigging is appropriate for pulling hard - and it rewards rowing correctly with greater speed. A perfect transition boat for a club -- but also a good back-up boat if you row on very big water.<br /><br />(Because its so quick and short - it 'turns on a dime' I have actually used it to analyse some problems I've been having with my stroke.)<br /><br />As a 'beginner' boat - it is ideal. It is tough, unwilling to flip (although it will eject a rower who tries hard enough) and it is easy to climb back into. Its shape and sturdyness have something of a kayak's feel - and my neices, nephews and friends have played with it - where as before only the very brave would try rowing (and usually give up quickly due to the tippyness of racing singles.) A plus to me - is that they are not swampable. So it is safer throwing kids on the water in them - or using it as a back-up boat in rough and cold conditions.<br /><br />I do not like rowing in rec shells. The rigging tends to go wonky, the heft can be a drag. The feet, seat and height off the water are often off just enough to make rowing feel more risky rather than more stable! For the most part - erging is a better workout than a session in a wonky rec shell. But when I teach learn to row - I always make a point to get into all the boats I am foisting on the newbies. That way I can see how much of the rowers problems might be due to the rig (a lot.) I will NOT list the boats that have most consistently dissappointed. I will say that the mass boats i have rowed have consistently been good and enjoyable to row. And Hudson's rec shells are sturdy with reliable rigging (although I hate them for their heft.)<br /><br />I do like rowing the aero. For the stability, the aero is fast and responsive - which in the end is the POINT of rowing. The set-up is comfortable for an amazing range of weights (I guess because its so flat and shallow.) They are not horridly heavy to carry - and feel quite light on the water.<br /><br />I think the only drawback is that they come with a price-tag that reflects the fact that they are actually open water racing shells -- not starter flatwater boats.<br /><br />:)