single size vs. weight

[kfgauss]

I am in the process of looking for a single to buy. Based on my current weight I would require a heavy weight shell. However, I am in the process of losing weight and ultimately I would like to end up at a weight that would require a mid-weight shell. My question is: would a mid-weight shell be OK if I am 15 or so pounds heavier than the upper limit of the crew weight. For example I currently weight 205 and the mid-weight crew weight limit is around 180 lbs. At the same time if I do purchase a heavy weight shell and continue to lose weight how will the boat performance be affected. What is the impact of rowing a mid-weight shell heavy vs. rowing a heavy weight shell light?

[Byron Drachman]

If you are too heavy for a boat then you probably don't have enough freeboard and sometimes it is hard to adjust the rigging so you can get the blades off the water during the recovery. If having the rigging too low is the only problem then with the older style riggers you can usually use wedges (don't use washers) to raise the riggers and re-align the pins, or you can use longer bolts and shims to raise wing riggers. Not having enough freeboard means it is easy to get water from waves washing over the decks and coming into the cockpit. If you are too light for a boat then the main problem is usually setting the boat because you will be sitting too high in the water and again it can be hard to adjust the rigging.

[JimmyL]

I doesn't make a huge difference
I read somewhere that 10Kg (22 pounds) over the recommended weight means a 1inch difference. That's 2 washers I think.

I'm 75kg and often row in boats for people weighing 60-70kg's, i don't notice any problems.

If your going to be lowing weight then get the boat that you'll be suited to in the future.