advice on a more advanced boat

[theLoonRanger]

I am still a fairly novice rower but am considering something more advanced than my Alden Quest. I have explored models by Peinert, Maas & WinTec but cannot find anything that might be what I am seeking. I would think a length of perhaps 21-22' and a width of perhaps 17-19" might be good for my ability (and age). I am 6', 180# and 73 years old (male).

I upgraded my oars last year to C2 Smoothie Vortex and found them to be a pure joy compared to my old spoons.

Living in Wisconsin with the closest rowing club 80 miles away in Duluth, MN makes it very difficult to find and try any different boat.

Any input and suggestions would be truly appreciated. Thank you.

[Cyclist2]

The next step up would be the boats you mentioned; you've done some homework already. The specs you seek point to the Maas Aero or Peinert Zephyr. I have an Aero and it is a joy to row - fairly fast in flat conditions, and never a worry about capsizing in rougher conditions. I've rowed a Peinert before (a Dolphin, as I recall); it set up nicely and was fun to row. Both of those companies offer the "next" step - Maas 24 and Pienert Dolphin if you are optimistic and have long term plans. (I'm keeping my eye out for a sleeker boat, myself).

Keep your eye on the row2K classifieds, nice boats like you mention appear there occasionally. I found mine on craigslist.

[theLoonRanger]

Thank you for the input. I do check the C2 ads periodically and will continue to do so. Good luck on finding your new boat.

[yazoo]

Maas Aero. Brilliant boat, fast but fairly stable. The Edon TS515 training scull is a step up from the quest but probably not a big enough one, excellent boat though. The Maas 24 is 24ft, faster and more tippy than the Aero

[theLoonRanger]

I have checked the Maas 24 but see that it is recommended for advanced rowers. I would not consider myself in that category. As of now I am leaning towards the Winged Aero. Mass boats do seem to be somewhat more expensive; I assume they are worth it. Interesting that the Aero and the 24 both have the same list price. Thanks for the input.

[Cyclist2]

Depending which coast you're closest to (I'm talking USA), may help determine which boat - Maas on the west coast, Peinert on the east coast. The Aero and Zephyr are in the same class. And if you're planning on buying a new boat, be ready for a lengthy waiting time at least for Maas boats (unless you have a local distributor with one in stock). Either of those boats are durable and a non-abused used boat will be just as good, which will save you some money, too. Most used boats are also advertised with the oars and other accessories, another cost savings.

Good luck in your hunt, I'm real happy with my used Aero I found on craigslist.

[theLoonRanger]

Thanks for the perspective. My first inclination when starting this search was the Zephyr but I was wondering if it was a big enough improvement to warrant the investment. I have since considered the Peinert Dolphin but have been persuaded out of it. Also considered the Alden Star but not sure about that either. Ice is almost off the lakes here in WIsconsin and I am getting antsy.

[PaulG]

I can speak personally and highly of both the Peinert Zephyr (19 ft) and Maas Aero (21 ft). The Aero is longer and will be faster but both are very stable. Greg Smith on this forum speaks highly of his Aero. I recently bought a Zephyr and took it out on a lake this past weekend. I'm very happy with it. As to which boat you want, it all depends on how you will use it. For competition, of course neither will compete with a racing single on flat water. If you are interested in open water racing, the Zephyr is in a shorter length class than the Aero and you will be competing with Echoes, Aldens, and the FISA C1X boat. The Aero might be classified with racing singles and in open water these would be the Peinert Dolphin, Maas 24, Alden Star and maybe some Little River boats. If conditions are rough the Aero will have an advantage.

If you are rowing for recreation and health you cannot go wrong with either the Zephyr or Aero. If you see either one for sale be ready to buy it because they do not last long on the market. Did Paul Milde talk you out of the Dolphin? He is the owner of Peinert Boat Works and usually steers people to the less expensive Zephyr. That tells you a lot about his integrity and the pride he puts into his boats.

[oldrowerWI]

Found this thread while researching shells on internet. In similar situation. Live in Wisconsin. Getting back in to rowing. Looking for narrow shell but not too$$$. What did you end up getting?

[theLoonRanger]

Wow, sorry for the long delay. I have not checked this site in a while.
So far I have not gotten a different boat. I am still in a quandry. I was leaning towards the Mass WInged Aero but was somewhat put off with the location of the foot stretchers with respect to the rigging. It seems like both are competing for the same space.
I have since done some research on the Little River Regatta but need to get input from others on this boat before making a decision.
This is very frustrating. Wisconsin is not the rowing epicenter of the planet. It would be so nice to try and compare various offerings prior to paying $4 -6 K for a new boat.

[gregsmith01748]

I responded to this on your other thread before I saw your concern about the Aero winged rigger. I have the original version with the standard riggers. I love the boat, but I wish I had the winged version.

Have you seen boat or just seen pictures? I have rowed a Wintech stern winged single that was very similar in geometry to the Winged Aero. On that boat, it worked out that the my toes were about 3 inches below the bottom of the rigger. The tube across was a great place to strap my Speedcoach. It worked out fine in practice.

Maas claims that the wing gets the rigger a bit higher above the water. If you row open water, that's a really good thing. I've been out in conditions where I was catching wavetops with the riggers and a bit more height would be a good thing!