Zephyr vs Aero in rough water

[danieljndube]

Considering purchase. Does anyone have experience with each of these in rough water? I see the Maas Aero often mentioned as being capable in rough water, if a rower is skilled. What about the Peinert Zephyr? All insights appreciated.

[PaulG]

I own a Zephyr and have rowed an Aero. The Aero is longer and narrower and therefore faster than the Zephyr. In the hands of a skilled sculler both would be good in rough water. For a less skilled sculler the Zephyr would be better. People row Aeros in very rough water on the west coast and the Zephyr is more common on the east coast. I've had my Zephyr in fairly choppy water and have always felt comfortable. In races, the two boats are in different classes. Take a look at the thread "open water rowing" in this subforum to see some of my adventures in my Zephyr and oprevious to that, an Echo Islander.

The FISA certified coastal rowing boat made by several manufacturers is probably the best in rough water but it is very heavy to move around on land.