Some Advice

[[old] Zac]

I'm new to rowing/erging...actually I have never rowed on the water but want to. I started erging about 5-6 months ago and I am pretty much addicted. I erg 3-5 times per week but would love to try rowing on the water. I'm looking for advice on the purchasing of a slide seat row boat that can seat at least 3, but can also be realistically used for training. Also, one that is affordable.<br /><br />Any and all advice/suggestions would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Zac

[[old] jamesg]

If you're thinking of buying a boat, presumably you already have the water; and if there's water, there will be a boat club. Suggest you join and use their boats, so you can see the type of equipment that exists, learn how, and not have transport problems. <br />As to what's available in the US, have a look at <a href='http://www.rowalden.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.rowalden.com/</a><br />Some of their boats seem a bit less tricky than a 1x.

[[old] PaulS]

Definitely find a club where you can give it a try first, it will save a lot of grief in attempting to going it on your own. A 3x is highly unusual but there are some 2x's that could carry a passenger if that is what you are after.

[[old] NavigationHazard]

To second what Paul says, depending on where you are you may be able to find a dealer who will let you demo several boats. That's what I did in buying my single. Alternatively, many of the big sculling/rowing centers in the US, e.g. Craftsbury and Calm Waters, have demo arrangements with manufacturers (and often sell the demo boats at season's end at reduced prices).

[[old] Kappy]

If your goal is three people rowing at one time - a double and a single is not a bad option. It is also one of the best combos when you have uneven rowers for keeping outings together. If you think two will want to row and one to hold the parasol - then there are pair withs to consider. Depending on what sort of rowing you plan on doing these boats can come in a wide variety of aesthetic options.<br /><br />I would love to give you advice - because I am a hopeless busybody who completely enjoys meddling in other people's business. <br /><br />I've got a kashper, a van dusen, a maas aero, an empacher single and an empacher double - and I've rowed in a fairly wide variety of boats (and had a good number of problems.) <br /><br />I think that each boat type and each rower's needs are so specific that a good match is usually possible. <br /><br />I would not reccommend going straight to a dealer (like one mentioned before) yet because I have seen them sell 'the wrong' boat to too many people resulting in a number of people who think they don't really like rowing after all.<br /><br />Please give more information - or pm me.<br /><br />Kappy

[[old] kinley]

<!--QuoteBegin--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm looking for advice on the purchasing of a slide seat row boat that can seat at least 3, but can also be realistically used for training. </td></tr></table><br /><br />Sliding seat boats that can accommodate a varying number of people exist, but they are not shells, if one assumes a shell to be something tending toward a single-purpose racing craft. Rather, they generally resemble traditional oar-on-gunwale craft fitted with a removable sliding seat assembly (or two).<br /><br />Jamesg already mentioned <a href='http://www.rowalden.com' target='_blank'>http://www.rowalden.com</a> Alden sells the Appledore (click on "traditional" in the site's boats section). The Appledore can accommodate either one or two drop-in sliding seat rigs i.e. be rowed as a single or a double, as well as take passengers.<br /><br />Piantedosi manufactures, in addition to the Alden Oarmaster, the Row Wing, which can be dropped into almost anything that floats. <a href='http://rowingrigs.com/bbuilder.html' target='_blank'>http://rowingrigs.com/bbuilder.html</a>

[[old] Kappy]

<!--QuoteBegin-kinley+Jan 16 2006, 03:24 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(kinley @ Jan 16 2006, 03:24 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm looking for advice on the purchasing of a slide seat row boat that can seat at least 3, but can also be realistically used for training. </td></tr></table><br /><br />Sliding seat boats that can accommodate a varying number of people exist, but they are not shells, if one assumes a shell to be something tending toward a single-purpose racing craft. Rather, they generally resemble traditional oar-on-gunwale craft fitted with a removable sliding seat assembly (or two).<br /><br />Jamesg already mentioned <a href='http://www.rowalden.com' target='_blank'>http://www.rowalden.com</a> Alden manufactures the Appledore (click on "traditional" in the site's boats section). The Appledore can accommodate either one or two drop-in sliding seat rigs i.e. be rowed as a single or a double, as well as take passengers.<br /><br />Piantedosi manufactures, in addition to the Alden Oarmaster, the Row Wing, which can be dropped into almost anything that floats. <a href='http://rowingrigs.com/bbuilder.html' target='_blank'>http://rowingrigs.com/bbuilder.html</a> <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Hudson makes very affordable and rowable rec shells.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.hudsonboatworks.com/05products/T6.htm' target='_blank'>Hudsonboatworks</a><br /><br />The Hudson T boats are heavy and you can swamp them. But at one club I belonged to they remained popular long after learn to row because the rigging held up nicely and you could have a tiny passenger if you liked.<br /><br /><br />The most affordable boats will probably be used ones sold on row2k.

[[old] Zac]

<!--QuoteBegin-jamesg+Jan 16 2006, 12:20 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jamesg @ Jan 16 2006, 12:20 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->If you're thinking of buying a boat, presumably you already have the water; and if there's water, there will be a boat club. Suggest you join and use their boats, so you can see the type of equipment that exists, learn how, and not have transport problems. <br />As to what's available in the US, have a look at <a href='http://www.rowalden.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.rowalden.com/</a><br />Some of their boats seem a bit less tricky than a 1x. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Thanks James<br /><br />Zac<br />

[[old] Zac]

<!--QuoteBegin-Kappy+Jan 16 2006, 05:05 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Kappy @ Jan 16 2006, 05:05 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-kinley+Jan 16 2006, 03:24 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(kinley @ Jan 16 2006, 03:24 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm looking for advice on the purchasing of a slide seat row boat that can seat at least 3, but can also be realistically used for training. </td></tr></table><br /><br />Sliding seat boats that can accommodate a varying number of people exist, but they are not shells, if one assumes a shell to be something tending toward a single-purpose racing craft. Rather, they generally resemble traditional oar-on-gunwale craft fitted with a removable sliding seat assembly (or two).<br /><br />Jamesg already mentioned <a href='http://www.rowalden.com' target='_blank'>http://www.rowalden.com</a> Alden manufactures the Appledore (click on "traditional" in the site's boats section). The Appledore can accommodate either one or two drop-in sliding seat rigs i.e. be rowed as a single or a double, as well as take passengers.<br /><br />Piantedosi manufactures, in addition to the Alden Oarmaster, the Row Wing, which can be dropped into almost anything that floats. <a href='http://rowingrigs.com/bbuilder.html' target='_blank'>http://rowingrigs.com/bbuilder.html</a> <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Hudson makes very affordable and rowable rec shells.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.hudsonboatworks.com/05products/T6.htm' target='_blank'>Hudsonboatworks</a><br /><br />The Hudson T boats are heavy and you can swamp them. But at one club I belonged to they remained popular long after learn to row because the rigging held up nicely and you could have a tiny passenger if you liked.<br /><br /><br />The most affordable boats will probably be used ones sold on row2k. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Thanks for the info!<br /><br />Zac<br />

[[old] Zac]

<!--QuoteBegin-Kappy+Jan 16 2006, 11:45 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Kappy @ Jan 16 2006, 11:45 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->If your goal is three people rowing at one time - a double and a single is not a bad option.  It is also one of the best combos when you have uneven rowers for keeping outings together.  If you think two will want to row and one to hold the parasol - then there are pair withs to consider.  Depending on what sort of rowing you plan on doing these boats can come in a wide variety of aesthetic options.<br /><br />I would love to give you advice - because I am a hopeless busybody who completely enjoys meddling in other people's business.  <br /><br />I've got a kashper, a van dusen, a maas aero, an empacher single and an empacher double - and I've rowed in a fairly wide variety of boats (and had a good number of problems.)  <br /><br />I think that each boat type and each rower's needs are so specific that a good match is usually possible.  <br /><br />I would not reccommend going straight to a dealer (like one mentioned before) yet because I have seen them sell 'the wrong' boat to too many people resulting in a number of people who think they don't really like rowing after all.<br /><br />Please give more information - or pm me.<br /><br />Kappy <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Thanks Kappy,<br /><br />Zac<br />

[[old] Zac]

<!--QuoteBegin-PaulS+Jan 16 2006, 09:05 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(PaulS @ Jan 16 2006, 09:05 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Definitely find a club where you can give it a try first, it will save a lot of grief in attempting to going it on your own.  A 3x is highly unusual but there are some 2x's that could carry a passenger if that is what you are after. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Thanks Paul,<br /><br />Zac<br />

[[old] holladay]

Facinating topic! I have had boat lust for quite a while! <br /><br />After erging for a year, I took a learn to row class and it was incredible. Nothing like it. Unfortunately the boat club is 1.5 hours away so it is hard to visit very often.<br /><br />As much as I enjoyed the sleek rowing in a shell, a recreational boat looks like it will fit my family best. I want to get the exercise of slide seat rowing but I need a boat stable enough for my almost 6 year old daughter and possibly my husband. I want a boat that can be rowed by one or two.<br /><br />I have been drooling over the following two sites:<br /><a href='http://www.adirondackrowing.com/index.html' target='_blank'>http://www.adirondackrowing.com/index.html</a><br /><a href='http://www.ghboats.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.ghboats.com/</a><br /><br />I plan to start visiting and trying out some of these "recreational" boats to see how they row. Of course I keep hoping to win the week at Craftberry. (Has the HC drawing been made yet?)<br /><br />Susan

[[old] jamesg]

Must say I think that for recreational purposes, kayaks are much better than rowing boats - need less water, more seaworthy, much cheaper, easier to carry around, and you see where you're going. I've spent much more time with the wife in our tub of a K2, scraping along rocky coasts, in caves, landing on desert islands to swim, avoid storms or eat the figs there, than I have sculling. You're ready to go in ten seconds flat, you can land where you like for lunch or a snack and carry plenty of cargo. And they're safe for small kids, at least on flat water.<br /><br />We haven't yet managed to paddle down the Grand Canal in Venice yet, but hope to one day.<br /><br />Otherwise, the only choice is the fastest 1x on the planet and a large flat lake.

[[old] ancho]

<!--QuoteBegin-PaulS+Jan 16 2006, 03:05 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(PaulS @ Jan 16 2006, 03:05 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Definitely find a club where you can give it a try first, it will save a lot of grief in attempting to going it on your own.  A 3x is highly unusual but there are some 2x's that could carry a passenger if that is what you are after. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />3x are quite usual boats in Germany. They are very adequate for rowing on rivers with current, and some of them are convertible to 2x+.<br />You will find more information in any German rowing site, for example <a href='http://www.baumgarten-bootsbau.de/html/ ... e_gig.html' target='_blank'>here</a><br /><br />I would also suggest that you try rowing in a club before buying a boat. Think if you want a (racing)shell or a gig. Also consider buying a used boat.<br /><br />As a personal note, my uncle and some pals made the descent of the whole danube in a 3x, quite some years ago... Would like to repeat that some time!<br />

[[old] Kappy]

<!--QuoteBegin-jamesg+Jan 17 2006, 01:23 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jamesg @ Jan 17 2006, 01:23 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Must say I think that for recreational purposes, kayaks are much better than rowing boats - need less water, more seaworthy, much cheaper, easier to carry around, and you see where you're going. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I don't really agree. I think kayaks are wonderful - but I don't find that when its time to look at a recreational rowing shell you need to just say "oh I should be kayaking." The exercise is different for one thing. I prefer the way rowing feels over canoeing or kayaking. You go faster and its a better workout.<br /><br />I've had a lot of fun with the aero - its pretty similar to a kayak in terms of that. The aero is the first boat I've had that people have been able to try out for fun - which I will happily row myself.<br /><br />Unlike many other rec shells - the maas boats are seaworthy. This makes all the difference to me. I've got mine so I can go out in crazy conditions. But I also feel better about my neices and nephews messing around with a boat that is sturdy and unswampable.