Best Plan to Go Back to Rowing 20 years later

[Maria13]

Hi All-

I rowed in college and want to do it again, 20 years later. I have a chance to buy a 5 year old Alden Star 22, and I am wondering 2 things:

1. What would be a good price to offer for this boat? The gunnels have a bit of wear (nothing broken) and the fin has extra epoxy. I believe it was purchased (oars, rigging, boat) for about 5K.

2. Is this a good boat which multiple heights of people can use? I have several in my family who would like to use it.

Thanks!

[gregsmith01748]

Hi,

The Star is a nice boat and accommodates a wide range of rowers. If you are buying it used, inspect it closely. I bought one used and it was constant trouble. A few specific things to check.

The rigger mounts to a bulkhead on the stern end of the seat deck, check the joint between this bulkhead and the hull for cracks. Have someone flex the rigger fore and aft while you look at the attachment to the bulkhead to see if it is flexing.

Check the stern stays. Remove them from the boat and check for corrosion on both ends.

I had no luck getting parts or support from Alden, so I ended up fabricating parts (stern stays) myself. If you know a good boatman, or like DIY projects, you should be fine with the boat.

5k sounds like too much money. You could get a new Maas Aero for not much more than that and it’s a better boat from a better company.

[jamesg]

Think of the logistics. If you can, join a boat club first. These usually have both water and a place to put the boat, maybe even a seat in one of theirs.

[Edward4492]

As Greg mentioned, 5k way too much. Our club just purchased two new Wintechs, a 21 and a 24. About 4k each. The 21 is a very stable gig, the 24 is similar to a Mass 24. These boats will handle any weight range, they're wide enough that you don't have to worry about lighter rowers being unstable. James really got to the crux of it. Finding a boathouse or club with in a reasonable distance is the key to making this happen.

[G-dub]

Not sure if the OP is still looking at this thread> I've been working my way through our 'training' singles. Started with the Mass Aero, then a Aldon Star, now a Wintech "Discoverer". While I don't have the most sensitive touch yet, I have to say the Aero feels the most enjoyable out of those three and seems to move a little quicker and more nimbly too.

[PaulG]

Not sure if the OP is still looking at this thread> I've been working my way through our 'training' singles. Started with the Mass Aero, then a Aldon Star, now a Wintech "Discoverer". While I don't have the most sensitive touch yet, I have to say the Aero feels the most enjoyable out of those three and seems to move a little quicker and more nimbly too.

I agree. I had the pleasure of rowing an Aero for 7 miles on Monday. It's a very fun boat and very capable in open water.