Foot Brace Ideas

[BrianR]

A friend has a rowing Dory. It has no foot braces. I'd like to make some for him, installed on the floor. That way, his back won't give out, and I'll never have to row!

I'm looking around for some ideas. Something adjustable might be nice. Anyone have any ideas/photos you can share?

Thanks all.

[Steven R]

Brian,

Here's the approach I took (not claiming that it's the best)...

Two blocks of Douglas Fir with two 3/4 dowels each. The dowels fit into holes in the floorboard. There are 4 adjustable positions at each rowing station.

http://www.get-outside.com/skerry/sk190.jpg

http://www.get-outside.com/skerry/sk191.jpg

steven
www.get-outside.com (http://www.get-outside.com)

[Bruce Hooke]

Here's a picture of a nice foot brace I photographed at the 2002 WoodenBoat show. I believe this was in "gunnar I am's" boat. (I hope he's doing well, it's been a while since I've seen him around here).

http://www.bghooke.com/brucehooke/Images/Back-of-Foot-Brace.jpg

[Bruce Hooke]

Of course the brace I posted above is not adjustable, which is a negative; and I also tend to spread my legs rather than keep them close together when I am rowing.

In many ways the best solution can simply be some blocks attached to the sides and bottom along the chine that provide positions where you can brace your feet. Some trials in the boat should help to figure out the right shape and position...

[Alan D. Hyde]

The best way to row is standing up, facing forward.

A bonus is, you won't need the foot braces.

Alan

[videoguy]

Brian this is a shot of the foot rest I built for my 20 footer. It's easy to build and works very well. http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p682aec333d1182c890971e8f5c2343ec/f5ff403d.jpg I screwed a 1/2 in sq cleat to the bottom of the boat that fits into the notchs on the foot rest. To ajust it just put it in another notch. smile.gif smile.gif ...Phil

[BrianR]

Wow! Those are all great ideas. I love this forum! You guys are the best. I like the size of Phil's, and so I may go with something like that. Thanks again everyone. I hope to return the favor some day!