CLC Oxford completed

[Spokaloo]

Just throwing out a little victory dance for a freshly completed Oxford Rowing Shell.

Ended up doing a little scantlings manipulation to make it easier for my bride to pick it up (she's not so big). Its experimental, and Mr Harris says it isn't recommended for all builders, but it turned out a very light boat for us:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/fighterama2/oxford/ox058.jpg

Cedar instead of spruce for sheer clamps (lighter, had nice heartwood on hand)
3mm instead of 4mm bottom panels
One layer of 6oz instead of 2 layers
3.25oz sheathing instead of 6oz

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/fighterama2/oxford/ox059.jpg

Interlux Brightsides paint and Epifanes Rapidclear varnish (I love the matte finish and putting 2 coats a day on without sanding).

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/fighterama2/oxford/ox062.jpg

Portions of the build were cataloged on my blog at the link below.

E

[David G]

Very pretty indeed. Not bad for an Eastsider ;) What lake are you on? Are you going to accompany your sweetie when she goes rowing in the morning? As a chase boat, or as a fellow rower?

[JimConlin]

And what's the weight ?

[Spokaloo]

Ill chase her occasionally, or we will meet while I fish and she rows for a visit on the water. Long Lake (Lake Spokane) just NW of town is where we live. Pretty lucky that we bought before the bubble.

Her hull turned out at 35lbs (a 4 lb or 10% improvement), which I am enthused about.

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[rbgarr]

Nice paint job and slings!

[Peerie Maa]

Very nice. Are you making your own oars?

[Spokaloo]

I wish I could get anywhere near the weight of the oars I bought...

2.9 lb Dreher carbon sculls with apex hatchet blades. Even with birdsmouth and some seriously light glass, I couldn't get anywhere near those things. She flies light and fast, and always comes back with a smile, so I consider it a happy owner.

On the shakedown cruise, I think the smile tells the story:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/fighterama2/oxford/ox055.jpg

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[Thorne]

Sweet! Does the boat pitch much when she accelerates?

[Spokaloo]

From start to finish in her stroke, she pulls the knuckle of the bow out of the water about an inch at the catch, and its about an inch down at the release. Very little for the size of the boat. I haven't seen it while Im rowing, so I can't speak to how it moves quantitatively. It definitely pitches FAR less than the Thames wherry did, as well as carrying MUCH further.

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[garland reese]

Beautiful job Sir! A buddy of mine built himself one a few years ago. It is a nice recreational hull, and a lot of fun to row, as I'm certain you've found out by now. Your lady looks very happy!
I really like the look of the satin varnish. Those Drehers.... do they have that big weave pattern in the carbon? Very cool to look at, and I'm told very nice oars. I've not rowed a set of the Drehers. Mine are standard C2 big blades.

I don't think one could approach the weight and performance aspects of the high end carbon oars, if attempting to build in wood/'glass