looking for cheap, easy, good rowing boat

[Pete Dorr]

My daughter is going to row crew this summer and I'm thinking while she rows why don't I row.

So, I'm looking for ideas for a rowing boat.

Design parameters:

1) Cheap (going to try to leave it at the rowing club so if it gets stolen/damaged I don't want to flip out)

2) Quick build

3) Decent performance (don't plan on keeping up with the 8 man boats but I don't really want a dog)

4) Training is done on a lake but if possible I'd like to take the boat home on weekends and after the summer crew season and do some ocean rowing (on reasonable days)

I'm thinking something like Gloucester Gull would fit the cheap/easy parameters and probably do pretty well in the ocean.

I don't think I'd want a drop-in sliding seat rig as it adds a bunch of cost. If there are reasons why sliding seat would make the rowing more fun and/or a better workout then let me know.

Any ideas out there ?

Pete

[kenjamin]

My favorite:

Ross Lillistone's Flint

http://ford.physics.fsu.edu/Flint.jpg

Check out his web site:

http://www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au/

This boat is very versatile and can take a pretty good chop in stride.

[DGentry]

Well there are lots of options, though cheap and easy says plywood, to me. A sliding seat does make rowing more fun (faster) and a better workout (legs too).
CLC has plans/kits for their Oxford rowing shell, and their Annapolis Wherry, both plywood, though the Wherry is a more complex build. The Wherry would be a bit more useful in the sea, and doesn't necessarily use a sliding seat. The Oxford Shell does use a sliding seat, but is not a racing boat (i.e. more stable).
www.clcboats.com/rowboats/sliding_seat/ (http://www.clcboats.com/rowboats/sliding_seat/)

http://www.clcboats.com/scripts/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=/images/photos/boats/annapoliswherry/AW_on_water_6.jpg&w=580

http://www.clcboats.com/scripts/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=/images/photos/boats/oxfordshell/OX_on_water_4.jpg&w=580


For non-sliding seat boats, the Gloucester Gull is a classic, and there are so many others. Jim Michalak's Oracle is a nice one http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/oracle/index.htm
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/oracle/maxm.jpg

And there's a whole list of pulling boats at Duckworks: http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/00/DM2000/boatindex/pullingboats.htm

Everybody here has a fav. Half the fun is choosing the design!
Dave Gentry

[TimH]

Gloucester Gull would be my choice. Of course I have one so I am biased.

[keyhavenpotterer]

Mr Storer has a "cheap, easy,good" rowing boat.

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=99106&d=1236953882

http://www.storerboatplans.com/Rowboat/Rowboat.html

Brian

[Clinton B Chase]

Pete, Our kids are building the MSD rowboat. It looks great and is a straightforward build. We've had kids do a couple gloucester light dories and they are straightforward boats BUT need a strongback so more time in the build process. They might be a little more seaworthy than the MSD but if you are on lakes the MSD would be a better boat for you anyway. We have kids building a 12' skiff called the Echo Bay Dory Skiff, a beautiful boat that combines the skiff and dory qualities. The designer donated the rights to build his boat, and he now has a rowing and sailing version.

[James McMullen]

I like Devlin's Duckling which was featured in the WB Small Boats issue. It is designed to accept a sliding seat if you wanted to add one, but can also be rowed with a fixed seat. Check out all of these leads---you're sure to see one or another that catches your eye.

[Wiley Baggins]

Black Skiff by Mark Wallace.

Description - http://www.markwallaceshipwright.com/blkskiff.html

Plans - http://www.markwallaceshipwright.com/images/blackskiff01.pdf

[Pete Dorr]

ballpark figures

14-18'

cheap quick construction - so probably ply - don't care what variation of ply construction, it's all good

2 oar inboard - it's a rowing boat

no passengers

cargo capacity - me, water bottle, snacks

level of finish - paint (preferrably something I have already)

Pete

[PeterSibley]

Probably a little short , seeing you specified a minimum of 14 foot , but very pleasant and a rowing boat .....not a compromise .
http://www.selway-fisher.com/Rowskiffs.htm



12' THAMES SKIFF http://www.selway-fisher.com/Thames12d2.gif
http://www.selway-fisher.com/Thamesp2.jpghttp://www.selway-fisher.com/Thamesp3.jpg
The example above had sails added by the owner.
http://www.selway-fisher.com/Thames12p2.jpghttp://www.selway-fisher.com/Thames12p3.jpg This example is by Neil Warren with his daughter Alicia looking very pleased with her fathers efforts.
This rowing skiff has been lightly modeled on the traditional Thames river skiffs. They were usually a lot longer and around 4' wide. Here, we have produced a design which will delight the rowing enthusiast who wants a light weight skiff with moderately low beam (requiring the use of short outriggers which are detailed on the drawings). She uses the stitch and epoxy method of construction although we can supply the mould shapes for clinker ply construction as well. With 5 planks per side and her wine glass transom and raking bow, she is an elegant form of personal transport. We can supply plank shapes and details for versions with different beams to suit your own requirements. LOD 12' (3.66m); Beam 3'3" (.99m); Depth amidships 13" (.34m); Approx. wht. 60 lbs (27 kg).

12' Thames Skiff Particulars
LOA 12' 3.66m Beam 3'3" and 3'9" 0.99m and 1.14m Hull Mid Depth 13" 0.34m Draft 4" 0.1m Approx. Dry Weight 60 lbs 27 kg
Hull Shape
Multi chine with 5 planks per side and wine-glass transom Construction Method Stitch and tape, strip plank and clinker ply (the latter 2 methods have full-size mould shapes for the wider beam version only) Major plywood requirements for hull 3 1/2 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm plywood Guidance Use 2-3 adults but excellent for single rower Drawing/Design Package 6 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

[neilm]

http://www.sredmond.com/index_boat.htm

The Whisp is an easy to build and fast boat.

Also Peter Cullers "Good Little Skiff"

Neil

[PeterSibley]

Actually ,http://www.selway-fisher.com/Rowskiffs.htm has quite a few rowing boats that meet your specs .

[dredbob]

For a quick-to-build rowing boat, my vote would be for either Batto or the LFH 17, which are Jim Michalak's adaptations of Pete Culler's rowing batteau Otter (Batto) and L F Herreshoff's rowing boat from _The Common Sense of Yacht Design_ (LFH17) for stitch and glue type construction.

Batto (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/batto/index.htm)

LFH17 (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/lhf17/index.htm)

Both are long and lean designed-for-rowing boats. Batto would be easier to build as it is a three plank (two sides and a bottom) batteau, while the LFH17 is a three strake per side multi chine adaptation of the LFH original. Either could be made to be quite good looking even with simplified construction, as their lines are very nice.

Bob

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

How about a Scilly Gig 15.
http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=SG15
Fixed seat. Fast to row and fast to build. S&G . Two versions, standard and lightweight.
I can't guarantee nobody will steal it. These are difficult times.

[Woxbox]

The Gloucester Gull came to my mind first off, too. I have a Whisp. It, too, would fill the bill, but maybe a bit nice to leave alone at the club. If you want real performance, you'll want a longer hull. I think Bolger drew a stretch Gull at one point.

[Ron Paro]

The Babson 14 from WoodenBoat looks like a very nice option to satisfy the stated requirements.

http://www.woodenboatstore.com/images/602001b.jpg

LOA 14' BEAM 51" DRAFT 6"
Finished Boat Weight: 125 lbs (with Tom Hill wicked nice paint job)
Intended capacity: 2-3
Suggested oars: 7'9" (but the standard 7'6" or 8' are fine...)

Available as a kit or plans from the WoodenBoat Store.
http://www.woodenboatstore.com/Babson-14-Boat-Kit/productinfo/602-001/

[David G]

The Gloucester Gull came to my mind first off, too. I have a Whisp. It, too, would fill the bill, but maybe a bit nice to leave alone at the club. If you want real performance, you'll want a longer hull. I think Bolger drew a stretch Gull at one point.

Yup, Bolger's stretched Glouster Gull is called the Long Light Dory. It can be rowed by one person, and is a bit faster that the G'Gull. However, it's really designed for 2 - 3 to row, and is a bit heavy for 1-person to handle on the dock, etc. Devlin also made a version of the G'Gull, called Oarling:

http://www.devlinboat.com/oarling.htm


So did John Welsford, called Light Dory:

http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/plans/lightdory/index.htm


BTW - I can't imagine a boat that's worth a pickle that is also cheap enough that I wouldn't care if it was stolen off the dock. Think I'd be inclined to skip that piece of the design brief?

[Lance F. Gunderson]

Monitor Craig's List for bargains, which abound in today's economy. A used Alden Ocean Shell might be just the thing for you. I row a Lincoln Little Rangeley 14' and like it a lot. Prior to that I rowed a Gloucester Gull for many years and liked it also. I've seen both of these and more on Craig's List recently at amazingly low prices. Why pay more?

[JimConlin]

If you want to be able to move at even half the speed of an eight, you'll want a sliding seat boat. It offers leg exercise, too.

Ken Bassett's Firefly is a very attractive hard-chine plywood pulling boat. It'd be a pretty quick build.
http://www.woodenboatstore.com/images/400121.jpg

Here's (http://www.uncommonboats.com/website/article.asp?id=159)a writeup on a double version of the design.

Plans (http://www.woodenboatstore.com/18-Pulling-Boat-Firefly/productinfo/400-121/)are available from our hosts. They include plans for the sliding seat paraphernalia.

[Canoeyawl]

Another vote for Firefly...

[davebrown]

the second boat i built was the weekend skiff, by (improbably) richard butz. it was a surprisingly fast and useful rowboat. about 16ft, and easy to build. i have to say i like hill's new babson a little better. but the building manual for the weekend skiff makes it as easy as a boat could be, short of a square johnboat. the clc annapolis is a gorgous boat that i have always wanted to build, but i don' tmuch like kits.

[banjoman]

I have had my eyes on the Annapolis Wherry 18 for a while.

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/rowboats/CLC-ANNAPOLISWHERRY.html

Pretty sure I'll build one when the dory is done and gone.

[rbgarr]

17', 46 lbs: http://gaboats.com/boats/sheepscotshellss17.html

[Tom Robb]

Cheap, easy, good - pick any two. ;)

[Cedric Rhyn]

JohnWelsford does a very simple skiff called Seagull that comes in two versions, one, the longer one ( called Mollyhawk, which is a bigger Seagull, I love the joke) has a very simple sliding seat option which does not cost anything like what it costs to put a drop in sliding seat and rigger set.
We have two of these resident on the estuary where I live and they move incredibly well for such simple craft.
www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz (http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz) or through his USA distributor www.duckworksmagazine.com (http://www.duckworksmagazine.com)
Cedric Rhyn


My daughter is going to row crew this summer and I'm thinking while she rows why don't I row.

So, I'm looking for ideas for a rowing boat.

Design parameters:

1) Cheap (going to try to leave it at the rowing club so if it gets stolen/damaged I don't want to flip out)

2) Quick build

3) Decent performance (don't plan on keeping up with the 8 man boats but I don't really want a dog)

4) Training is done on a lake but if possible I'd like to take the boat home on weekends and after the summer crew season and do some ocean rowing (on reasonable days)

I'm thinking something like Gloucester Gull would fit the cheap/easy parameters and probably do pretty well in the ocean.

I don't think I'd want a drop-in sliding seat rig as it adds a bunch of cost. If there are reasons why sliding seat would make the rowing more fun and/or a better workout then let me know.

Any ideas out there ?

Pete

[peterAustralia]

Where do you want to row, river, lake, bay, or more challenging still?

If you are going solely on the river, I would suggest a boat with low freeboard. I row (have rowed) quite a bit and find that windage is a much bigger issue than underwater shape. So if you intend to go on the river only, then a low boat with modest freeboard and hence windage is appropriate. If going out further then more freeboard, and hence windage is prudent, as would be buoyancy compartments fore and aft.

Secondly, distance between rowlocks. My oars are just under 8ft long, blades about 14cm x 70cm. I added outriggers to increase the distance between rowlocks from about 45 inches to 51 inches. Makes a huge huge improvement.

If you want a super easy to build boat and only for the river, then a simple hard-chine plywood is easiest. 15ft is a good length for one person. You can build with a flat bottom and sloped sides as per Merry Wherry (suggest googling that boat). So that gives 15ft long, 4ft 4 inches wide, about 20cm freeboard in the center with 30 cm freeboard at the ends.

Lastly, I have found a skeg or a rudder a huge help in going straight and making rowing easier and more pleasant. These are good things!

regards
N Peter Evans

[Arko]

My favorite:

Ross Lillistone's Flint

http://ford.physics.fsu.edu/Flint.jpg

Check out his web site:

http://www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au/

This boat is very versatile and can take a pretty good chop in stride.

I'll second FLINT

[john welsford]

All of those dories including mine suffer from short waterlines on long hulls which makes them slow for their overall length, or heavy for their speed. They are generally specialist rough water boats. I get the impression that our thread starter is going to be out on relatively flat water so something that will have the longest possible waterline on its overall length and have a very simple build will be the best choice for the use.

JohnWelsford


Yup, Bolger's stretched Glouster Gull is called the Long Light Dory. It can be rowed by one person, and is a bit faster that the G'Gull. However, it's really designed for 2 - 3 to row, and is a bit heavy for 1-person to handle on the dock, etc. Devlin also made a version of the G'Gull, called Oarling:

http://www.devlinboat.com/oarling.htm


So did John Welsford, called Light Dory:

http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/plans/lightdory/index.htm


BTW - I can't imagine a boat that's worth a pickle that is also cheap enough that I wouldn't care if it was stolen off the dock. Think I'd be inclined to skip that piece of the design brief?

[LazyJack]

Hard to beat the rowing qualities of an Adirondack guide-boat. If painted, it looks enough like a canoe that is is generally ignored. It can be quickly and easily built for less than $1,000, it's very portable, seaworthy, swift and effortless to row.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r256/LazyJack/DSCF0050.jpg?t=1238934726

I put this together over 8 years ago, it lives on my truck bewteen April and November and travels everywhere. It is simple cedar strip/epoxy construction with 20 dollar canoe seats and painted with Rustoleum. Easily built inside of 2 weeks, never worried about it walking off.

[Erik le Rouge]

Have a look at Gavin Atkin free plans : Doris the Dory, Light trow and Julie skiff http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/gavin/index.htm

And check Paul Butler's plans for Pacific troller dory etc : http://www.butlerprojects.com/

These plans are free or not expensive and offer good boats to build

[JimD]

John Atkin's George is 16' x 4' and can be built in plywood.http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Oar/George.html:
http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Oar/images/George-3.gif

[Sailing Dreams]

Pete,

i built this 15' skiff for under £230 a couple of years ago, while I designed her for coastal rowing, she is woderful to row up the flat water of the upper reaches of our local tidal river.

http://rowingforpleasure.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-rowing-boat-design.html

For some reason flat bottom boats just don't do it for me. I also agree with John Welsford, long waterline makes for for good rowing, I was more than a little influenced by John's Joansa, mixed up with some flashboat and.....

I don't have plans , but can send you the offsets for the panel shapes - no charge.

I'll be posting some build details on my blog shortly

http://bursledonblog.blogspot.com/

Max

[davebrown]

max: good lines. i would be interested. i am trying to teach myself to loft. if you send me some offsets or other details, i would spend some time laying them out. davebrown63@yahoo.com

[bloggs68]

This skiff won a design contest at the 2007 Hobart wooden boat festival. Quite a few on the water and it gets along pretty well.

http://www.wittdesignwoodenboats.com/

regards,

AD

[Arko]

Hard to beat the rowing qualities of an Adirondack guide-boat. If painted, it looks enough like a canoe that is is generally ignored. It can be quickly and easily built for less than $1,000, it's very portable, seaworthy, swift and effortless to row.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r256/LazyJack/DSCF0050.jpg?t=1238934726

I put this together over 8 years ago, it lives on my truck bewteen April and November and travels everywhere. It is simple cedar strip/epoxy construction with 20 dollar canoe seats and painted with Rustoleum. Easily built inside of 2 weeks, never worried about it walking off.

I'm in love, I'm all shook up. Soon, soon......

[BAIT]

Sam Devlin11'6'' ''Peeper''-2 sheets of plywood

[Pete Dorr]

design parameter update:

can't leave a boat at the lake - so must be reasonably light to get up onto truck rack. This might make the target length more like 12-14'. I did see a few in that range in the above posts.

maybe I should just get a stand-up-paddleboard and pretend I'm Laird.

[David G]

If that's your new brief... maybe this one from Devlin:

http://www.devlinboat.com/peeper.htm

Or a Welsford, Joansa

http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/plans/joansa/index.htm

[gofish]

Pete
You want decent performance. One parameter that dictates row performance is the length of your oars. Maximum oar length is dictated the most by distance between the oarlocks. I put a pair of folding outrigger oarlocks on the CLC Chester Yawl I built last year. Adding an additional 13" of width has a dramatic effect on performance.These oarlocks allowed me to go from a standard 7' oar to an 8.5' spoon blade oar. It's a well mannered boat (seeing you want to take her out on open water) and not too hard to build. Oar length calculator can be found on Shaw & Tenney web site. Folding outriggers I bought from Whitehall Row. Very expensive but I recently saw another set somewhere. Good Luck.
Where are you planning to row?
Ed

[Tom Hoffman]

Ed, What did the distance end up being between your oar locks with the extra 13" added on each side. I have been thinking of doing the same to my Whitehall.

How did you make you folding extensions?

Thanks,

Tom Hoffman

[JimConlin]

design parameter update:

can't leave a boat at the lake - so must be reasonably light to get up onto truck rack. This might make the target length more like 12-14'. I did see a few in that range in the above posts.

maybe I should just get a stand-up-paddleboard and pretend I'm Laird.

Is 53 lbs. manageable?
How about one of these?
http://www.echorowing.com/images/echo_aem.jpg

More info HERE (http://www.echorowing.com/index.html)

[JimD]

If that's your new brief... maybe this one from Devlin:

http://www.devlinboat.com/peeper.htm



Dave, thanks for that. I hadn't noticed Peeper before. A very nifty and easily built small rower.

[David G]

Dave, thanks for that. I hadn't noticed Peeper before. A very nifty and easily built small rower.

Needs a footbrace, then it's ready to roll.



And then there's my old friend Michael Storer's new design - the MSD:

http://www.storerboatplans.com/Rowboat/Rowboat.html


Here's a recent foto of the prototype - in process:

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=101879&d=1239227840

It's similar to the Goat Island SKiff - but with lower freeboard, and the overall shape optimized for rowing. No concession to sailing or an outboard.

[David G]

Or... maybe Gavin Atkin's new 12' rowing design - Ella

http://intheboatshed.net/

[Gavin Atkin]

The first Julie skiff is launched, if not entirely finished: http://intheboatshed.net/2009/04/13/the-designer-grins-the-first-julie-skiff-is-built-and-launched-in-florida/

[JonW]

Hi Pete

At our rowing club in Sweden we have started using FISA standard 'coastal' rowing boats. They give OK performance on flat water and can take pretty rough sea contitions. I didn't see how big the lake is, but from experience they can get quite choppy too.

Anyway, on Max's RowingforPleasure website he gave a link to a French builder who'll provide plans for a coastal single. It's sliding seat but doesn't use a drop in rigger so avoids that expense. It is made of stitch & glue plywood so should be relatively quick & easy to build. Unfortunately the site is in French.

http://www.m-g-m.fr/

It might be what you're looking for.

BR

Jonathan

[keyhavenpotterer]

Have to say,

http://www.m-g-m.fr/

this low cost, free plans, plywood single scull coastal boat looks a pretty good fit to the spec and a good coastal rower. What do the experienced rowers think? 3mm ply S&T hull.

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/m-g-m/img/sconstruction/plan%20solo.gif

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/m-g-m/img/solo12.jpg

Check out the video too.

Brian

[Dave Carnell]

I modified Phil Bolger's FEATHERWIND from his book SMALL BOATS and sold over 600 sets of plans with boats built round the world. An early buyer in CT built two just for rowing. It does row very easily. At 16' it is easily cartoppable. I paid Bolger royalties and have since sold the business to Thom Vetromile <http://smallboatforum.com/1_FSB/1fsb.htm>.

[JonW]

Hi Pete

http://www.m-g-m.fr/

It might be what you're looking for.

BR

Jonathan

I should point out that coastal boats are quite tippy - nowhere near as bad as a racing shell though. This design is hard-chined so should be a bit more stable than the round-bottomed type I row, but if you have no experience sculling then falling in is a strong possibility (I've seen it done :D). If you go for this option a couple of sculling lessons would be time/money well spent. Maybe someone at your daughter's club could help?

/Jonathan