Hi VAPaddler,
Well, an off the shelf rowing/outboard boat… Tough order given the fact that most of the outboard skiffs sold today are built to carry that larger 10 to 15hp outboard motor. This means a broad flat stern section -- even to carry the smaller horsepower heavy 4-cycle outboards so common today -- not good for rowing.
Here’s a suggestion: How about the ubiquitous Grumman Sport Canoe (scroll down to see the Sport Canoe) that has been produced since the late 1940’s? It’s a boat shape that is less canoe and more skiff like. The Grumman Sport is quite stable with it’s extra bottom width but still narrow enough to give a good rowing experience. With the Sport Canoe set up to row one can add a small outboard (less motor weight to lug around when rowing). You will need a tiller extension to run the outboard, this will place you on the mid-section rowing seat (gas tank under) facing forward allowing the boat to plane. A 5 hp to 6hp second hand 2-cycle outboard should be all you need to bring you home in style.
One thing to keep in mind is a good pair of oars. The stubby water clubs they sell at the big box chandeliers are too cobby for any kind of an extended rowing. You will tire soon and give up on the rowing thang. One needs a pair of 8 foot oars (for the Grumman), with a small blade section (5” or so) and a bit of spring in the shaft so when you complete the stroke you get a small ‘push’ from the blade (this has to be experienced to understand what I mean). This will add to the ‘carry’ (the boat will keep moving between strokes -- not start and stop with each stroke), raising the satisfaction factor for this exercise.
Interesting enough, boatbuilder Robb White has taken this Grumman Sport boat and modified it for better performance. He has plans with patterns available to strip build his Sport Boat. If one could get the local high school shop class to build it, this would be an all time rowing – small outboard skiff.
Anybody else have an idea? Last edited on Tue Nov 22nd, 2005 10:56 pm by Thom V |
