Is ocean rowing efficient transport?

A CENTURY ago rowing craft dominated the waterfront, delivering goods and people to destinations best attained by boat.

Today rowing is limited to flatwater competition or club surfboats with not much in between. OceanBoat can change that by offering an efficient hull that reaches speed easily, and drives through incredibly rough water with minimal upset – and the ride is dry.

A speed through the water of 5.5 knots is not unusual with two people rowing the OceanBoat rigged either as a double or a pair.

The OceanBoat measures 4.9 metres LOA (15’9”) with a waterline length of 4.3m (13’6”). Maximum beam at the gunwales of 1.75 metres (5’6”) which equates to the width of a rowing scull’s riggers. Beam at waterline is much narrower, being just 800mm (2’6”).

All these measurements create a very different boat that works well in a rough sea. The overhanging bow helps to keep the boat from broaching down a wave face, the narrow waterline helps create an easy and swift movement through the water. The wide gunwales create a rowing ergonomic very similar to that of a flatwater scull – so it feels right to row. And that wide beam at the gunwale helps to create an extreme flair forward which throws spray wide, making for a very dry ride.

As you can see in video footage on this page a wave hit bow-on is easy to negotiate, thanks to that wide flair. For the same reason the OceanBoat can take off on a steep wave face and not bury her bow. For plain old rough water rowing her dry ride means you can exercise well into winter without fear of freezing.

And despite her relatively narrow waterline beam, the OceanBoat is very forgiving when it comes to stability. In fact, you can stand on her gunwales and keep your feet dry. This same feature makes it very easy to re-enter the boat after a swim.

Price at the moment is AUD$ 10,800 including two sliding seats which convert to smooth surf seats, 7 rowlocks (4 sculling square-backed stainless steel rowlocks and 2 single oar rowing stainless square-backed rowlocks and a sweep or stearing oarlock). Bow footrest, stern footrest, sweep seat, built-in bow passenger seat are all included. Construction is a combination of PVC foam core and single skin using polyester resin and structural cloth with a weight of 150kg (330 pounds).

Much more than a rowboat! 

 

OceanBoat surfs!

Enjoy this incredible video showing three blokes having an absolute ball. The swell was pumping and it shows how seaworthy and sprightly this little ship is when she gets her feet wet.

 

OceanBoat rowed three ways!

This video shows the incredible flexibility offered with OceanBoat. Whether you row as a coxless pair, double or single, performance is never compromised.

Check it out!

 

Enjoy your exercise!