Alternative Rowing Guide

Many people who are considering ownership of a human powered boat will be thinking along the lines of mainstream products, such as canoes, kayaks, traditional row boats, or rowing shells. But there are some interesting alternatives in propulsion systems. Some can be fitted into mainstream boats and can change the way a boat is used.

This page is meant to familiarize the reader with some of these alternatives, the types of boats you might use them in, and the pros and cons of the results.

Row-Wing by Piantedosi Oars, West Acton, MA. This is a drop-in sliding-seat sculling rig (rear-facing) that can be installed in canoes and some other open rowboats. It uses standard sculling oars (purchased separately). This is a regulation sculling system (meets FISA rules). Installed in a rowboat, it is an alternative to fixed seat rowing for increased power and better quality exercise. Installed in a canoe, it is an alternative to paddling, giving more power and better quality exercise at the cost of not seeing where you are going.
Pro: It meets FISA rules for rowing. Fits canoes. Good exercise.
Con: Rear-facing position requires twisting around to see where you are going. Technique can be difficult to learn. Limits using hands for other purposes. Can place abnormal stress on back. Sliding seat wastes energy.

The Forward Facing Rowing System from Gig Harbor Boat Works, Gig Harbor, WA. This system is actually a pair of direction-reversing oarlocks. The oarlocks can be mounted on the gunwales of a conventional wide-beamed rowboat. A pair of standard oars (purchased separately) are cut in two and the cut-off ends are inserted into the oarlocks. When you pull the oar handle toward you, the blade swings toward you, making your boat move in the direction you are facing. Installed in a conventional rowboat, it is an alternative to traditional rear-facing rowing or forward-facing push rowing. Their web site says the origins of this system are lost to antiquity, but they look a lot like the old “Bow Facing Oars” originally manufactured by Fred A. Allen in 1863 and sold by Calhoun Boat Works in Tiptonville, TN.
Pro: Forward-facing position allows you to see where you are going without twisting around.
Con: Oars cannot be feathered. Limits using hands for other purposes. Does not use leg power. Requires wide beamed boat for gunwale mounting of oarlocks.

Kataram with sliding rigger by Virus Boats (imported by Rum International, Longboat Key, FL). This rear-facing sliding-rigger rowing system comes packaged with a 10’-7” length twin-hulled catamaran. Instead of the seat sliding back and forth, the rigger (with the foot stretcher and oarlocks attached) moves back and forth. This alternative to sliding-seat rowing allows you to develop leg power without shifting as much weight back and forth, and allows the use of a shorter boat. It is also more efficient (a similar design won the World Rowing Championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983, but was later outlawed by FISA rules). Uses standard sculling oars (purchased separately).
Pro: Rig allows shorter length boat without “hobby horsing”. Catamaran offers good initial stability.
Con: Rear-facing position requires twisting around to see where you are going. Technique can be difficult to learn. Limits use of hands for other purposes. Can place abnormal stress on lower back. Open bottomed boat does not keep you dry.

FrontRower by Ron Rantilla Rowing Systems, Warren, RI. This is a forward-facing rig that uses arms or legs, or both for power.  It fits in most canoes and some row boats and shells. Comes complete with oars. Uses oarlocks mounted on a center column to produce forward motion without reversing mechanism. Uses moving pedals to develop leg power, transmitted to the oars by ropes and pulleys (bypassing back and arms). Can be rowed with arms only, legs only, or both together. Easy rowing technique with oars that lift, feather and return to front automatically. Seat has pivoting backrest, which gives support while rowing or at rest. Installed in a rowboat or shell, it is an alternative to rear-facing sliding-seat rowing, giving a forward-facing position, improving comfort and efficiency and allowing hands-free operation. Installed in a canoe, it is an alternative to paddling, giving more power, better exercise, and improving comfort.
Pro: Forward facing position. Fits most canoes. Uses arms or legs power. Hands-free operation.  Excellent exercise. Comfortable seat. Reduced back strain. Easy operation. Efficient.
Con: Violates FISA rules. Will not fit wide-beamed rowboats.