rowboat sailboat

Sailboats You Can Row (Complete List)

There are plenty of sailboats that have distinct features that separate one from another. In fact, there are some sailboats you can row and others you cannot.

Some smaller sailboats are grouped into this category, like the dinghy, dory, and rowboat. But which sailboats are ones you can row?The ones listed below are an excellent place to start in search of a sailboat that you can row. These boats you can row without compromising your sailing experience. Other brands have similar features, but these stand out to the rest in the industry.

The best sailing rowboats are:

Chesapeake Light Craft

While most of these options are going to be smaller boats, each one will serve its purpose on the water. These boats have a respectable price point and allow you to have the best of both worlds when it comes to sailing and rowing.

According to experienced sailors in the industry, you want to know the differences between what your boat can do and cannot. For sailboats that you can row, you will see exactly what they are intended to do versus a cruiser or other sailboat.

Table of contents

‍ Best Sailing Rowboats

There are a lot of factors that go into a sailboat being the best rowboat. Depending on the brand, size, cost, and desired use, many will compete for your business.

While there are potentially more brands out there, these sailing rowboats make the cut based on consumer reports and quality. In addition, they all have a rich history in the sailing rowboat market so you can rest assured you are dealing with high quality craftsmanship.

Angus Rowboats

The Angus Rowboats have been in the business since 2009 when a married couple, Julie and Colin Angus, decided to put their adventurous minds together. In doing so, they have literally accomplished every rowing feat you could possibly imagine and have put that experience to good use when designing boats.

The Sailing Row Cruiser is arguably the best boat that they offer in terms of versatility. This boat was designed with the same racing hull but they gave it a ketch sailing rig with planing amas.

When sailing, this boat can reach up to 12 knots. As for rowing in calmer waters, you can expect to reach up to four knots or so.

The main hull can be utilized as the focus of rowing for one person, while the other hulls can contain passengers. When anchored or docked, this boat can also sleep an adult in the cabin.

Looking at costs, it is $1300 for the Row Cruiser Hull and $1820 for the sailing components. To have it all put together, you can have it completed for $3500.

Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) has been dominating for decades in the rowing boats industry. Back in 2020, they were shipping out their 40,000th boat kit.

They have a fairly small staff compared to other big name brands, with just over 20 employees. When it comes to building row boats, they have excellent experience.

They have a handful of sailing rowboats to choose from. These include:

Passagemaker Standard

Northeaster dory, jimmy skiff ii, eastport nesting pram.

This boat is one of the easiest to build, row, and sail. If you are in the market to build your boat with the kit, this is an excellent choice for first timers. You can expect this to cost around $1200 and up depending on the added features.

This rowing boat is slightly bigger than the Skerry, as it holds up to three people. If you want something lighter, this boat weighs roughly 90 pounds compared to heavier dinghies. The cost to build this boat is around $3200 and up depending on added features.

One of the more versatile dory boats out there is the Northeaster. This one offers a substantial payload of 800 pounds to carry plenty of gear and a few passengers. This classic looking boat will range in cost, starting around $3600 and more with the sailing components.

The original Skiff was designed in 1998 and had a lot of success. Over the next 20 years, the Jimmy Skiff II was designed with better handling, more comfort, better seats, and is 15 percent larger. You are looking at $3700 or more to add the sailing components to this boat.

This dinghy is just under eight feet, so it is light and compatible for anyone wanting to get on the water. These carry a decent load while also being able to sail. The price to add on the sailing components will cost around $2200 or more.

The Norseboat brand prides themselves as the “Swiss army knife of boats”. They offer three sailboats that you can row, which include the Norseboat 12.5, 17.5 Classic, and the 21.5.

Each boat offers unique features that can suit any sailor's tastes. They all are well built and are fast, but the size could make the biggest difference. The prices range from $13,000 to $35,000 depending on size and features.

Norseboat 12.5

This cruiser/tender offers the perfect blend of functionality and performance. Most view this one as just a dinghy, but it can be easily used as a daysailer while rowing. The sailing components are a gaff-rigged cat with a pivoting carbon mast.

Norseboat 17.5 Classic

The best selling Norseboat in their lineup is the 17.5 Classic. This design was the first one made in 2002 when founder Kevin Jeffrey made it happen.

This rig is around 18 feet and can be put through tough conditions while sailing. While sailing, you can expect around eight knots and around three knots while rowing.

Norseboat 21.5

The 21.5 is the best daysailer and coastal cruiser they offer with high performance. This one is just under 22 feet long and can sit up to eight people comfortably.

The sailplan is a sloop rig with a pivoting carbon mast and furling genoa. Whether you are sailing or rowing, you can have the best of both worlds with this design.

Whitehall rowing boats have a unique perspective on rowing. They emphasize getting back to nature and being more outdoors, which their brand nails on the head perfectly.

Their Classic Whitehall Spirit 17 sailing rowboat is one of the best sailing rowboats you can find on the market. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional, you can definitely navigate comfortably.

This one allows you to visit shallow waters with its kick-up rudder and easily move your camping gear or picnic supplies with ease. It also does not take long to set up and can easily be swapped from sailing to rowing when needed.

They pride themselves so much on their craft that they claim it will easily last for 100 years, assuming you take care of it. With their built in buoyancy, it is arguably very hard to sink too. You can find this boat starting around $37,000.

Lite Boat XP

Lite XP offers an interesting sailing and rowing experience. These designs are arguably some of the more appealing ones, but they also take into account confort and performance.

The Lite XP 20 has a small cabin to hold two people and you can even sleep on. This is also a perfect size to carry enough belongings to travel for a few days. The price begins around $26,000.

The other one they feature is the Lite XP 16, which is slightly smaller than the 20 and is considered a dinghy. Essentially the same features, you are only missing out on a few feet and storage space. This one costs around $15,500.

Why People Want to Sail and Row

For quite some time, it seemed almost impossible to find a boat that you can sail and row. Sure, many boats are excellent at one or the other, but not many are great at both.

Depending on the brand you choose, you can have high quality aspects of both without compromising on either of those features. However, the price could be the biggest influence in your decision.

The real reason sailors want to incorporate both is that you can be a little more active in nature and still have a great sailing experience. When the wind dies down and sailing is not as attractive, you could opt for rowing instead.

If you have multiple people on board, this can create an excellent bonding experience for families and friends. You are likely going to need everyone’s help at some point on board, so turning this into a friendly experience is great.

While some sailing rowboats are smaller in size, there are a handful that can accommodate a few people to sleep in. Depending on your traveling situations and location, you could travel in these for days if you plan your routes accordingly.

How to Find the Perfect Sailing Rowboat

Before taking a loan or having your money ready to buy a boat, you first need to understand your desired use of a sailing rowboat. You need to know where and how you will use it.

A combination of many things will affect the process of your decision. This boils down to your main sailing purpose, how often you intend to row or sail, the passenger loads, and if you intend to sleep on it.

If you plan on sailing roughly 65 percent of the time and rowing for about 35, then a Norseboat or Jimmy Skiff II is ideal. If you primarily want to row but like the added feature of a sail, then sticking with a Northeaster dory, Eastport Nesting Pram, or Skerry might be right for you.

Some sailing rowboats might incorporate a motor, whether it is to be used for safety or speed. Regardless of how you use it, it could affect the overall performance of the boat.

Price ranges might be one of the biggest factors in some sailors getting their hands on certain brands. While expensive does not necessarily mean the best, there are quality options to consider when looking for the best sailing rowboat, such as comfort and luxury.

The dinghies or smaller sailing rowboats are going to be the cheapest options. If you can build them yourself, you can actually save a few thousand dollars.

Sailing experience is another thing to keep in mind before jumping into a boat like the Norseboat 21.5. If you have little to no experience, you might want to consider a smaller boat or something a little easier to operate.

Should You Build or Buy Completed?

There is nothing wrong with choosing a smaller, cheaper dinghy to get things started. This way you can learn the basics of sailing and understand how to use the sail but also incorporate rowing without breaking the bank.

If you want to save money, one of the best things you can do is order the build kits online and construct them yourself. They have building plans that you can follow and some only take roughly a week to put together depending on the size.

Building your own sailing rowboat from a kit can be a lifelong rewarding experience. As long as you have a basic understanding of common tools and can follow instructions, you can put together these boats.

If you like a specific brand but do not want to order their kit, most will have their build available for purchase. Just keep in mind that you will have to source all of the materials yourself and it could potentially take longer to find everything you need.

With that being said, you are likely limited to what size you can put together yourself. Unless you are more experienced in building boats, you might not be able to put together some of the bigger sailing rowboats.

Whichever method you choose, the biggest difference between buying or building is time. Of course the money is a large factor, but time building could be several weeks if you are dealing with a complicated build.

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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• 8′ Nisqually

“The low-maintenance Nisqually, a capable rower, sailer, and powerboat, is a true multipurpose dinghy.”

– cruising world.

The Nisqually was developed in response to customer demand for a lightweight 8’ boat that has good rowing qualities, sails like a champ, motors 8 knots with a 2 h.p. outboard, and safely carries 3 people and a dog. In addition, they wanted it to look like a boat, not a barge. That is a lot to ask of a very small boat, but we have the answer.

The 8′ Nisqually does all of the above. Its heritage comes from the lines of our 12’ Point Defiance, and it offers remarkable versatility. An excellent yacht tender, it is small and light enough to be mounted on a transom swim-step, or tracks nicely towed behind a larger boat. For standalone day trips it can be car topped, or even mounted on the back of an RV!

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” My father purchased an 8′ dinghy from you in 1991. I still remember standing in your shop the day we picked it up. Our ski boat is long gone — but that little rowboat is still going strong. I originally loved it because it’s the fastest rowboat I’ve ever seen. I love it now because it has held up beautifully after 15 years of fishing and duck hunting. I have only washed it once and it still looks new! You make a great boat!!! ”

An RV-mounted dinghy!?

5th wheel trailers tow great and have lots of space, but you can’t tow a boat behind one. Our founders Dave & Janet Robertson came up with a unique solution that became the talk of the RV town . . . 

Video: Comparing Yacht Tenders

Not sure which of our yacht tenders is right for you? Our founder Dave Robertson explains the differences and how to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Imagining your ideal boat?

Explore more boats.

The Heritage 18

Which heritage 18 is best for you.

• Heritage 18 Classic
• Heritage 18 Carbon
• Heritage 18 Guide Boat

Versatility to fit your lifestyle.  A larger version of the Heritage 15, the Heritage 18 is a slightly more stable row boat than its smaller sibling. Its larger carrying capacity makes it suited to family trips. All of our rowboats are crafted using hand-laid fiberglass. She is incredibly dry and at home in any waters. Just ask David Bean, who rowed a Heritage the entire coast line of Texas. Or ask the man who rowed his heritage completely across the Baltic Sea from Sweden to Germany.  

Thanks to our Patented folding rigger, set up and launching is a breeze. Slide your Heritage off the dock, push off, swing out the rigger and go. It’s that simple! Fold the rigger all the way in and it serves as a handle for lowering yourself in and out of the boat.

The Magic of Design

We have been designing racing shells for 30 years, and know sliding seat and light-weight technology. Our design thinking is simple: “Exercise should be Inspirational.” Make this skiff wide enough to stand, and no wider. Make her sides tall enough to be dry, but not so tall the wind blows you over. Make her as light and tough as possible.

The Heritage Size Models

The Heritage comes in three sizes, the  Heritage 12 , the  Heritage 15  and the Heritage 18. The Heritage 15 and the Heritage 18 can be rigged to row as a single or a double station. The difference is that the Heritage 15 is a lighter launch, and thus easier to handle, while the Heritage 18 has a longer water line, and thus a better rowing double. Which row boat is best for you? If you will be rowing mostly as a single, the 15 is probably best. If you plan to row mostly as a double (and occasionally as a single) then the 18 is your best bet. The Heritage 12 comes as a single only, but can carry passengers. It is a good choice where space is a concern, or weight, or to use as a tender to a big boat.

Specifications and Features

• Drop-in Unit row station
• Ideal for car-topping
• Stable enough to stand in and cast a fishing pole
• Black or white rails
• Available as single or double

Specifications

• Length: 17′ 8″
• *Pick-up Weight: 110 lbs. Single, 125 lbs. Double
• Freeboard amidships: 17″
• Draws: 3-4″
• Carrying Capacity 550 lbs. *Pick up weight equals boat without Monorails, or what you would normally pick up on your car. Monorails weigh 16 lbs and arms weigh 3lbs a pair:

The Heritage 18 Carbon  is now available as a  Single or Double , with an ultra light carbon hull and deck that weighs as little as  84 pounds . It’s ideal for those car topping and portaging. This is a refined, detailed high-tech rowing craft. It is our marquis adventure craft.

5 years in the research and development, we quietly made and sold these Carbon marvels all 2011, but did not advertise to get a year’s open market feedback. The reports are in and all amazing.

The Heritage Carbon 18 is ideal for car topping , portaging, open water racing, or simply giving yourself the best green healthy aquatic exercise known. This is a simple to use, stable, solid and beautiful vessel, ideal for double rowing and big/tall single rowing.

Like the Classic, it has a fully molded interior and Patented fold in riggers. This is our best gear, as in the Classic. It includes a comfortable passenger seating in the bow and stern. The bench is also carbon fiber, and is removable, as is the sliding seat monorail. (an Ultralight 5 pound monorail system is available as an option: includes our lightest weight Carbon seat with a high tech gel pad and ultralight foot rests). And when you order as

The riggers pop out instantly to make carrying on you vehicle a snap. There is a molded interior in the Carbon to add rigidity. Standard features include a forward storage locker, bow and stern eyes, molded in non-skid, patented Fold-in rigger system (this is the only system you can fold in with the oars installed– makes docking a breeze). Expect to be impressed in the quality, performance, ease of use. Equal in speed to a single rec-shell*, she delivers uncanny stability with speed.

• Standard fold-in riggers
• Hull and Deck high-tech carbon fiber build, including benches
• Massive Positive flotation means self-rescuing capable
• Black or white rails, or optional teak trim
• Available as Single or Double. Double comes standard with conversion kit to balanced single
• 2 Year “bumper to bumper” Warranty, standard factory 2 yr limited warranty include
• Length 17’8″ or 5.38 m
• Width 40″ or 101.6 cm
• Ultralight Carbon Hull 84 lbs. Base Single
• 89 lbs. Base Double
• Carrying Capacity 560 lbs.

Newest to our Heritage line is the Guideboat It is built with the same integrity as the classic Heritage, but sold at a more economical price. It is also lighter weight at about 75 pounds.

Newest to our Heritage line is the Guideboat It is built on the same acclaimed hull shape and design as the Classic Heritage, but sold at a more economical price. This is a single skin boat, which means it is made from a hull mold only, similar to a canoe. The inside has a gel coat finish. The Heritage hull is famous for its stability. One can even stand in it and cast a fishing pole.

Speed wise, the Heritage is certainly the fastest traditional design that can claim the ability to stand in. How fast is that? Between 25 and 30 feet per stroke. It’s inspiring. A recent client spent 4 months using his Heritage 12 as a tender and clocked between 4mph and 6.2 mph on his GPS. That’s the 12 footer! Whether in a 15 or an 18, the Guideboat can be purchased as a single or a double. If you order the boat as a single, it can later be retrofitted into a double by ordering the seeking rowing station and adding the mounting brackets.

The benches are wood for a touch of tradition without overwhelming maintenance. The sliding seat monorail sets on top of the bench just as in the Classic. One may remove the slider (or order it without a slide) to row in the traditional fixed seat way. For and aft are built in passenger seats, which function as the flotation compartments as well. The rigger design is fixed in the outboard position as in a shell. Top of the line Concept II oarlocks are standard.

• Length 17′ 8″ or 5.38m
• Hull Weight aprox. 75lbs.

Shop Heritage 18

Heritage 18 Carbon Double

Heritage 18 Carbon Single

Heritage 18 Classic Double

Heritage 18 Classic Single

Heritage 18 Double Guideboat

Heritage 18 Single Guideboat

Shop heritage accessories.

Additional Storage Compartment

Big Wheeled Dolly

Build Package for In-Water Storage

Carbon Fiber Oars

Gel Seat Pad

Hardbar Rack

Heavy Duty Sling Dolly

Heritage Cover

Heritage Seat

Keel Skid Plate

Motor Mount

Oar Cover Set

Princess Passenger Seat

Rack system straps only.

Rod Holders

Seat Cover – Foam

SUV or CAR Kit

Teak Bench Slat

Ultra Rearview Mirror

Ultralight oars.

Versatility 

As an exercise rower, she is much better than traditional dinghies, due to her advanced hull shape, light weight, and stiffness. Women often choose the Heritage 12 as a boat that just “fits” better. When used for sliding seat, men seem to prefer the famous glide of the Heritage 15 or 18. But, when there are space limitations, the 12 is perfect. All 3 are stable, allowing the rower to stand. The 12 Yacht Tender is a better “family” sailing version as it carries a smaller, single sail. The 15 and 18 are more high performance with 2 sails.

We’ve built in an enormous amount of safety flotation, much like an inflatable raft has. The entire gunwale is shaped like a large horseshoe, all Coast Guard Certified air chamber flotation. An inflatable has this tube on the outside because it must be round to be made of fabric. We have placed the flotation in the inside and made it an appealing shape to the eye. No longer do yachtsmen need to settle for tenders that have forgotten form in the name of function. This is a romantic rowing craft much like that of which had graced the waters at the turn of the century.

Its timeless lapstrake hull, swooping sheer and wineglass stern give her classic good looks. This graceful craft will probably become a treasured family heirloom, thus: Heritage.

There is an optional second mounting station (for the sliding seat monorail) for those who wish to better relocate weight in the boat when passengers are aboard. The floor is non-skid, and there are over-sized lifting rings, bow and stern, for davits. New for yachtsmen is an optional all white gunwale, so there won’t be any chance of scuff marks against your main vessel.

What’s Her Best Feature?

Versatility to fit your lifestyle. Take a partner, or pile in the kids. Row hard or just sail. Clamp on a two-horsepower motor. Pack a lunch and go exploring. Strap it on the car for summer vacation.

Built with a wider hull than rowing shells, the Heritage is terrifically stable. This allows the rower to stand while launching or even at sea. One can even stand and cast a fishing pole. The Heritage also has a prominent bow enabling it to charge into the roughest seas. The deep-tracking keel and high stern will thrill you as you surf down sea. This is the first truly “ocean-capable” sliding-seat rowing craft. No more waiting for calm weather to row!

The sail/row design is well thought out so you may do both at once: row out, then sail home. Everything is cleanly designed to remove and re-attach instantly, even at sea.

Row Boat Types: Traditional vs. Modern Designs

Categories Boating

Rowing is an excellent exercise that provides numerous health benefits and is a fun activity enjoyed by many. There are different types of row boats, and choosing the right one for your needs is crucial to maximizing your enjoyment on the water. In this article, we’ll discuss the different row boat types, their unique features, and what they’re best suited for.

What is a Row Boat

A rowboat is a boat that has oars and rows instead of using an engine or motor. These boats are used for fishing, hunting, racing, water skiing, and other activities. A rowboat is made of wood and has an aluminum or wooden frame. The outside is covered with fiberglass, plastic, or canvas. Fiberglass is a type of hard plastic that resists

Depending on what you’re looking for, there are a few different types of rowing boats. For example, there’s the racing shell, which is designed for speed and low impact. Then there’s the touring boat, which is perfect for leisurely activities and can handle a variety of water surfaces. Finally, if you want to do some fishing or take the dog out for a row, consider getting a flat-bottom row boat–they’re versatile and easy to operate.

History of Row Boats

For centuries, rowboats have been used for transportation, fishing, and leisure activities. The history of row boats can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were used for transportation and trade along the Nile River.

In ancient Greece and Rome, row boats were used for transportation, military purposes, and recreation. They were often adorned with elaborate decorations and used in competitions and races.

During the Middle Ages, row boats were used for fishing, transportation, and trade throughout Europe. They were often made from wood and were powered by oars or sails.

In the 19th century, row boats became popular among wealthy individuals for leisure activities such as rowing and picnicking. They were often decorated with intricate designs and used in regattas and races.

The invention of the steam engine in the 19th century led to the development of steam-powered row boats used for transportation and trade along rivers and canals.

In the 20th century, row boats became more accessible to the general public by introducing fiberglass and other lightweight materials. Today, row boats are used for various purposes, including fishing, recreation, and competitive rowing.

Types of Row Boats

1. recreational row boats, classic row boats.

Classic row boats are elegant, traditional boats with a timeless design that never goes out of style. These boats are usually made of wood, and their construction involves a lot of handiwork, which makes them quite expensive. Classic row boats are not designed for speed or racing; they are perfect for leisurely rowing in calm waters. They are suitable for couples or small groups and are ideal for romantic outings or sunset cruises.

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats that can be rowed or propelled with an outboard motor. They are ideal for short trips and are perfect for beginners. Dinghies are easy to maneuver and can be used for fishing, exploring, or just enjoying the scenery. They are also great for children to learn rowing and can be towed behind a larger boat.

Skiffs are flat-bottomed boats with a pointed bow and stern, making them ideal for fishing in shallow waters. They are designed for stability and carry much gear, making them perfect for fishing trips or exploring small bays and estuaries. Skiffs can be rowed or powered by an outboard motor, making them versatile.

2. Racing Row Boats

Sculling boats.

Sculling boats are designed for racing and have two oars per rower. They are long, narrow, with a pointed bow and stern, and lightweight for maximum speed. Sculling boats can be used for both single-person and team racing and are prevalent in high school and collegiate rowing competitions.

Sweep Boats

Sweep boats are designed for team racing and have one oar per rower. They are longer than sculling boats and can carry more rowers, making them ideal for team competitions. Sweep boats have a coxswain who steers the boat and provides motivation for the rowers.

3. Fishing Row Boats

Fishing row boats are designed for anglers and have features such as rod holders, built-in coolers, and live wells for bait. They are usually wider and more stable than other row boats, making them ideal for casting and reeling in fish. Oars or an outboard motor can propel fishing row boats and are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

4. Touring Row Boats

Expedition row boats.

Expedition row boats are designed for long-distance rowing and can carry a lot of gear. They are usually made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and are streamlined for maximum efficiency. Expedition row boats are ideal for adventurers who want to explore vast water bodies such as lakes and rivers or even cross oceans.

Folding Row Boats

Folding row boats are portable boats that can be easily transported in a car trunk or backpack. They are made of lightweight materials such as aluminum or PVC and can be assembled quickly. Folding row boats are ideal for travelers who want to explore new waterways but do not have the space or means to transport a traditional row boat.

Recreational Touring Boats

Recreational touring boats are versatile boats designed for exploring various water bodies. They are wider and more stable than expedition row boats, making them perfect for casual outings with friends and family. Recreational touring boats are often made of fiberglass or plastic and can be propelled by oars or an outboard motor.

Safety Tips on a Rowboat

When you’re on a row boat, follow these safety tips :

• Always wear a life jacket. They’re accommodating if you fall overboard because they’ll keep your head above water.
• Ensure the boat is in good condition before going out on it.
• Ensure you know how to swim before going out on a row boat. If the boat capsizes, ensure you can get back into it or stay afloat until someone comes to help you.
• Never go out on the boat if it’s too windy.
• If you take a row boat out in the middle of the lake, ensure no rocks or other boats are in the way.
• If you’re going out on a row boat for an extended time, make sure that there is enough food and water with you.
• Make sure the life jackets are correctly fitted.
• Make sure that someone can always swim in the boat with you if you don’t know how to swim.
• Make sure you know how to row before going out in a rowboat.
• If you’re going out on a row boat, ensure you have someone who knows how to row.
• Ensure there are no dangerous animals in the water before going into the water.

What’s the difference between a Skiff and A Rowing Boat?

Skiffs and rowing boats are both types of boats, but they have different purposes. Skiffs are built and used for racing, whereas rowing boats can be “taken out in the local park.” The main difference between the two is that boats are more expensive and require more maintenance than rowing boats.

Rowing is a type of rowing where athletes row across the water with one oar each. This sport has been around for centuries and is popular in many countries worldwide. U.S. schools and colleges will sometimes refer to the sport of rowing as crew, which is also used in nautical terms for people who operate a boat.

Rowing has traditionally been a sport focused on the arms and legs but can now include many other body parts. This makes the sport more challenging and fun! For example, you may use your back or abdominal muscles to help power your stroke while rowing.

What is the difference between sculling and sweep boats?

Sculling boats have two oars per rower, while sweep boats have one oar per rower.

Can I use a fishing row boat for racing?

Fishing row boats are not designed for racing and may not perform well in competitive settings.

How do I know what size row boat to buy?

Consider the size and weight of the boat and whether it can be easily transported on your vehicle, as well as your intended use.

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You need a dinghy; why not one that can save your life?

You’re free to have fun on the water when you, your family, and your crew are safe. Portland Pudgy, Inc has re-imagined the dinghy in the context of safety at sea, and come up with something really new. A rugged, unsinkable dinghy you can row, motor, sail , and even use as a lifeboat. The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy makes boating even more fun, by making it safer.

The sail kit makes your Portland Pudgy a fun, safe sailing dinghy. The stability and buoyancy designed into the Portland Pudgy make it safe and sea-friendly as a recreational sailing dinghy for the whole family. The Pudgy takes surprisingly rugged seas and wind for a boat its size…

The Portland Pudgy is a rugged, unsinkable self-rescue boat, even without the inflatable exposure canopy and other survival gear. With the canopy and sail, the Portland Pudgy is a dynamic lifeboat. Unlike inflatable life rafts, the Pudgy can’t deflate, and you can sail, row, or motor to safety…

What is the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy?

The Portland Pudgy is a multifunction boat that was designed as a yacht tender and unsinkable, dynamic lifeboat for blue water sailors that can be sailed to safety. The resulting stability, buoyancy, ruggedness, roominess, and “unsinkability” designed into the Portland Pudgy make it unparalleled as an everyday tender, a safe and sea-friendly sailing dinghy, and a great all-around rowboat/motorboat. The Pudgy is a self-contained unit: all accessories, including the oars, sail kit, and exposure canopy, stow within the storage space in double hull of the boat with room to spare.

Recreational Small Boat for Sailing, Fishing, Hunting, Diving

Unlike inflatable boats, the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is a joy to row. It can be rigged out as a fun sailing dinghy. It’s a safe and fun recreational sailing dinghy for the whole family. It’s stable and difficult to capsize, but if you manage to, it’s very easy to right, and comes up dry. No need to wait for rescue (as with some recreational sailing dinghies, like the Opti). The entire sail kit stows neatly out of the way in the interior of the double hull (rudder and leeboards under seats). Because the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is so stable, rugged, and tracks so well when rowed or motored, it’s also a great fishing boat or duck hunting boat, and a great platform for nature photography and diving. See Sailing Dinghy.

Self-Contained Unit

All of the accessories, oars, sail kit (including telescoping mast and boom), inflatable exposure canopy, sea anchor, ditch bag, provisions, and more, can be stowed within the boat via the five watertight hatches.  This is very convenient in your everyday dinghy or sailing dink.  It’s an extremely important safety feature of the Portland Pudgy lifeboat. All of your equipment is there in an emergency.

Dynamic Lifeboat

The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is a self-rescue boat, even without the optional inflatable exposure canopy and other survival gear. With the exposure canopy, sea anchor, and sail kit, the Portland Pudgy is an unsinkable, dynamic lifeboat. Unlike inflatable life rafts, the Pudgy cannot deflate, and you can sail, row, or motor this rugged self-rescue boat to shipping lanes or land.

Everyday Yacht Tender, Rowboat, Motorboat, Rugged Workboat

The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is the safest, most rugged yacht tender on the market to row, motor, tow and carry. It tracks perfectly and moves along nicely with a small motor. The Pudgy is extremely buoyant and has huge carrying capacity, both in the roomy cockpit and inside the storage compartments in the double hull. The Portland Pudgy (7′ 8″, 128 lb., USCG-approved as a rowboat and motorboat for 4 people) is designed and manufactured (in the USA) to be an exceptionally rugged, stable, unsinkable boat. Its pram shape allows it to fit on the deck of many cruising sailboats. This small boat is so stable you can stand up and walk around in it. The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy has all the benefits of inflatable boats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), without the risk of deflation. There is no need for an unsightly, expensive, and deflation-prone RID kit (“dinghy dogs”) with the Pudgy: it’s an unsinkable boat, with built-in buoyancy. See Yacht Tender/Dinghy.

Live-aboards  Teresa Carey and Ben Erickson Carey  sent us this wonderful video about their Portland Pudgy. Lots of great sailing shots.  Deliberately flipping the Pudgy (:33) and then easily righting it (2:00). Inflating the exposure canopy using the alternative method (hand pump) and using it as a dodger (1:15). Sleeping in the Pudgy. Lots of shots that show how stable and roomy it is. And lots just showing what a fun little boat it is.

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6 Different Types of Row Boats

Posted on Published: April 23, 2022  - Last updated: June 13, 2022

There are two categories of rowing boats, crew/sweeping and sculling, and three types of rowing boats to choose from based on the type of activity you’re looking to embark on. The three kinds of rowing boats also known as shells are open water shells, flat water shells, and traditional skiffs. 

What began as a mode of transit in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece has evolved into one of the most popular sports in the United States: rowing. Many colleges and universities still participate in competitive rowing because it is the country’s first team sport.

Rowers can now compete as individuals or as part of crews of two, four, or maybe even eight. Also, rowing became the first American sport that was governed by a national organization. In this article, we’ll discuss the various types and categories of rowboats .

Related to: 20 Different Types of Fishing Boats (Small, Mid-Sized and Large Options)

Categories of Rowing Boats

Types of crew boats.

Rowing teams can employ a variety of boats, including the following:

Coxless pair

This boat has two rowers outfitted with oars on the left and right sides, each with one oar apiece. There is no coxswain, in this case, so the rudder is attached to the boat through cables.

There are two rowers in this coxed pair; however, the coxswain directs the athletes and steers the boat using cables.

Coxless four

This shell contains four rowers, including one oar apiece, two on each side of the boat. A rower is normally responsible for steering the boat because there is no coxswain on board.

A coxswain steers the boat with the help of four rowers, each of whom possesses a single oar.

Coxed Eight

A coxswain steers an eight-person rowing shell with four oars on each side.

Boats Used For Sculling

In sculling, athletes use two oars, referred to as sculls, rather than one, and there are specialized boats for this type of rowing. There are several different types:

Single Scull

As the name suggests, a single-scull boat holds one rower who steers the vessel by manipulating the pressure exerted on its blades by adjusting the amount of force exerted on each scull.

Double Scull

Two individuals, each with two sculls, maneuver the boat by using an identical strategy in a “double scull,” which is also called the “double or 2x.”

Coxed and Coxless Quad

Four-person sculling boats such as the coxless as well as coxed quads are available. When rowing a coxed quad, the coxswain steers the boat while the crew steers a coxless quad using their feet.

The coxed quad is normally reserved for novices and youngsters in the sport of rowing.

Octuple Scull

Typically used by novice rowers, the Octuple Scull is one of the rarest boats. There are eight rowers in this boat, which all come with a cox.

Types of Rowing Boats

Flat water shells.

Solely on steady and smooth water, rowing boat enthusiasts can use their flatwater racing shells to their full potential. For experienced rowers, they’re the finest choice. For the sake of speed, these vessels give up everything.

They are extremely light, extremely narrow, and extremely long (usually a single is 27 feet), rendering them quite difficult to spin. They use outriggers and sliding seats, which are frequently part of the boat itself. Sculls are another name for these boats.

Open Water Shells

Using open water shells for workouts is a lot of fun. When matched with flat water shells, you can utilize these shells in rougher waters. Rowing these boats is a blast because they’re small, light, and speedy.

In terms of recreational shells, a closer study reveals a wide range of designs, from relatively stable, slow models to newer designs with 24-foot-plus lengths, and 12 to 14-inch maximum waterline beams.

Their weights range between 31.5 and 40 pounds, and they’re made of kevlar, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. A real long-distance race on the ocean requires a good sculling strategy.

However, these modern designs can handle tough conditions. It is no longer “recreational” rowing, but “open water” rowing as a result of these performance attributes becoming the norm.

Are these open water shells being used by anyone in particular? There are a lot of “leisure rowers” out there who would like to get out on the river and get some exercise.

You can also get competitions when there are two or more people out there willing to challenge themselves to the limit.

Moreover, these shells are especially suitable for endurance competitions where the routes are recorded in miles (between 5 and 30 +) instead of meters, and even where stroke frequencies, as well as speeds, are a little less, to handle the greater range.

Traditional Skiffs

This type of skiff is best suited to novices and those who wish to enjoy the sport of rowing for recreational purposes. They’re dependable and secure in their position.

Rowboats for Touring

The term “gentleman’s rowboat refers to a light-built boat designed for recreational rowing. Touring rowboats are now the norm. Smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than a traditional rowing skiff.

In the earlier days, the oarlocks were fastened to the gunwales; today, they are attached to the outriggers of the boat with sliding seat rigs. This enables the use of relatively long oars because of the sliding seat’s longer hand reach.

They are also referred to as wherries, skiffs, and towing vessels.

Rowboats for Work

Boats with oar locks situated on the gunwales are designed to carry high loads and are typically broad-beamed (referred to as oar-on-gunwale rowing).

Rowboats with one or two oarsmen, each utilizing two oars, are common in smaller traditional rowboats (one in each hand). Skiffs, dories, dinghies, and yacht tenders are a few examples of this type of vessel.

Skiff and Dory were originally two distinct terms for flat-bottomed boats, with the bottom boards extending lengthwise and across, but both phrases have lost their significance through time and now nearly any small boat can be termed a dory or perhaps a skiff.

In these boats, the oarlocks are separated by about 4½ feet at the gunwales so that the oarsman can sit on the midline of the boat while rowing.

The average length of the oars is 7½ feet. Rowing boats with multiple oarsmen use one oar gripped by each oarsman with both hands. Whaleboats and concerts are two examples.

Every pair of oarsmen on a whaleboat had one oar to work with, and the vessels were 28 feet long as well as 6 feet wide. The oars’ lengths range from 16 to 18 feet. Six oarsmen sit single file in 32-foot-long pilot gigs with a 4-1/2-foot beam.

When it comes to rowing, there’s no reason not to use oars instead of paddles. Large canoes were often rigged with oarlocks on the gunwales for rowing in the old days.

Traditional (facing the rear) sliding-seat setups for dual recreational canoes are occasionally equipped with outriggers to increase the distance between the oarlocks.

Flat Water Rowing Vs Open Water Rowing

Rowers have to constantly adapt their procedures in open water because of the constantly changing conditions. Because the water isn’t flat, your boat will continually be bouncing, causing your stroke to be inconsistent.

You’ll notice that when you’re rowing parallel to the wave, your oars will be at various heights from your hand.

For fitness as well as stroke skills, interior rowing equipment is a good option. Professionals, on the other hand, suggest that the only way of learning to row in open water is to practice innocent water.

A more powerful swing and arm action are employed when rowing in open water. In open-water rowing, the leg muscles are not as active as they are in flat-water rowing.

Compared to flat-water sculling boats, open-water boats are shorter, stronger, and have a wider hull to withstand the force of the surf.

When the water is calm, it still poses a threat. If your boat flips, keep your hand on the edge of the vessel so you don’t lose consciousness. Moreover, your oars won’t sink; they’ll float.

Finding the Right Rowing Boat

It is possible to grow in long, tapered canoes built of carbon fiber or composite materials at high speeds and with impressive glides. Boats are rowed with their crew members facing away from the boat’s path of movement on a rotating seat (a slide). The oars drive the boat forward.

Rowers have used a single oar when doing sweep rowing, as well as two oars for sculling, due to the type of rowing.

On a lake, river or the sea, people can carry out this activity.

There might or might not be a coxswain in a given boat and tournament (the person responsible for steering and heads of the crew and boat). We’ll go over the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a rowing boat in this tutorial.

Sculling vs Sweep Rowing

A boat can be moved over the water in one of two strategies. To move the boat, a rower can use one oar, a method called sweeping, or two oars known as sculling. It’s the most fundamental difference between both kinds of rowing.

The coxswain is the only significant distinction between the two styles of rowing. In a sweep boat, the coxswain is the individual who does not have an oar but is the race planner, pace-setter, and navigator of the boat.

If your child is considering a career as a coxswain, don’t worry. The coxswain’s duty is just as significant, or maybe even more than the rowers’ role.

What to Look for When Choosing a Row Boat

There are several important factors to take into account while looking for the ideal rowing boat that meets your needs.

The kind of rowing movement you’ll be participating in, whether it’s a competition or a recreational one, as well as whether you’ll be rowing in seawater or calm lake water, will all play a role in the type of rowing boat you choose.

When purchasing a rowing boat, the most important factors to keep in mind are:

• A variety of vessels suited to a various uses
• Sweep or sculling rowing
• The number of people expected to board the vessel
• A hull’s material

Sculling or Sweeping: Which Is Better For You?

For sculling or sweeping purposes, a rowing boat has one, two, four, or eight seats, depending on how many people are in the boat. Sculling and sweep rowing are the two most common types of rowing. Scullers are rowers who use two oars, one on each side.

Sweep rowers are those who only use one oar at a time. Sculling is divided into three categories: single (1x), double (2x), as well as a quad (4x) (four people). One-oared rowing sweep boats might or might not have a coxswain’s seat.

Besides steering, this individual can be an on-the-water instructor as well. In rowboats with no coxswains, the rudder is moved by one of the rowers’ feet.

Sweeping rowers pair with a coxswain (2+) and pairs without a coxswain (2-). They also have four rows plus a coxswain (4+) as well as (4-). The last set is right rowers (8+) with a coxswain.

There are no other boats on the water faster than the eight that always have a coxswain in it. Men’s eights can reach speeds of about 14 mph when playing competitively.

Two oars (sculls) are used by each rower, one on each side (length = 3 m).

Sweeping: Each rower uses a single oar, which they hold with both hands.

Exactly How Many Seats Will You Need in Your Rowboat?

Depending on the number of rowers you’ll have, you’ll need to purchase a rowing boat that has enough seats.

There are a few terms to bear in mind when it comes to rowing boats with numerous rowers. The seats in the boat are used to identify the rowers. Seat No. 1, or the bow, is reserved for the rower in the front of the boat, who will be the first to finish.

The guy in front of the bow is number two, followed by number three, number four, number five, number six, and number seven.

The boat’s stroke must be a powerful rower with outstanding technique, as the stroke establishes the rhythm and the number of strokes per minute that the other crew members must follow.

What Kind Of Rowing Boat Hull Material Should You Use?

With the lightest, thinnest boats feasible used in rowing comes a challenge for resilience that can only be overcome by the precise coordination of all the crew members’ movements.

A rowing boat’s performance is influenced by its lightness and rigidity, which necessitates the use of high-technology materials (kevlar, and carbon fiber, among other varieties of blended materials).

Wood and composite are the primary building materials used in the construction of rowing boats.

Compared to Kevlar Composites (carbon fiber, etc.), wood is the most costly but very rigid.

more robust and manageable in terms of maintenance and portability

Factors Affecting Rowboat Design

There have been hundreds of years of trial and error to perfect the traditional rowboat forms. Among the things to think about are the following: waterline beam width and length, the fullness or fineness of the ends, and trimming.

Compromises must be made when designing a product.

Height and width

An unsteady boat with a narrow waterline beam puts its passengers at risk of slipping overboard, while an unsteady boat with a wide waterline beam is more resistant to waves. Beam (width) is a critical consideration.

The oars will be difficult to handle if the rowlocks are too close together. Rowing will be inefficient if the rowlocks are too far apart, wasting a rower’s work if the boat is too large.

For rowboats that are narrow and quick in sheltered waters, outriggers may be installed to help separate the rowlocks.

If the freeboard (the height of the gunwale above the waterline) is too high, the boat will be caught by the wind and the rower will not be able to manage the boat in high winds because of the excessive windage.

To prevent flooding, make sure your freeboard is as high as possible. Only one rowing position is needed if the boat is made for a single person. Having a person in the back of the boat will cause the boat to be stern heavy, resulting in a skewed trim.

The rowing boat’s length must strike a balance between two elements that have an impact on its speed. Having a boat that is too short will limit the boat’s speed. Friction and wet surface area increase with increased boat length.

Therefore, a minimum length of 16 feet is recommended. To balance a boat that is longer than the recommended length can be challenging, even if the boat is quicker than the recommended speed.

A weight can be placed on the bow of the rowboat to provide the necessary breadth and height, or the boat can provide a second rowing position further forward. Because of the rowboat’s weight , there are certain advantages and disadvantages.

As soon as the oar stroke is over, a very light boat will begin to slow down. A heavier boat, on the other hand, is more likely to keep moving forward. Compared to traditional clinker-built rowboats, modern rowboats are significantly lighter.

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NorseBoats are hand-crafted sailing and rowing boats with classic lines and high performance. They are fast, fun and easy to use under sail or oar. Their versatility and innovative features have earned them the reputation of the Swiss army knife of boats!

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Classic Whitehall Spirit® 17 Traditional Fixed Seat Rowboat

For centuries Whitehall rowboats were the fastest boats on the water before the introduction of gasoline engines.

17′ (5 m) was a preferred size, easily handled by one person and able to carry 4 or 5 people. Whitehall boats were rowed by everyone from harbour police to water taxis in New York, Boston, and San Francisco. The History of the Whitehall rowboat tells the story of the Whitehall rowboat.

The Classic Whitehall Spirit®️ 17 traditional fixed seat model is a great personal or family rowboat, picnic boat, touring boat, or fishing boat. The Whitehall Spirit® 17 is also available as a Double Position Slide Seat Sculling Boat , Sailing Model , or the fully loaded Whitehall Spirit® 17 Expedition combining rowing, sculling, and sailing, into one extraordinary boat.

This traditional rowing model has three fixed-seat rowing stations with on-the-gunnel bronze oarlocks. We stock traditional oars with Sitka spruce handles, leather collars, bronze oarlocks and carbon fiber shafts and blades.

The aft or center traditional fixed seats work best when rowing alone. It’s possible to have two or even three people rowing together. It cruises smoothly along at 4 to 6 knots (8 – 12K).

For tying to a dock add set of tie-up lines and fenders to your order.

An optional Solid Teak Floorboard is available.

The optional fully buoyant Ocean Tender Floor adds extra reserve buoyancy, great when the boat is used as a ships tender or shore boat. Pull the drain plug and the empty boat self-bails. Other factory options include a stainless-steel keel strip or a classy custom name on the transom

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Classic Whitehall Spirit® 17 Traditional Fixed Seat Rowboat with Optional Slide Seat Sculling Gear

Classic Whitehall Spirit® 17 Traditional Fixed Seat Rowboat with Optional Ocean Tender Floor and Slide Seat Sculling Gear and Sailing Model Options

Classic Whitehall Spirit® 17 Traditional Fixed Seat Rowboat with Optional Solid Teak Floor and Optional Slide Seat Sculling Gear

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