We have no idea what the actual percentage is, but our gut is that the majority of people buying rowing shells are either first time buyers, non-rowers (think: parents/equipment board members), or part-time rowing coaches who don’t have the luxury of buying lots of brand new equipment each year. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or not, choosing the right racing shell can be a stressful decision.
Set aside the fact that you’re talking about an expensive purchase, buying a new or used rowing shell is one of the most important decisions your team will make to ensure success on the water. Too many times, we see crews completely over-boated (to the point that it’s a detriment to their performance) because a purchase was made with all the right intentions, but without the appropriate education. Just like you shouldn’t buy a 2-door if you really need a minivan, there’s a right and wrong boat for every crew. And many times, that right boat isn’t the most expensive.
In an effort to help make buying a new or used racing shell easier, we’ve compiled a 12-page guide to help walk boat buyers through this process. It outlines all the questions you need to consider when weighing your buying options for both new and used rowing shells, plus has a handy check list to sum everything up. It also helps you understand what the different available options are, and what they mean for your rowing club. Also, it defines some of the jargon you’re going to encounter while shopping, so you’ll know exactly what the boat builder is talking about and you can confidently make the right purchase decision.
If you’re ready to tackle the boat buying process, we’d love to help you out. In addition to new Pococks, we always have an extensive inventory of used racing shells in a wide range of age, from many different boatbuilders.
Good luck!
Here are some other articles you might find helpful:
It’s Just a Fashion Show, Part II (The case for not buying a European boat)
Why Are We the Only Ones to Publish Prices?
Nine K4+’s Later (How Amherst College ended up with a boathouse full of Pococks)
The 86.6 Mile Row
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Hi there,
Are club lost our Pocock 4+ in the Flood of 2008. Would like to see if you have any good used shells in the Midwest.
We are located in Waterloo, Iowa and row weekly on the Cedar River. We loved are 1990 Club shell and had won many races with it. Please reply.
Thank you,
Paul Rottinghaus ( President of Waterloo Rowing Club)
Hi Paul, shoot me an email with the type of boat you want to replace (bow/stern cox, size, etc) and your budget and I’ll see what we have. Thanks! amy@pocock.com
I’m looking for a used single for recrereational (maybe some racing) on the Willamette in Portland.
Hi Laura, shoot us an email with some more information and we’ll see what we have that might suit you. We’d also recommend looking at the Bay 21 – it’s a great rec single that is lighter and faster than the other rec singles out there. It’s a great hybrid for someone who wants to row recreationally most of the time.
I am looking for a Bay 21 and have a few questions:
I will row almost exclusively on the Puget Sound and there is a strong current with frequently fairly rough water right in front of my house (Tacoma Narrows – Day Island). Is there anything to consider at time of purchase?
How important is it to store the boat inside? i can build a boathouse but accommodating 21’3″ is tougher. I would prefer to hang it outside on the side of the structure. Anything else to consider for storage and maintenance for longevity, etc.?
I weigh 145 pounds and have rowed millions of meters on the erg but only 100s years ago on a scull. Anything I should know or consider before purchase?
What are the odds of finding a used shell that will work for my weight and needs? I would prefer a used Bay 21 – which is the shell I assume would be best for me.
Hi Mark – reach out to Bayshells, they can help answer your questions!
http://www.bayshellsrowing.com