Forward rowing systems

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by hobieone, Mar 16, 2013.

  1. hobieone
    Joined: Mar 2013
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    Location: Australia

    hobieone hobieone

    Hi,
    I live in Australia and I'm been looking at the Forward Rowing systems available in the U.S. (the forward rowing system provides the ability to go forward rather than backwards using a rowing action).

    Does anyone have or use one that they can comment on?

    I currently do a fair bit of kayaking but would like to mix it up with rowing.

    Regards,
    hobieone
     
  2. upchurchmr
    Joined: Feb 2011
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    Location: Ft. Worth, Tx, USA

    upchurchmr Senior Member

    There have been several threads on fwd rowing. If you search you will find plenty.
     
  3. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    A friend of mine has one.

    He loves it.

    He's 84.

    Have you considered a pedal powered, propeller driven boat?
     
  4. hobieone
    Joined: Mar 2013
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    Location: Australia

    hobieone hobieone

    Tom's reply

    Hi Tom,

    Thanks for your reply.

    I have two hobies from the mirage range - Sport and Revolution but thought it would be good to mix it up with some rowing.

    I'm only aware of three forward rowing systems:
    1. Gig Harbor
    2. EZ-Row
    3. Front Rower - Ron Rantilla

    I don't think the EZ-Row is an option for me being made out of mild steel. I'll be in salt water.

    I'm keen to get actual users comments as I won't be able to try before I buy.

    Regards,
    hobieone
     
  5. upchurchmr
    Joined: Feb 2011
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    Location: Ft. Worth, Tx, USA

    upchurchmr Senior Member

  6. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    What about a sliding seat rower, flywheel, propeller drive.

    There's a great video of one on YouTube.

    The seat faces forward!

    I don't believe they are commercially available but you could build one.

    Does that interest you?
     
  7. hobieone
    Joined: Mar 2013
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    hobieone hobieone

    upchurchmr reply

    Hi upchurchmr,

    Thanks for the links. The information is appreciated.

    Regards,
    hobieone
     
  8. hobieone
    Joined: Mar 2013
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    hobieone hobieone

    self build

    Hi Tom,
    Good suggestion to build one.
    It may come to that.
    I'll keep you posted.

    Regards,
    hobieone
     
  9. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    That depends if that's what you want.

    Are you wanting to buy ready to row?

    Does a sliding seat interest you?

    Did you find the YouTube footage of the prop-rower I referred to?

    It doesn't look like you're going to find an answer to your original question on this forum.

    Have you tried a rowing forum?

    Perhaps a human powered boat forum would yield results.

    Let me know and we can go from there.
     
  10. hobieone
    Joined: Mar 2013
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    Location: Australia

    hobieone hobieone

    Hi Tom,
    Yes, should try some rowing forums and I'm probably not in any rush to buy.
    Daylight saving here is about to end shortly so I'll have less light after I get off work.
    Couldn't find the YouTube but think I am leaning toward a sliding seat - will be a bit different to the hobies.
    Regards,
    hobieone
     
  11. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    Thought I could find that video for you but no luck.

    I'll keep trying.

    It was a great rig.

    Forward facing, rowing machine basic set up, turning a prop.

    It's not as efficient as pedaling a prop but if you want rowing then it would be great.
     
  12. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    Hobieone,

    Personal Message me (left click on my name) if you'd like to continue this dialogue as I'm going to be leaving the forum.

    I can help you if you are interested.
     
    1 person likes this.
  13. Manfred.pech
    Joined: Apr 2010
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    Manfred.pech Senior Member

    Oh no, please do not leave.
     
  14. upchurchmr
    Joined: Feb 2011
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    Location: Ft. Worth, Tx, USA

    upchurchmr Senior Member

    Submarine,

    I'd be interested to know why.
     

  15. Boat Design Net Moderator
    Joined: Feb 2010
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    Boat Design Net Moderator Moderator

    Very sorry to lose you Submarine Tom, but wish you well in all your future endeavors.

    Unfortunately the dissatisfaction seems to have started when one of his posts was reported and subsequently removed which read, in its entirety:
    A polite PM was sent
    In any case, sorry you decided to leave Submarine Tom, and wish you well in your travels.
     
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