Ocean row boat designs

[Archive]

I am looking for information on any one who has design plans for an ocean row boat.
Peter "Spud" Rowsell and Phil Morrison make one but is not available to the public.
Thanks for any leads.

 

[Archive]

I'm not sure whether you mean beach launched row boats or transoceanic iron-man rowboats. If you are looking for the former, and haven't already seen them, you need to check out all of John Gardner's books (not just the "Dory Book". As you know, Gardner cataloged numerous traditional working ocean rowing craft during his long career. His books give lines for all the boats - and complete plans for the dories. Most of his book are available on line, but I think the best place to start is at the Mystic Seaport Museum web site. (I believe that is where he was working when he died.) The Museum sells plans for many of the classic craft which Gardner cataloged and drew up. Gardner's books have several types of working surfboats including the SeaBright Skiff.
I myself have a fiberglass version of one of the boats Gardner cataloged. It is a 16 ft. Swampscott dory which I launch off the S.C beach for fishing. The Swampscott dory has met my expectations as a decent surfboat with stability adequate for fishing. To date the largest thing I have caught from the dory (launched from the beach, through the surf) was a 6 ft. black tip shark. That shark towed the dory around a bit, but was easy enough to deal with once brough along side.

 

[Archive]

You might want to check out Dovekie, a Phil Bolger row/sail design built by Eddy & Duff in southern Massachusetts

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Stephen Ditmore
New York

 

[gnioco]

Hello, I am a newcomer on the boatdesign forum.
I am searching for a design of a ocean rowing boat (Phil Morrison or other). I was unable to find anything on the internet (nor opensource or to purchase).

Any help appreciated.
Thank you
Kind regards, _Nejc

 

[RHP]

Take a look at: http://www.oceanrowing.com/index.htm

and email your question. The original Roswell boat was sold as a set of plans + kit so am sure the same plans are still available. Secondhand plywood boats are also available and some are very cheap if found independently as preferences have now moved towards grp and carbon however for a budget row, a well refitted plywood boat would still be very suitable. If you get stuck then a good builder: http://www.rossiteryachts.co.uk/

There are also a number of previous threads: http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/question-regarding-ocean-rowing-boats-42563.html

also look at: http://www.apearlinthestorm.com/boat_specs.html

 

[gnioco]

Thank you for your reply,
I send them (oceanrowing.com) an email, and waiting for their answer.

Regards,
Nejc

 

[Packet]

Ocean rowing boats

We at Rossiters do build ocean rowing boats from solo to 8 man boats. If you were just after a design to build yourself it is probably something you would have to commission as plans owned by builders aren't really for sale. There are a couple of very good naval architects that have designed ocean rowing boats before I can put you in touch with.
All the best

 

[gonzo]

You need to define what the use of the boat will be. Commercial use boats are very different than the ones that drift downwind on the races. Commercial boats have good overall performance. Ocean race boats only do well drifting downwind.

 

[gnioco]

Hi,

Thank you for answers. Basically I am searching a design for a 1 man ocean rowing boat. The boat has to be self-righting, lightweight, .... The plan is to build a purpose boat to cross the Atlantic ocean (Canaries -> Caribbean). No commercializing ambitions, and race winnings...only fulfilling personal dreams and desires. Of course someone will say - buy a used boat. But I want to build one, since I have skills and time. Boat will be build in foam / fiberglass sandwich method. I dont have any problem with the big, catching wind cabin (Open class design), at most, I would prefer that design.

Basically I dont have the idea how much would cost the design. I am open for offers.

Thank you in advance,
Kind regards,
Nejc

 

[RHP]

You need to define what the use of the boat will be. Commercial use boats are very different than the ones that drift downwind on the races. Commercial boats have good overall performance. Ocean race boats only do well drifting downwind.

Gonzo, do you know of a more reasonably sized design for coastal rowing? I would like a physical challenge so I don't really want a lightweight shell style boat preferring something heavier whilst waiting for the kids to leave home.....
Thanks
Richard

 

[gonzo]

Something like this:
http://www.cruisingonstrider.us/Whitehall.htm

 

[bregalad]

@RHP -
I would suggest you read Rowing to Latitude by Jill Fredston.
She and her husband rowed tens of thousands of miles in boats more closely resembling performance rowing/paddling boats than the much more burdensome craft necessary to carry the months of provisions required for an ocean crossing.

After Colin and Julie Angus had rowed from Portugal to Costa Rica in a typical transoceanic rowing craft, they designed and built much more agile boats for their row - cycle trip from Scotland to Syria.

Ocean crossing rowboats are often in great peril in proximity to land where maneuverability is a necessity.

 

[RHP]

Gonzo, Bregalad, many thanks indeed, you are both gentlemen.

 

[graywolf]

Weren't those perfected in Norway about a thousand years ago?

Actually, I guess, while the Viking Long Ship catches the imagination, the shorter wider cargo ships probably were what was used for long ocean voyages. I believe they were sail dependent for more than short distances.