The Boat
Boat Classifications and Details
Shell
Another term for a boat; specifically, a boat used in racing. Shells are primarily made of carbon fiber and fiberglass, with aluminum riggers.
Eight 8 sweep rowers | Four 4 sweep rowers | Pair 2 sweep rowers | Single 1 scull rower |
Oct 8 scull rowers | Straight Four 4 sweep rowers | Coxed Pair 2 sweep rowers | |
Quad 4 scull rowers | Double 2 scull rowers | ||
Coxless Quad 4 scull rowers |
Shell Size
Eight/Oct ~60' long | Four/Quad ~45' long | Pair/Double ~35' long | Single ~30' long |
Rower Shell Equipment
Blade The face of the oar that pushes against the water. | Back Stop A small block on the bow end of the slide, which holds the seat on track. | Foot Stretcher Part of the boat where the shoes are attached and where the rower pushes their legs on the drive. |
Oarlock Square latch to hold the oar and provide a fulcrum for the stroke against the rigger. | Slide The tracks in which the seat rolls. | |
Rigger An apparatus on the side of the boat to provide a fulcrum for the oar. | Front Stop A small block on the stern end of the slide, which holds the seat in place. |
Shell Storage Equipment
Sling A lightweight stand with fabric to hold boats in temporarily as | Rack Where boats are stored upside down for longer periods of time. |
Bow of the Shell
Bow
The front of the shell and first part of the shell to cross the finish line. Rowers sit with their backs to the bow. The coxswain sits facing the bow.
Bow Ball
For safety reasons, there is a rubber ball attached to the end of the bow. This is to protect the shell in case of collision.
Bow Coxed
When the coxswain is positioned in the bow with all of the rowers behind them. Usually the coxswain slides down into the bow deck. The advantage is that the weight of the coxswain is lower in the shell. This can be seen on Fours and Quads.
Middle of the Shell
Port | Starboard |
coxswain's left side | coxswain's right side |
Gunwale
The edge or lip of the shell that surrounds where rowers sit. This is where rowers will hold the shell when lifting and carrying it.
Stern of the Shell
Stern
The back of the shell and the last part of the shell to cross the finish line. Rowers sit facing the stern. The coxswain sits with their back to the stern.
Skeg
A fixed plastic/aluminum fin in the stern that is beneath boat and used for stabilization.
Rudder
Right behind the skeg, there is a small moveable piece of plastic/aluminum that angles port or starboard and will adjust the course of the shell accordingly. This is one of the responsibilities of the coxswain.
Stern Coxed
When the coxswain is positioned in the stern with all of the rowers facing them. Usually the coxswain is sitting more-or-less upright. The advantage is that the coxswain can better see around them and see how the rowers are doing. This is the most common position for a coxswain.