Wooden Row Boat
A row boat is one of the simplest, most versatile boat types. A small row boat is usually made of wood, with space for not more than 3-4 people, and usually, two oars. Row boats are extensively used in rivers and lakes; their use in open water bodies is limited due to their low seaworthiness.
A row boat is one of the simplest, most versatile boat types. A small row boat is usually made of wood, with space for not more than 3-4 people, and usually, two oars. Row boats are extensively used in rivers and lakes; their use in open water bodies is limited due to their low seaworthiness.
Row boats are one of the oldest boats in existence. The first boats were probably row boats, as they are easy to construct as well as steer. Although these days you can find row boats made of materials like fibreglass and aluminium, traditionally, small boats like row boats have been built using wood.
Wood is, to put it simply, one of the best materials for making a boat. Its natural properties of buoyancy and its waterproof nature make it an idea material for use on the water. Not to mention its rich, traditional feel lends a beautiful, austere yet elegant touch to boats. Besides, wood is also cheaply and easily available and can be moulded into virtually any shape with the help of modern equipment.
Wooden row boats can be purchased either directly from stores that specialize in outdoor and adventure equipment, or for those of you with a penchant for customizing your boats, from a specialized boat builder. The latter will cost you more, for obvious reasons, but the price is well worth it for the serious boat lovers.
If you are feeling adventurous, nothing would be better than sitting down with a boat design plan and making your own row boat from scratch. It’s easier than it might appear; the simple design of a row boat means that even a rookie boat maker can come up with something worthy of at least some respectability. You can easily find books on constructing row boats in your local book store or online. You should be handy with most carpenter’s tools, however, if you ever get involved with rowboat making.