Expedition Rowboat Kits Now Available
We’ve moved to a new location in Victoria, BC. As we’ve been expanding inventory and [caption id="attachment_2041" align="alignright" width="300"]
Our Expedition Rowboats are available in Kit form. These versatile craft are at home on the Thames or the Northwest Passage[/caption]
further developing kits and boats, we decided it was time to move up to a larger shop. We have also relocated geographically 2.5 hours south from Comox to Victoria on the south end of Vancouver Island. Victoria is the rowing hub of western Canada, so it seemed like an ideal location for Angus Rowboats.
Needless to say, the last couple of months have been pretty busy. We have, however, finally developed our kits for the Expedition Rowboat, and are excited now to be able to offer this boat as both plans and in kit form. Developing kits is a long complicated process, and attention to detail is paramount. The vessel is comprised of more than 75 intricately shaped pieces of wood. Each shape needs to be made as a Cad file so it can be cut robotically with a CNC machine. Next, boxes need to be designed to efficiently contain these odd shapes and endure the riggers of shipping. And of course, there are dozens of additional materials that go into the kit – from epoxy to bronze nails to wood flour – so it’s all about paying close attention to the checklists. It’s been a lot of work, but we feel we’ve done a pretty good job of making the Expedition as accessible as possible for those that want to get out on the big water.
Many of you will be pleased to hear the project we’re working on now is developing the plans and manual for the Cruiser Rowboat. Of all our boats, we’ve had the most inquiries into Cruiser, and for good reason. It’s the only practical boat with a comfortable watertight cabin that can be propelled efficiently by human power. When my friend Steve Price (62) and I took it on a trial row last year we voyaged over 200 miles in three days in open coastal conditions and predominant headwinds. There are few human powered craft out there that can maintain that kind of speed in open ocean conditions, never mind one that also boasts a sleeping cabin, kitchenette and ample storage. We’ll let you know when plans are ready…
Also, we’ve just uploaded a short video showing the Oxford Wherry in action. Of all our open water rowboats this is probably our most gorgeous – combining traditional simplicity with functionality. If you want a lightweight boat you can singlehandedly put on the roof of your car, yet have the capacity to carry your family this could be the boat for you. You can check out the video on our Oxford Wherry page.
1 Response
Curt Vaught
Dang! I was just in Victoria in September…. congratulations on the growth of the business! An expedition rowboat is definitely in my future, and I look forward to hearing more on the hollow oars, for the expedition rowboat and perhaps for another boat I built a few years ago.
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