Hi everyone,
I’m in the process of building my rowboat and was wondering about the best ways to adjust trim and balance for optimal performance. Since weight distribution plays a huge role in rowing efficiency, I want to ensure my boat sits properly in the water when loaded.😊
However, with variations in seating position, gear weight, and even different rowers, I’m unsure how to fine-tune the balance without constant trial and error.😇
Are there specific design considerations or modifications (like adjustable seat mounts, ballast placement, or hull tweaks) that can help maintain proper trim across different conditions?🤔Checked https://angusrowboats.com/community/xenforum/pre-sales-questions-Snowflake Trainingguide
related to this and found it quite informative.
I’d love to hear from other builders about their experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and any lessons learned along the way. Any insights on small but effective customizations would be great!
Thank you!!☺️
That's a very suspicious embedded link
In my personal experience, you can't expect to get perfect trim before the boat goes into the water because of all the variations in what you are carrying, who is going to be in the boat and what direction you will be going generally in relation to both winds and waves. You can get a good approximation, but you have to fine tune it by shifting the load around as required. The exception to that is a racing shell where you know the rower's body-weight, the speed you will be going and so forth beforehand. I do most of my training on a SUP with a sliding rigger because it is so convenient to get to the water. I have to add a little weight to the very rear for proper trim.. I have to adjust the amount of weight depending on whether I will be doing sprints or a long day at constant, slower speed. I have a new coastal rowing shell and it was listing a little, interfering with my recovery. I finally figured out that it wasn't the boat or my technique, but my drinking water (a gallon to start) sliding to the side. I set it up so it stays in the middle, and now I like the boat. The double in the photo has great trim with both of us aboard, I am 160 and my wife is 115. When I row it alone, if I am not carrying gear, I have to put additional weight right in the bow.
