Boats to Row
We are working on developing a fleet of rowing boats for hire, both for general hire and for more serious rowers for exercise and even competition. For the former we will be building them locally as time permits, for the latter we are looking into the viability of importing Whitehall Spirit Solos from Canada. Check out their website and see if you don’t fall in love with the classic lines and the effortless movement! However, this will require a huge investment and a pre-order level of interest to get it off the ground.
If you are interested in helping to build boats, if you have time, skills, knowledge (or yes, even money) to donate or you just want to learn how to do it, then come down to the ‘shed and talk to Jon.
If you are interested in the Whitehall option, either as a rower, investor or sponsor (or all three), please call in and talk to Jon, or call on 02 9545 2584 (mob 0412 177 193) if that is more convenient.
Nice to see people are still engaged in recreational rowing.
Boats don't have to be expensive to be enjoyable. This all-timber pram dinghy was bought by a local family on eBay and lovingly restored, and looks right at home on the water.
I now have five boat projects in hand – one is a weather-worn little timber row/sail boat called Emma that was rescued from eBay suffering from absentee owner disease. I bought it as the other options were taking too long to get on the water and although the bright-work was neglected the boat itself seemed sound enough for a home-built project. A quick rub-down, inspect the panels, re-treat the timber and a spot of paint – in before Christmas, yes? Not quite … in fact, I’ll probably start a whole new page to record little Em’s progress. I do have to keep reminding myself that this is “a quick-fix solution to getting a row-boat on the water” and not a masterpiece. So long as the new paint sticks to the timber and doesn’t flake off with old varnish or rot it should be good enough (sorry Em, but it ain’t a perfect world).
Pictures to follow – duty calls first.
Hi Jon, Nice to see you are putting the idea of bringing in some Solo 14s and possibly the new Tango 17s into your fleet. The investment, compared to the lovingly restored boat you show here, is considerably more but the comparison in performance, durability and elegance is immeasurable. We look forward to working with you and the “Boatshed” crew very soon. Best regards, Andrea
Dear Jon,
How is the Whitehall 14 project coming. I am interested in purchasing a row boat and these seem a nice option. Are you importing? How much are they?
If Andrea from Whitehall Rowing and Sail is checking how often my IP address appears on her website traffic list, she will know that I am still very interested in the project! However, I have not yet been able to attract sufficient interest to be able to place an order for the numbers required to make shipping cost-effective and so can’t really quote prices in Australian terms. Whilst I am convinced that once the boats are here they will sell well, the initial outlay is significant. As soon as I have something more positive, I will get back to you straight away.
If anyone else reading this is inspired by the Solo 14 or even a 17, please let me know so together we can make it happen.