The major question is why build a rowing scull?
There isn't really an easy answer to that question. I can go through the main reasons of cost, the love and feel of timber, a unique outcome and the simple catch-all of "why not".
None of these can capture the final reasons.
As far as the main reason, I want my own rowing scull. I want something that I can look after and have set up as mine and have features included that make it unique and better for what I want (drink bottle holder, length, carrying capacity, perhaps no skeg). I want to make changes to and own the outcomes of the creation process. For me, it's a pride thing. It's the same reason some people want a new watch, new earrings. It's my goal and my bit of extravagance. It's just some my timing can be mine and I can go for a paddle.
In winter I can leave it till 6 am and in summer I can go in the afternoon or anytime I'm able to.
It also means I can try to make a few things in the scull suit me. Rig it tall, shoes vs clogs, foot position, colour. It can be mine.
Other areas need to be addressed as a part of the building process for any project.
Cost - I am expecting this build to cost me less than a new scull but way more than some 2nd hand sculls. I know you can find sculls used for $1000 AU if you look. I've seen them for as low as $600. If I can make a scull for $2000, I will be happy.
Oars - you will need these. I started rowing with croaker cleaver type oars and I was once able to pick up a pair for very cheap and near new so given that I have these already I'm happy. New oars are around $1000 AU for a new pair but I'm sure you can find them for less or you can make a set.
Fittings - some things you just have to buy like the alloy slides, perhaps a seat carrier, oarlocks, a seat(?), stainless steel screws and fittings. These cost money and need to be factored in.
Epoxy resins - choose wisely
Design of the scull - it's highly probable you will buy a kit or the plans for the scull. Expect to pay between $40-100 US for the plans and more for a kit. you might spend $20 printing them out on a large format printer.
Material cost - with timber prices going up and up, you will have to know what you build it from. depending on the price of a sheet of marine plywood, you could spend $50-$150 AU per sheet for good marine plywood
how do you fibreglass? I dont have a clue but will need to invest time to learn and there is a cost of this learning.
What skills do you have? - you have to know your skills. let's face it boat building is sometimes hard and I know I'm more than reasonable with skills but I don't know how to fibreglass and steaming and bending timber isn't something I've done to this scale.
None of these points are easy but do demand consideration as an overall part of the process.
As for the answers...that is kept for another time.
D
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