Kingfisher

[carlg]

Has anyone built and rowed the Kingfisher single scull? I've been rowing a Maas Aero for years and am wondering about the performance. The open water Aero is good for S.F Bay, but I'm moving to flat water soon and would like to have a "real" wooden boat.

[garland reese]

I haven't rowed the Kingfisher, but it should make a good recreational type shell for flat water. If memory serves correctly, the specs show it to be a bit on the heavy side. Are you looking for something that approaches the lines of a racing single moreso than a recreational or open water boat?

Have you cheked in with www.rowableclassics.com (http://www.rowableclassics.com)
They get woodenboats from all over the place......singles, doubles, quads, eights, the whole deal. Some are in good condition, ready for the water, others need some degree of refurbishment......prices vary. I think they have various places across the country where they warehouse these boats. Check them out......it might be a faster way to get yourslef a nice racing single.

Ted Moores, well, Steve Killing is currently working out a design for a recreational single too, but it is pretty much like your Maas Aero.

There's also those Uffa Fox boats in the WB catalog.............
Garland

[carlg]

Thanks for the information, Garland. I wasn't aware of rowable classics. Looks like a better bet than building.

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Well I have built the Kingfisher, and I can tell you its damn fast- and its beautiful to boot. I finally sold mine to the UC Davis rowing club for $1800- a figure I thought was damn good for a 10 yo boat. Good luck- consider this carefully.

[carlg]

But then again, half the fun is building. Sounds like a decent performer, too. It'll be a while before I take action, and I'm leaning toward the Kingfisher.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by carlg:
Has anyone built and rowed the Kingfisher single scull? I've been rowing a Maas Aero for years and am wondering about the performance. The open water Aero is good for S.F Bay, but I'm moving to flat water soon and would like to have a "real" wooden boat.Pocock Shells here in WA state will build you a classic cedar shell to order -- at least as long as their cedar stock, molds and the guys who know how hold out. I believe a single will run you about USD 8k or so; doubles or larger, probably more.

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Guys- I built and rigged Kingfisher for $1200 years ago- even if you double or triple this now, you still have one hell of a boat for the money. Graham King has built and sold these all over the world. Lastly, a wooden shell just sounds better slipping through the water.