Recreational Rowing Shells


The Rec-Racer III Top View



History of the Rec-Racer II and Rec-Racer III: The Durham Boat Company began importing the original Rec-Racer in 1984 and that proved to be a very speedy and popular boat. Initially we imported the entire boat. Gradually we moved to purchasing and installing all the hardware, to the point now where we manufacture all the major sub-assemblies that go into making the boat. We manufacture the foot stretchers, seats, and riggers on the top-of-the-line boats as well as install all other hardware and custom rig the boat. In 1994, we changed the design to slightly increase its maximum capacity, while further improving on its speed and rowing efficiency. The changes have been very well received. In 1995 and 1996, the boat was used in the Blackburn Challenge. (i.e., approximately 20 mile race around Cape Ann, near Glouster, MA in open water conditions) Both years a course record was set, beating all manufacturers of recreational rowing shells.

With the addition of our own all carbon sub-assemblies we have provided equal or better rigging than one would find on top line racing singles. Through extensive use of the boats in our own sculling school and club, we have over the years received much valuable feedback as how best to improve upon equipment design and optimize boat set-up and rigging. We are confident that we have designed the boat so that the rower feels comfortable in the boat, yet still have enough feedback from the boat so as to not develop bad habits from rowing a boat that is too forgiving.

In 2002, we moved the hull tooling to BBG Bootsbau Berlin to upgrade the quality of the Rec-Racer and also its construction method and finsih. These boats have arrived and are now being made by BBG Bootsbau Berlin. We are very excited about the improvements made in the construction and finish over the previous model. Not only will the Rec-Racer have a high performance hull design, but will have one of the best boat builders in the world making the shells. With BBG making the shells we will be assured of an extremely high level quality (ISO9000 certified) and boat hull longevity going forward. All boats are equipped with Dreher carbon single action seats and footstretchers along with the popular carbon wing rigger. The Rec-Racer III "Champion Construction" 1xs are available in white with black and red trim and red shoes, while the Standar-Shell models will be white with blue trim and either blue or white shoes. The new Rec-Racers are the Rec-Racer III SS (Standar-Shell) with the same polyester-glass construction and the Rec-Racer III CC (Champion Construction) with multi-ply carbon, kevlar and glass sandwich construction.

The Rec-Racer III Side View



Boat Specifications:

Rec-Racer III SS

Length 22.0 ft.
Width at gunnel 20.5 inches
Width at the waterline 16.9 inches
Weight fully rigged 41-43 lbs.
Hull stiffness Standard
Capacity 200 lbs.
Oarlock adjustment 62-65 inches
Seat 23 cm single action stainless steel ball bearing, carbon/composite seat top
Footstretcher Dreher carbon tubular 3-way adjustable, with rowing shoes (blue/black) - choice of size
Rigger Carbon wing; black with blue trim
Color White with blue and black trim
Construction of Hull Multi-layer fiberglass cloth/polyester

Rec-Racer III CC

Length 22.0 ft.
Width at gunnel 20.5 inches
Width at the waterline 16.9 inches
Hull stiffness Stiff
Weight fully rigged 36-38 lbs.
Capacity 200 lbs.
Oarlock adjustment 62-65 inches
Seat 23 cm single action stainless steel ball bearing, carbon/composite seat top
Footstretcher Dreher carbon tubular 3-way adjustable, with rowing shoes (red/black) - choice of size
Rigger Carbon wing with red trim
Color White with black trim
Construction of Hull Multi-layer carbon/epoxy, kevlar and glass sandwich construction

Press here to see the: Price List of Recreational Sculls made for exclusive sale by Durham Boat Company, Inc.


The Inflata-Shell



The Inflata-Shell 1x/2x: Durham Boat Company, Inc. designed the Inflata-Shell (1x or 2x) and is New for 2001. This 18' inflatable rowing shell can be rowed either as a single or a double. It is very stable, safe, durable, portable and easily stored. The boat consists of three separate airtight urethane tubes each with a highly wear and puncture resistant coated fabric outer shell. The standard equipment includes the inflatable boat shipped in a box with a hand pump, one seat for a passenger and either one or two drop-in rowing unit(s) to be rigged as a single or a double. Also included are: Competition oar locks, a removable fin, a maintenance kit, bow line and (2 to 4) 3' straps to hold the rowing unit(s) in place.

The Inflata-Shell can be easily rowed by anyone. The boat is extremely safe and stable with a self-bailer. The boat can be used for touring, open or flat water rowing for fun and fitness, by all members of the family, either as rowers and or as passengers. In addition, the boat can be converted to a one or two person kayak with the addition of a rudder and 1-2 kayak paddles and one additional seat. This boat can be taken to camp, can be taken on a sailboat or large motorboat deflated or towed behind, to be used in port for exercice, local transportation or for day trips.

Boat Specifications:

Inflata-Shell

Length 18.0 ft.
Width at gunnel 35.0 inches.
Weight unrigged 60 lbs. (add 18# per rowing unit)
Capacity 700 lbs.
Oarlock adjustment 56-65 inch spread; with long pins and multiple spacers for a wide range of height adjustment.
Seat/Footstretchers/Riggers Drop-in rowing unit - black anodized aluminum wing rigger and footplate with velcro straps; mahogany seat with stainless steel fittings.
Color Red with gray trim.
Construction of Hull Three, double walled chambers (urethane inner and very puncture/wear resistant coated fabric outer tube).
Accessories Pump; passenger seat, 2 straps per rowing unit; maintenace kit; and bow line.

Press here to see the: Price List of Recreational Sculls made for exclusive sale by Durham Boat Company, Inc.



The Inflata-Shell (passenger view)


Other recreational boats sold include:

Press here to see the: Price List of Recreational Sculls by Alden and others sold by Durham Boat Company, Inc.


For more information, please call, write or e-mail:

C. M. Fuerst
Durham Boat Company, Inc.
220 Newmarket Rd. (Rt. 108)
Durham, NH 03824
Phone 603-659-7575; 603-659-6565
Fax 603-659-2548 Contact: Cfuerst@durhamboat.com