Durham Boat Company - DBC Recreational Shells

History of the Rec-Racer: 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 Gloucester, 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 finish. We deviated to the BBG Champion and Olympia construction for the Rec-Racer III. However, to reduce the manufacturing and inventory carrying costs we relocated the hull manufacturing to North America. All other carbon components had been made at the Durham Boat Company for years.

In 2007, we decided to reintroduce the Rec-Racer Ultra-Shell, now made in Canada, and upgrade it with our latest carbon fittings. Because we make the highest end carbon rigging, we can offer you the same rowing experience, but with an added measure of stability that you would have in the finest racing shell on the market today. The boats are still available in bright White with black trim for the Ultra-Shell. The 2008 Ultra-Shell is made with the stiffer and lighter carbon /core/ carbon construction. The boat hulls are made using a vacuum resin infusion process to both keep the weight and cost down. All of the boats are equipped the Dreher carbon seats, foot stretchers and carbon wing rigger. The Ultra-shell comes with either red with black rowing shoes, blue with black time rowing shoes or white rowing shoes. The color of your shoes or the hull color will be used for the trim stripe put on your wing rigger.

In 2008, we added a new hull design for Rec-Racer Ultra-Shell single. The "LD Model" is a new large displacement hull, which would best fit heavier rowers (i.e., greater than 185 lbs. and up to a maximum for 230 lbs.) The length and width are the same, but the hull is made deeper to accomodate the heavier weight rower. The present size hull, which best accomodates rowers up to 185 lbs. capacity is now called the Rec-Racer Ultra-Shell "SD Model" which refers to a standard displacement hull. We are now taking orders for boats that will be available for spring pickup/delivery.

Rec-Racer Ultra-Shell Construction and Features

Length 22.0 ft.

Width at gunwale 20.5 inches

Width at the waterline 16.9 inches

Weight 32-34 lbs.

Hull stiffness Stiff

Capacity SD Hull up to 185 lbs.; LD Hull greater > 185 and < 230 lbs.

Oarlock adjustment 62-65 inches

Seat 30 cm single action stainless steel ball bearing, carbon/composite twill seat top

Foot stretcher 2005 (with shoe plate) Dreher Carbon 3-way adjustable, with rowing shoes (red/black; blue/black or white) - choice of size and color

Rigger Carbon wing with white trim or the color of shoes as the trim

Color White with black trim

Construction of Hull Multi-layer carbon sandwich construction with composite core, vacuum resin infusion.