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 2007 we moved the molds from Europe to Canada and went to a vacuum infused construction with carbon/core/carbon construction. By 2008 we added another size Rec-Racer to broaden the line. The "LD Model" is a new large displacement hull, which would best fit heavier rowers (i.e., greater than 185 lbs. and up to at least 230 lbs.) The length and width are the same, but the hull is made deeper to accommodate the heavier weight rower. The present size hull, which best accommodates rowers up to 185 lbs. capacity is now called the Rec-Racer Carbon (Ultra-Shell) "SD Model" which refers to a standard displacement hull. Although the construction of the boat hulls was better we still lacked the surface finish that we expected.

In 2011 we have moved the boat molds again and will soon be making the what we think are some of the finest recreational boats available. The hulls will be made in Maine with a builder that has capacity and expertise to meet our specifications. The boat hulls are still available in bright white with black trim. The 2011 the Rec-Racer Carbon (Ultra-Shell) will be made with the same stiff construction and low weight, but with the surface finish of the highest quality boats on the market.

See Features and Specifications:

Rec-Racer Carbon Model in Two Sizes: I. SD and II. LD

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 to 230+ lbs.

Oarlock adjustment 62-65 inches

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

Foot stretcher Most recent for the boat's size (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.