Row Boats, Sculling Boats, and Sailing Rowboats from Whitehall

See the New Solo 14 video

Newsletter December 2009 By Harold Aune VP

As we now near the end of 2009, myself, and all of us at Whitehall would like to thank you for your support. The word about the benefits of getting out rowing, sailing and just plain having fun in a Whitehall Spirit® have spread far and wide enough that the company is holding it’s own in a time that’s regarded as tough for marine manufacturing. Of course we are part of what my partner Marie calls “The Quiet Revolution” or maybe that should read “Evolution” as we move to a more sensible way to be on the water!

Our favorite saying, “Quality is when the customer comes back, not the product.” has proven true again this year as several owners returned to buy a second or third boat to help them expand their boating experience.

The Tango 17™ The Latest ‘Mountain Bike of The Sea’

Finally after three years in the planning and design stages the new double position thermoformed Whitehall Spirit® Tango 17™ is nearing the production phase. The pictures below show some of our crew completing one of the production molds. Our timeline indicates we will have the Tango 17™ on display at the upcoming Seattle International Boat Show, which starts January 29 and lasts until February 6. And I hope you like the name of this new model. It’s also designed so one person can row it by themselves in the aft rowing position.

The Tango 17™ has two fixed seats, similar to the one in the Solo 14™ with the pair of fixed seats stowed in recessions cast into cockpit floor. The features are all pretty much identical to the Solo 14™ in terms of slide seats, footstops, outriggers etc. Just click over to the Tango 17™ features page at www.whitehallsolo.com. All of the Solo 14 options will apply to the Tango 17™ with prices adjusted for items such as the Sunbrella® boat covers that are larger, battens because there are four, and the stainless keelstrip that’s also longer.

Of course we used the proven and highly successful Whitehall Spirit® Classic 17 as the base model for the new design. The construction is the same as in the Solo 14™ using thermoformed co-polymer plastic for the hull and deck. A complex thermoformed inter-deck grid under the cockpit joins the hull and deck. This also stiffens and supports the areas where the motion from the sliding seats and footstop supports create the need for added strength. The result is a much lighter hull than would be possible in the classic fiberglass and teak models.

As with the Solo 14, the Tango 17™ will have an amazing amount of internal buoyancy producing a boat that is virtually unsinkable. It will also have two separate internal buoyancy compartments to meet or exceed stringent world standards for a boat of its size.

At less than half the price of a Classic Whitehall Spirit 17 this boat will enable couples, friends and families to get out rowing together. Personally I find I’m out in a double position boat more than in a single. Plus it’s fantastic for taking people out who are new to rowing as they quickly learn the finer points when they are right there in the same boat, sculls in hand.

Production will be limited as we ramp up into the spring so if you have been waiting for this new model to appear (yes some people know about the new model because we couldn’t keep it totally under wraps). So now would be a good time to put a deposit down and schedule a delivery date.

Special Offer on the New Tango 17™

The new Tango 17™ sells for $9989.US and the first twenty-five sold will include two pair of Dreyer Carbon Fiber sculls worth over $1000.00 free of charge. Delivery charges are additional. In most of North America our truck will continue to deliver right to your location at a fraction of the cost of a common carrier. See more at www.whitehallspirit.com

Call or send an email for pricing on a new Tango 17™ with the options you would like or for any of the other models of your choice.

And for Boats Ordered in December

Receive a free oar package plus half price on shipping for any boat ordered by the end of December. US customers will be pleased to know that we are still honoring the US dollar at $1.10 until the end of December when we will adjust the rate closer to where it actually is which is currently $1.05.

The Seattle International Boat Show January 29 to February 6, 2010

We will be at the Seattle International Boat show Jan 29 to Feb 6, 2010 Any boats sold prior to the show that can be picked up at the show will receive free shipping. Any boats ordered at the show will enjoy half price on shipping within Washington State plus the Show Special (Call for details)

Rowing Mirrors are Really Popular Items.

By far the most popular new item we introduced this year was the rowing mirror. Owners report they find it very handy especially around marinas and any busy waterway because it can reduce being surprised by the sudden appearance another boat. So now there are mirrors and mounting bases for both gunnel mirrors and transom mirrors. I prefer the transom mirror as it gives a little wider perspective.

The rule is though to keep aware of what is all around you at all times. Also listen as well as look. Most powered vessels can be heard a long way off but this can be tricky if there are several of them around at once. Know the “Rules of the road”.

The mirror is an aid but not the solution to knowing what’s up front when you are rowing. As shown in the “How to Row” DVD’s by Adam Kreek and myself looking ahead with your own eyes is easily done but there are some techniques that make it easier.

If you are flexible turning to look ahead can be done at any time during the stroke in a stable boat. If you are not a flexible type then at the end of the stroke as the blades exit the water twist from right down on the seat. I feel my sit bones shift in the holes as I engage my whole back and then my neck as I come around.

This twist to glance ahead will help keep those vertebrae limber and the juices flowing for a healthy spine. Alternate sides so that your internal organs get a bit of a massage too. Take your time. Sit tall and keep your shoulders low, breath deeply. Relax… you are in a nice stable boat.

For those that have a harder time to twist around or because of an "old" injury a gunnel mounted or transom mounted rowing mirror is really helpful to reduce the need to look ahead as often The large convex mirror surface we’ve adapted to our custom rowing mirror adds more peripheral vision and enables a rower to "keep a watch" at all times.

Nimble's Cove By Andrea Guyon

Would You Could You in the Dark?

These are the shortest days of the year and for those of us that can't handle not being out on the water, these short days can put a serious kink in our "before" or "after work" boating outings.

However these short days offer the chance and make it easier to get out and enjoy a spectacular sunrise or sunset. I always feel like it's a show just for me. Rowing ‘Nimble’ in the winter months is one of my favorite things whenever I do it, even in the dark. In the dark it’s often totally still and quiet, like rowing across a giant mirror. I’ve rowed my area often so it’s pretty familiar but it’s always extra special out rowing on a calm dark night. And then there is rowing in the moonlight. I’m told when the moon is out and hit’s my Solo 14 we glow as we row!

There are some things that do become more important at this time of year because of darkness and the frequency of low light conditions, especially up here in the Pacific Northwest. It is not as easy to spot potential hazards in the water. Logs, and any floating debris are even more frequent in our tidal area so a keeping lookout for it is warranted. Likewise it’s more difficult for other boaters to see you.

Running lights are pretty much essential if not legally required for busy harbors or waterways. If you are in a busy marine traffic area it is a good idea to invest in some quality running lights. A simple suction cup or clamp on mounting bracket on the bow and stern is efficient and inexpensive.

A strong, compact waterproof flashlight is legally required at night and is a handy tool to have aboard whether for scoping out your landing area or to warn other boats that you are there. When you spot another rower, paddler or powerboat cruising along in your immediate vicinity it’s a good idea to stop rowing long enough to analyze the situation. Alert them to your presence if you think it’s prudent. For a fellow rower or a paddler a shouted “Hello” works well A sweeping of your flashlight across their field of vision will also alert other boaters to your location. But don’t shine a light directly at the other boat because it will affect their night vision and irritate them. Sweeping a light excessively could be interpreted as a distress signal and you don’t want to do that either.

Here is a direct link to the website pages where you will find the rowing mirrors and other gear

http://www.whitehallrow.com/accessories/safety.php

http://whitehallsolo.com/accessories/boat-handling

Seasons Best! From all of us at Whitehall Rowing & Sail.



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