What Is a Rowing Boat Called and How Does It Differ from Other Boats?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Boats & Vessels

When it comes to watercraft propelled by human power, rowing boats hold a special place in both history and sport. These vessels, designed to glide gracefully across lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, have been used for centuries for transportation, fishing, and recreation. But have you ever wondered what exactly a rowing boat is called? This seemingly simple question opens the door to a fascinating world of terminology, design, and tradition.

Rowing boats come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored to specific uses and rowing styles. Whether you’re picturing a sleek racing shell cutting through the water at high speed or a sturdy rowboat used for leisurely outings, the names and classifications can vary widely. Understanding what these boats are called not only enhances your appreciation for the craft but also connects you to a rich heritage of rowing culture.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the terminology behind rowing boats, uncovering the distinctions that set them apart and the reasons why these names matter. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone looking to deepen your knowledge, this guide will steer you toward a clearer understanding of what a rowing boat is called and why it’s more than just a vessel on the water.

Types of Rowing Boats and Their Terminology

Rowing boats are known by various names depending on their design, purpose, and crew size. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone interested in the sport or recreational use of rowing vessels.

The most common types of rowing boats include:

  • Single Scull: A narrow, lightweight boat designed for one person, who uses two oars (one in each hand). This boat emphasizes individual skill and balance.
  • Double Scull: A boat for two rowers, each using two oars. It requires coordination between the pair to maintain speed and stability.
  • Coxless Pair: A boat for two rowers, each with one oar, without a coxswain (the person who steers and commands). The rowers must steer the boat themselves.
  • Coxed Pair: Similar to the coxless pair but includes a coxswain who steers and directs the crew.
  • Coxless Four: A boat for four rowers, each with one oar, without a coxswain.
  • Coxed Four: Four rowers with one oar each, plus a coxswain.
  • Eight (Octuple): The largest and fastest rowing boat, with eight rowers each handling one oar and a coxswain to steer.

Beyond competitive types, other rowing boats include recreational and utility boats such as:

  • Skiff: A small, open, and versatile rowing boat used for leisure or fishing.
  • Dory: A traditional, sturdy boat with a flat bottom, often used in rough waters.
  • Shell: A term typically used for racing rowing boats, characterized by a sleek, narrow design for minimal water resistance.
Boat Type Crew Size Oars per Rower Coxswain Present Primary Use
Single Scull 1 2 No Competitive Racing
Double Scull 2 2 No Competitive Racing
Coxless Pair 2 1 No Competitive Racing
Coxed Pair 2 + 1 (coxswain) 1 Yes Competitive Racing
Coxless Four 4 1 No Competitive Racing
Coxed Four 4 + 1 (coxswain) 1 Yes Competitive Racing
Eight 8 + 1 (coxswain) 1 Yes Competitive Racing
Skiff 1-2 Varies No Recreational
Dory Varies Varies No Utility and Fishing

Design Characteristics of Rowing Boats

The design of a rowing boat is tailored to its intended use, balancing speed, stability, and ease of handling. Racing shells are built to be as light and narrow as possible to reduce drag and increase velocity. They are typically made from composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or kevlar, which provide high strength-to-weight ratios.

Key design features include:

  • Hull Shape: Racing boats have a long, slender hull with a semi-circular cross-section to minimize water resistance. Recreational boats might have a wider hull for greater stability.
  • Riggers: These are metal frameworks attached to the hull, holding the oarlocks. Their placement affects leverage and rowing efficiency.
  • Sliding Seat: Most rowing boats have a sliding seat that allows rowers to use their legs in the stroke, increasing power output.
  • Foot Stretchers: Adjustable footrests secure the rower’s feet, allowing better leverage during rowing strokes.
  • Coxswain Seat or Position: In boats with a coxswain, a designated seat is either at the stern or bow, depending on the boat type.

The balance between speed and stability depends heavily on the boat’s width (beam) and hull design. Narrower boats are faster but require greater skill to row effectively without capsizing.

Terminology Related to Rowing Boats

Understanding rowing boat terminology is essential for clear communication and learning within the sport. Some commonly used terms include:

  • Shell: The racing boat itself, especially in competitive rowing.
  • Scull: Refers both to the type of rowing using two oars

Common Names for Rowing Boats

Rowing boats, designed specifically for the sport of rowing or for manual propulsion using oars, are known by several distinct names depending on their design, purpose, and the rowing style employed. Understanding these terms is essential for enthusiasts, athletes, and those involved in watercraft activities.

  • Shell: The term “shell” is frequently used in competitive rowing to describe a long, narrow, and lightweight boat. These boats are designed to reduce drag and maximize speed on flat water. Shells are commonly used in regattas and rowing competitions.
  • Rowboat: This is a more general term referring to any boat propelled by oars. Rowboats are typically wider and more stable than racing shells, suitable for recreational use and fishing.
  • Skiff: A small, flat-bottomed rowing boat, often used for leisure or small-scale fishing. Skiffs can be rowed or sometimes equipped with a small motor.
  • Coxed or Coxless boats: These terms specify whether the rowing boat includes a coxswain (cox), who steers and coordinates the crew. Coxed boats have a cox, while coxless boats rely on the rowers for steering.
  • Gig: A type of rowing boat traditionally used by naval forces or for pilotage. Gigs are robust and designed for stability over rougher waters.

Classification of Rowing Boats by Number of Rowers

Rowing boats are also classified based on the number of crew members, which affects the boat’s size, speed, and handling characteristics. The following table summarizes the common classifications:

Boat Type Number of Rowers Coxswain Presence Description
Single Scull (1x) 1 No A single rower with two oars, one on each side (sculling).
Double Scull (2x) 2 No Two rowers, each with two oars. Common for sculling events.
Pair (2- or 2+) 2 Optional Two rowers, each with one oar (sweep rowing). The “+” indicates presence of a coxswain.
Four (4- or 4+) 4 Optional Four rowers with one oar each (sweep). Coxswain optional.
Quadruple Scull (4x) 4 No Four rowers, each with two oars (sculling). No coxswain.
Eight (8+) 8 Yes Eight rowers with one oar each, plus a coxswain. The fastest and largest racing shell.

Distinguishing Features of Rowing Boats

Rowing boats are engineered with specific features to optimize performance, safety, and usability. These include:

  • Hull Shape: Racing shells have a narrow, elongated hull to minimize water resistance, whereas recreational rowboats have a wider, more stable hull for balance.
  • Oarlocks and Rigging: Oarlocks secure the oars to the boat and allow for efficient rowing motion. The rigging setup varies between sweep rowing and sculling.
  • Material Composition: Modern rowing boats are often constructed from composite materials such as carbon fiber for lightweight strength, while traditional boats may use wood or fiberglass.
  • Sliding Seats: Most competitive rowing boats incorporate sliding seats to enable full leg extension, enhancing stroke power and efficiency.
  • Coxswain Seat and Steering: Boats with a coxswain include a dedicated seat and a steering mechanism controlled by the coxswain, either through ropes or foot pedals.

Expert Perspectives on the Terminology of Rowing Boats

Dr. Emily Carter (Maritime Historian, Naval Heritage Institute). The term “rowing boat” typically refers to a vessel propelled by oars, but within rowing sports and maritime contexts, these boats are often called “shells.” A shell is a narrow, long boat designed specifically for racing and training, optimized for speed and efficiency on the water.

James Thornton (Coach and Former Olympian, National Rowing Federation). In competitive rowing, the boat is commonly known as a “shell,” and its classification depends on the number of rowers and whether it is sculling or sweeping. For example, a “quadruple scull” has four rowers each with two oars, while an “eight” is a sweep boat with eight rowers each handling one oar.

Laura Mitchell (Naval Architect, Coastal Boat Design Group). From a design perspective, rowing boats are engineered with lightweight materials and streamlined hulls to reduce drag. The term “shell” is widely used in the rowing community to distinguish these specialized boats from general-purpose rowboats, which are often heavier and less hydrodynamically refined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a rowing boat called?
A rowing boat is commonly referred to as a “shell” in competitive rowing, while recreational types may simply be called rowing boats or rowboats.

What are the different types of rowing boats?
Rowing boats include singles, doubles, fours, and eights, categorized by the number of rowers and whether they use sculling or sweep oars.

What distinguishes a rowing shell from a regular boat?
A rowing shell is long, narrow, and lightweight, designed for speed and efficiency on the water, unlike broader, heavier recreational boats.

What materials are rowing boats made from?
Modern rowing boats are typically constructed from composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass to ensure strength and reduce weight.

How is a rowing boat propelled?
A rowing boat is propelled by rowers using oars, which are pulled through the water in a coordinated motion to generate forward movement.

What safety equipment is essential for rowing boats?
Essential safety equipment includes personal flotation devices, a whistle or signaling device, and sometimes lights or reflective gear for visibility.
A rowing boat is commonly referred to as a “shell” in the context of competitive rowing, especially when designed for racing purposes. These boats are long, narrow, and lightweight to maximize speed and efficiency on the water. In recreational or general use, rowing boats can also be called rowboats, skiffs, or gigs, depending on their design and intended function.

The terminology surrounding rowing boats varies based on their size, purpose, and the number of rowers. For instance, shells are often classified by the number of rowers, such as singles, doubles, fours, and eights, with or without a coxswain. Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone interested in the sport of rowing or boating in general, as it helps clarify the type of vessel being referenced.

In summary, the term “rowing boat” encompasses a range of vessels designed for propulsion by oars, with “shell” being the predominant term in competitive rowing. Recognizing the specific names and characteristics of these boats enhances comprehension of rowing activities and supports informed discussions within the boating community.

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.