Angus Rowboats Ltd. was founded by Julie and Colin Angus in 2009 following their expedition rowing and cycling from Scotland to Syria. They designed unique touring rowboats for this 7,000 km journey and the interest in this boat prompted them to launch Angus Rowboats, a company that offered innovative rowboat plans and kits so everyone can get into the sport of rowing at a modest price.
Rowing has been a core component of most of their expeditions, and collectively they have rowed more than 40,000 km in a variety of oar-powered craft on oceans, rivers and lakes. Julie is the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland, Colin the first to row across the Bering Sea from Alaska to Siberia. Colin rowed the entire length of the Amazon and Yenisey Rivers.
Rowing craft have always been Julie and Colin’s vessels of choice because of their efficiency and versatility, but due to the limited availability of touring rowboats on the market, it has been necessary to design and build many of the boats used on their expeditions. Julie and Colin Angus have drawn on their decades of experience to design the ideal rowing sculls for exercise and touring. Below is a selection of their boats and you can find out more at Angus Rowboats.
Expedition Rowboat
This is our flagship model. It is seaworthy, fast (can sprint over 13 km/hr), comfortable and is capable of carrying supplies for a month-long unsupported expedition. The decked hull keeps water out in rough weather and it tracks well in all conditions. This is the vessel that we used in a 7000-km-journey from the north of Scotland to Syria. These boats can be joined in catamaran formation creating a stable platform in the middle (catamaran kits will be available separately). Find out more.
Length: 5.49 m (18’)
Weight: 38.5 kg (85 lbs)
Cambridge Racer
The Cambridge Racer is a performance rowing shell designed specifically for speed. It is fastest in calm conditions, however, is shaped to perform well in open water conditions for advanced rowers. Attributes that allow this rowing shell to move easily through the water include a long waterline length, narrow beam, minimal wetted area (through strategic shaping and a rounder hull with six panels), light weight and low windage. Find out more.
Length: 7.09 m (23′ 3″)
Weight: 17.2 kg (38 lbs)
RowCruiser
The RowCruiser offers comfortable, 100% weathertight sleeping accommodation along with exceptional performance. This boat is ideal for the long-distance rower who doesn’t want to struggle setting up camp each night. At the end of a long day exploring, simply drop the anchor in a sheltered cove and your accommodation awaits. This unique vessel will turn heads wherever you go. Find out more.
Length: 5.7 m (19″)
Weight: 67.2 kg (148 lbs)
Oxford Wherry 16
For those looking for classic wooden beauty combined with modern performance and functionality, this is the boat for you. Weighing only 53 lbs, this boat is fast, seaworthy and can be used as a multi-day touring craft, a family boat, an exercise tool or a decoration for your property. It can be set up for fixed or sliding seat rowing, or even paddled as a canoe. Three adults can comfortably be accommodated. The hull is shaped for stability and speed while flotation chambers provide additional safety. Gunwales and trim are true mahogany and the seats are made from western red cedar. Gorgeous! Find out more.
Length: 15′ 10 ”
Weight: 53 lbs
Sliding Seat and Rigger System
We’ve designed a simple and robust rowing system that uses high quality components. This system has been tested in our own boats for more than 10,000 miles without failure. Three options are available; plans and manual only, the hardware package, and the full kit. Find out more.
Hollow Shaft Wooden Sculling Oars
We’ve designed a simple and robust rowing system that uses high quality components. This system has been tested in our own boats for more than 10,000 miles without failure. Three options are available; plans and manual only, the hardware package, and the full kit. Find out more.