Gig Harbor Boat Works introduces a stainless steel Forward Facing Rowing System, the FRS-1.

Gig Harbor, WA, May 20, 2004

The FRS-1 Forward Facing Rowing System by Gig Harbor Boat Works allows you to row your  dinghy or small boat looking forward, while using the same motion you've always used. The stainless-steel mechanism is extremely durable, impervious to seawater, and the movement is smooth and natural. The system mounts on any gunwale easily; an adapter is under development to allow for installation on inflatable boats. Pictures and video are available at http://www.forwardrow.com

For centuries, people have been rowing backwards, looking back to their port of departure instead of forward to the destination.  The reason is because the human body has power concentrated in the back, shoulders and biceps.  Pulling with these muscles uses energy more efficiently and transfers more energy to the oars than using a pushing motion.

The FRS-1 Forward Facing  Rowing System was designed using CAD/CAM technology to design a simple, reliable system with a minimum of moving parts and the elimination of any need for adjustments.  It can be used on almost any kind of dinghy or rowing craft. Other forward rowing systems use complex cable and pulley operations which are confusing to install, and require complex frequent adjustments.  Most specify use only on a particular style of boat or even only on boats manufactured by their company.

The oar cradles and link arms are asymmetric which increases the movement of the oar blade in relation to the handle, and produces a 15% mechanical advantage as less motion on the handle is required to move the blade through a complete cycle.  Blades can be swung inboard to store the unit inside the boat without having to remove them from the boat. 

No tools are needed to release the entire oar and bracket from the boat for storage.

For more information, contact Gig Harbor Boat Works, Inc., P.O. Box 765, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Phone (253)851-2126. The FRS-1 is featured at http://www.forwardrow.com. Dealer inquiries welcome.