The Drake Series of rowboats
Classic, precut wooden rowboats for DIY builders
The classic Drake Series design is the Drake 17, above. She is fast and pure joy to row and is as seaworthy a rowboat as you can find. Learn more about the Drake 17 on the her webpage.
Drakes that followed
Upon the success of the Drake 17, Clint was asked for a longer rowboat that could accomodate 2 adults rowing tandem either for races or expeditions. The Drake 19, below left, came out of that effort. While the D17 is optimized for solo it does fine with two rowing. The D19, however, is optimized for tandem rowing, but does just fine rowing solo. When asked for something that could compete in the Seventy 48, Clint redrew the classic Drakes for lightweight construction and speed in mind, like the Drake Raceboat 20, below, right.
The Drake 19, an able raceboat as it is an expedition and fitness rowboat isa better boat for tandem rowing for either fixed- or sliding-seat rowing. Above built by Bartender Boats on the West Coast. LEARN MORE.
The Drake Raceboat: the 20 footer above (built by Nate Rooks of WA state) is made from 6mm ply for planking whereas the 18 is made from 4mm plywood. They are very light boats that will take care of you in a seaway, yet are fast and competitve racers. LEARN MORE.
Boat kits for Explorers
“Built a Drake rowboat from the kit. Instructional support was outstanding, as was the quality of the kit. The boat itself rows like a dream and draws compliments on the water from competitive rowers and other boaters as well.”