How to Rig a Scull

Sculling boats are designed to accommodate the measurements of the rower. Properly rigging the boat can give you quicker times with less effort. There are many things to change, so follow these steps and rig your scull to give you the best results.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start with the stretcher. The arc of work on a scull should be 110 degrees. Moving the stretcher will change how much of the work is done during the catch and how much is done during the finish on each stroke. This ratio will be different for faster boats and slower boats.

2. Adjust the footplate. The rowers' feet in the scull should sit low in the boat at about a 42-degree angle. But this angle should change slightly to allow their shins to be vertical during the catch.

3. Set the pins to the correct height. Every rower should pull the oars in a straight line while sculling. Adjust the pins up and down until this result is achieved.

4. Set the pitch to get the correct pull on the oars during the entire stroke. Angling the pin outward will give you the best results.

5. Get the correct oars. The height and fitness level of the rowers will determine the correct oar length and blade shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Sculling is a type of rowing where you're holding two oars, not one. Sculling can be done solo or with multiple rowers, depending on the size of the boat.
• Don't try to change all the rigging on the scull at once. Make one small change, see how it works and then make more if needed. When rigging a scull take detailed notes of how the rigging affected the rowers and the impact on their times. Refer to these notes when making future changes.

Resources

• The Nuts & Bolts Guide to Rigging

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