If you’re not already a boating enthusiast, you may be a bit confused about a canoe vs rowboat. After all, what the difference? It turns out that the difference is that a canoe is just a type of boat while a rowboat is a boat that is propelled by moving oars in the appropriate way. A canoe can be a rowboat, but a rowboat doesn’t have to be a canoe.
In Brief: Canoe vs Rowboat Differences
While similar, there are several key differences between canoes and rowboats. In a canoe you use a single paddle, held in your hands to propel your boat. In a rowboat you use a set of two oars, connected to the boat in oarlocks to row your boat. When you paddle a canoe you face toward your destination. When you row a boat you (usually) face the stern, or rear, of the boat with your back toward your destination. Finally, rowboats have a square stern, whereas canoes are symmetrical in their construction.
The Life Jacket I Use and Recommend
In most states, wearing a life jacket or PFD is the law when you’re out on the water.
If you’re like me, you want a safe, effective PFD that doesn’t limit your range of movement when paddling. That’s why I highly recommend this one from Onyx.
It offers great range of motion, can keep me afloat in the water (I’m 6’2″), and it is very comfortable.
PeacefulPaddle.com is reader supported. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
What is a Canoe?
A canoe has a long and narrow construction. You can paddle your canoe alone, but most of the time there will be two people in the canoe, each using a single paddle to propel the boat.
In order to move the canoe, you need to paddle while facing the direction in which you want to move. When paddling a canoe, you will be in kneeling position in the bottom of the boat or seated. Canoes have pointed ends and open tops.
Canoes are traditionally made from a tree trunk. The trunk is made into the correct shape by cutting and burning processes. In some cases, a canoe can be used with a sail. The canoe lacks a rudder.
What is a Rowboat?
When you row, you propel a boat forward by moving the oars in the water in a particular way. Oars are similar to paddles, but one person uses a set of two oars in a rowboat. If you row a boat, the oars you are using are mechanically connected with the vessel with oarlocks. Paddles, on the other hand, are hand-held and not mechanically connected to the boat.
The oars of a rowboat are attached to a special pivot point on the craft. This is where the oarlocks (also sometimes called rowlocks) are. The oarlocks are always in the same place as the pivot point. The function of the pivot point is to act as a fulcrum for the oar, which behaves like a lever.
When you row a boat, you will usually face the boat’s stern. There are some exceptions, such as in Chinese sculled boats and gondolas in Venice, in which the people powering the boat face forward. There are fishermen on the east coasts of Canada and the US who also face forward when they row. This kind of rowing usually involves standing and the oarlock stem used is typically extended.
How to Know if You Have a Good Rowboat
Whether your rowboat is suitable depends on a variety of factors. There is no such thing as a rowboat that will do well in absolutely every condition.
When deciding what kind of rowboat to use, determine where you will be using the boat and why you are using it. Are you going rowing for a specific purpose?
Once you have made all these decisions, some of the boat characteristics you should think about include weight, stability, waterline length, beam, trim, rocker, ends, shape of the ends, windage, and seaworthiness. Many people, especially those who are going boating for recreation, also care about the appearance of the boat.
Rowboat Length
Think about the length of your rowboat or the rowboat you’re looking for. Generally speaking, longer rowboats are superior to shorter ones. This is because of faster speed and better ease of movement. When considering hull speed, keep in mind that hull speed is only a theoretical speed that a non-planing boat can go. This depends on the boat’s length.
The speed of the water wave that the boat creates when moving is key to how fast it can travel. To get a better idea of why boat length is important to speed, think about the times you have noticed a small boat with an oddly large motor. You will probably have perceived that hardly any speed is added. This is because as the driver tries to make the boat go faster with the motor, the bow takes on a higher position and has trouble cutting through the water.
Rowboat Seats
There are different kinds of seats available in rowboats. If you have sliding seats, you will enjoy better efficiency. That’s why this kind of seat is used by rowing teams taking part in competitions. If you have a shorter boat, you will not be able to have sliding seats. Sliding seats would cause a shorter boat to have problems with its center of gravity.
If you have a shorter boat and would like some of the benefits of sliding seats, you can look into a sliding rigger mechanism. This mechanism will move the rowlocks instead of the rower. This will give you increased efficiency but won’t lead to issues with the center of gravity.
What About Transoms?
An efficient rowboat will generally have no transom or at most a very small one. Boats that have motors need a large and strong transom. Luckily, your rowboat will not need a motor. Without a transom, you will find that your rowboat moves more easily and swiftly through the water.
If you have an especially high-quality rowboat, you might find that it has a transom that comes above the water line. This can be helpful because it provides extra support to passenger weight in some conditions.
Considering Weight Distribution
Weight is something that needs to be considered when it comes to the trim of the rowboat. As with many watercrafts, weight is a significant factor when it comes to your boat. You will want to avoid overly heavy loads of weight. At the same time, however, there being too little weight can also cause problems.
In general, it’s best to have a moderate weight in your rowboat. This will help it move most efficiently as you stroke. If there are any waves in the water you’re rowing in, this is especially likely to be the case.
What are Keels and Skegs?
Rowboats with deeper skegs and keels are usually better able to maintain the rowboat moving on a straight course. A keel is especially beneficial if you want to row your boat on open water. With a keel, you might find turning your boat a little tricker, however.
When it comes to towing, be aware that a boat with an especially deep keel at the fore end may be a bit tricky. This kind of boat is unsuitable for surf. It’s better to have a bow with a rounder shape in these conditions.
Want to Use Your Canoe as a Rowboat?
If you want to use your canoe for a rowing adventure, you can set it up to do so. You can find rowing seats, outriggers, and forward rowing contraptions.
In order to make your canoe into a rowboat, you will need to add a seat position from which you will row, a pair of quality oars that are manufactured in the appropriate size, and an appropriate pair of oar sockets and oar locks to the gunnels (gunwales) of your canoe. These can be purchased on Amazon, or locally.
When you prepare your canoe for rowing, you will usually need to create a lower seating position that is near the boat center. This change will mean that your hands can keep appropriate alignment with at he middle of your body while stroking. You are likely to enjoy a stable rowing expedition in your canoe if you set these conditions.
Have a wonderful time and stay safe on the water, no matter whether you choose a canoe or a rowboat. Remember to wear your PFD (personal flotation device) and think about taking courses on boating and water safety before you head out.
