Bowloader

Bowloader

A bowloader is a crew shell (a type of boat used in rowing) in which the coxswain lies semi-supine in the bow, as opposed to the normal seated position at the stern. Bowloaders are often seen as coxed fours and also coxed pairs. Although a small number of bowloader eights exist, the larger boat's momentum means that a coxswain lying in the bows could be injured in a collision if the bow collapses. A bowloader is slightly faster than a stern-coxed boat, since the mass of the coxswain in the bow reduces porpoising, and the semi-supine position puts the coxswain's center of mass below the waterline, reducing roll. Both of these factors help to reduce drag. The cox also has better forward vision in a bowloader: in the conventional stern position the cox cannot see directly ahead.

Novice coxswains often have difficulty with bowloaders, however, since the rowers and their oars cannot easily be seen. Experienced coxswains learn how to feel the movements of the rowers in the boat, as well as visualising the position of the shell itself to safely and effectively manoevre it.

Bowloaders require an amplifier and loudspeakers to be used so that the cox can communicate with the crew, and unlike in the conventional coxing position there is no opportunity for personal communication between cox and stroke on race tactics.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • SeaLink Travel Group — The SeaLink Travel Group is a group of companies including Kangaroo Island SeaLink, which operates vehicle and passenger ferry services to Kangaroo Island. This page is about SeaLink Travel Group NZ which operates vehicle ferry services on the… …   Wikipedia

  • Coxed four — Coxed fours at the start at Kingston Regatta A coxed four is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for four persons who propel the boat with sweep oars and is steered by a cox. The crew consists of four rowers,… …   Wikipedia

  • Coxed pair — A coxed pair is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for two persons who propel the boat with sweep oars and is steered by a coxswain. The crew consists of two rowers, each having one oar, and a cox. One rower is… …   Wikipedia

  • Glossary of rowing terms — In competitive rowing, the following specialized terms are important in the corresponding aspects of the sport: Boat Classes In competitive rowing events, abbreviations are used for different boat classes.;Weight: *L or Lt:Lightweight rowing *If… …   Wikipedia

  • Boat positions (sport rowing) — With the exception of single sculls, each rower is numbered by boat position in ascending order from the bow to the stern. The person who is seated on the first seat is always the bowman , or more commonly called just bow , the closest to the… …   Wikipedia

  • Eight (rowing) — Eights at the end of the 2002 Boat Race An Eight is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for eight rowers, who propel the boat with sweep oars, and is steered by a coxswain, or cox. Each of the eight rowers has… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”