Pleasedo Not Attempt to Row This Shell Before Obtaining Proper Instruction by Reading The

WARNING

Pleasedo not attempt to row this shell before obtaining proper instruction by reading the owner’s manual or viewing the teaching video. You should also wear appropriate safety gear, use only manufacturer-approved outfitting materials and heed weather and water conditions when rowing. The user of this product acknowledges both an understanding and an assumption of the risk involved in rowing.

We here at Little River Marine ask that you always take proper health and safety precautions when operating sports equipment. Even though Federal Law excludes rowing shells from carrying PFD’s (see the statueon the back of this page) we highly recommend that you carry a lifesavingdevice in clear view and reach of all participants. Some States’ Laws override these Federal Laws. Please check the Laws in yourarea. This should provide many years of safe and enjoyable rowing.

Thank you, Little River Marine

Association News & Announcements

PFD

Clarification

In our July/August issue (p.13), we said that under federal law, rowers are exempt from carrying personal flotation devices and that the federal law supercedes local and state regulations regarding PFD’s. However, George Spiess of the Susquehanna Rowing Association has pointed out that the Federal law (and its pre-emption of state and local laws) applies only to waters that the US Coast Guard deems “navigable.” All other waters are Ieft to state and local jurisdiction. So, if the Coast Guard doesn’t classify the water you row on as navigable, you are subject to state or local law which could mean carrying a PFD. To find out whether the water you row on is considered “navigable,” contact the Coast Guard district in charge of the area nearest you.

Source USCG

ADDENDUM: As of 1-1-98,we are under the assumption that the Federal Lawchanged to include all watercraft as required to carry a lifesaving device. Please check with your local district to confirm.

LITTLE RIVER MARINE COMPANY

WARRANTY CARD

(PLEASE RETURN THIS TO LITTLE RIVER MARINE COMPANY)

P0 BOX 986, GAINESVILLE FL 32602

NAME: ……………………………………………………………. TELEPHONE: ………………………………………………………………

ADDRESS: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

CITY: ………………………………………………………………..STATE: ……………………. ZIP: ……………………………….…….

DATE PURCHASED: …………………………………………PURCHASED FROM: ………………………………………………….

HULL LD. # LRC (LOCATED ON SIDE OF HULL) ………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. I HEARD ABOUT LITTLE RIVER MARINE PRODUCT FROM:

MAGAZINE

BOAT SHOW

REFERRAL/FRIEND

OTHER (SPECIFY)

2.MYMAIN REASON FOR ENTERING THE SPORTIS:

EXERCISE/FITNESS

RACING/TRAINING

RECREATION

OTHER

3. HOW OFTEN DO YOU ROW? .

ONCEAWEEK

2-4 T1MES A WEEK

5 OR MORE TIMES A WEEK

4. MY ROWING LEVEL IS:

BEGINNER

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

5.THIS IS MY (CIRCLE ONE) FIRST I SECOND / THIRD SHELL PURCHASE.

I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A………………………………………………….(MODEL/TYPE SHELL)

6. (CIRCLE ONE) I HOPE TO / PLAN TO / HAVE ALREADY TAKEN ROWING LESSONS

7.MY OVERALL IMFRESSON OF LITTLE RIVER MARINE PRODUCT IS:

AVERAGE

ABOVE AVERAGE

OUTSTANDING

OTHER (SPECIFY)

8.DID YOUR LOCAL DEALER SERVICE YOU IN A PROMPT AND COURTEOUS MANNER?

YES ...... …...... NO…………………………………..COMMENTS:

9. DID YOU UNDERSTAND AND COMPREHEND THE OWNER’S MANUAL?

YES…………………………. NO ………………………… COMMENTS ………………………………

10. IN WHAT WAY CAN WE BE OF BETTER SERVICE TO YOU? (BE HONEST AND SPECIFIC)

Thank you for your spirit and support in purchasing a Little River Shell.

P.O. Box 986, Gainesville FL 326C2 - 352-378-5025 / 800-247-4591

Dear Rowing Enthusiast:

Congratulations on your purchase of a LITTLE RIVER rowing shell, the world’s finest and most sought after recreational craft. We have been promoting the sport since 1977 with an endorsement list that includes NASA, the Armed. Forces,’ the Boy’ Scouts of America, and Boating Industry’s “Top 100 Products’.

Recreational rowing is now recognized as the most complete aerobic and cardiovascular exercise available today — none better. We have provided this manual to ensure proper use and care of your shell along with techniques and skills required to receive the maximum benefit of rowing. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ROW YOUR SHELL. IT INCLUDES PERTINENT INFORMATION ON YOUR WARRANTY, AND IT WAS WRITTEN FOR YOUR BENEFIT.

We have a toll free number always available to service your needs (1—800—247—4591) should any problems arise or any particulars do not make sense. Please feel free to call us with any comments and suggestions you may have, or ask for a free copy of our Accessories Catalogue.

We would like to thank you again for your interest and Support in our products, and we hope that your shell and the sport of rowing adds more years to your life and more life to your years.

LITTLE RIVER MARINE COMPANY

“dedicated to the growth and spirit of rowing”

Product Information and Warnings 1

Warranty 3

Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Rowing Shell 4

Lesson One 9

Maintenance and Problem Solving 13

Other Tips 15

Launching Shell from a Dock 16

“A Rowing Primer” by John Peinert 17

Advanced Rigging 21

Oarlock Diagrams 25

“Fine Tuning Your Craft” by Graeme King 28

Rowing Vocabulary ‘ 32

Diagram of the SEASHELL 35

SPRINT & GUIDEBOAT Instructions 37

Stretching Exercises for Rowers 38

Repair and Maintenance 42

Rowing Shell Insurance 44

How to Lock Up Your Rowing Shell 45

Car Rack Instructions 46

Fin Installation and Replacement 49

HERITAGE Skiff Instructions 50

The T-9 Story 57

Getting Into a Capsized Shell 58

PRODUCT INFORMATION & WARNINGS

The following is a list of special cares and concerns that each new owner should abide by, respective to each particular model. Neglect or abuse in these areas can and will disqualify your warranty protection. Following the guidelines will ensure many satisfying years of performance and pleasure. PLEASE TAKE THESE WARNINGS SERIOUSLY.

ALL SHELLS and SKIFFS

The outer color surface, gelcoat, has been put on extremely thin in order to reduce weight. Gelcoat is a very heavy material: and, as you know, weight is a no-no in rowing shells. Thus, this coating adds potential to stress-related cracks. Fortunately, these cracks are only in the surface (not in the fiber cloth) and should not take on water. CARE IN LAUNCHING AND HANDLING THE CRAFT SHOULD BE TAKEN AT ALL TIMES to help eliminate this potential. For instance, dragging the bottom of the shell on the edge of the dock is not recommended. Should your cracks become excessive, we offer a gelcoat home repair kit. See price list for current prices and ordering information. Stress-related cracks of this type are not covered by the factory warranty. Upon delivery of your shell, inspect the unit carefully and notifythe factory within 48 HOURS to confirm factory or shipping related stress cracks to ensure warranty coverage.

The enclosed hulls of these models need to breathe when they aren’t in use or stored for the winter. IT IS IMPORTANT TO OPEN THE DRAIN PLUG AND/OR PORT HOLE TO ALLOW THE HULL TO VENIILATE AT ALL TIMES (when not being rowed.)

SHELLS

Storing and racking your shells should be handled in the following manner:

FOR OUTDOORS, store your shell upside down to prevent rain water from accumulating in the cockpit.

IF UPSIDE DOWN, it should rest on the cockpit splash board or coaming of the shell, preferably with the rack being padded, and up off the ground at least 8 inches. Do not rest the shell across it’s decks unless in a LANDRACK. NEVER REST THE SHELL DIRECTLY ON THE GROUND WITH THE WEIGHT OF YOUR BOAT RESTING ON THE RIGGER OARLOCKS.

IF RIGHT SIDE UP, your shell should hang in slings or wide straps that conform to the hull shape without resistance. NEVER LEAVE YOUR SHELL ON A HARD, FLAT SURFACE FOR EXCESSIVE PERIODS OF TIME; this could alter or dent the shape of your hull. Also, NEVER HANG THE SHELL FROM EACH ‘TIP’ END…POSITION THE SLINGS AT LEAST 4 TO 5 FEET IN FROM THE ENDS. This will ensure that a shell does not “droop” over extended periods of time.

SPRINT STORAGE - The SPRINT should be stored in the same manner as the others (upside down). However, FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF STORAGE, the DROP IN UNIT should be REMOVED and set aside.

3. NEVER TIE DOWN THE SHELL WITH ROPE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. This can cause a “rope burn” in the hull. A strap or padded rope is recommended. It is also recommended to loop’ the strap around the hull when tying down or supporting its weight. DO NOT USE THE TOW EYE IN THE BOW DECK. That feature is used for tying off, not tying down.

4. If left outside, ALL SHELLS SHOULD BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN. Water seepage can be prevented using this method. Overtime, the wooden feet and the gelcoat will fade if not properly protected, (covered from direct sunlight)

PRO AM AND OLYMPUS

These shells are more high tech and more delicate than others and they need to be treated as such. Extra care should be taken when handling, storing and launching your PRO AM 25, PRO AM ELITE, or OLYMPUS.

The OLYMPUS should be transported like any other elite racing single. IT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY FREE FORM SLINGS OR 4” THICK PADS ABOUT 8 FT APART. AS WITH ANY OTHER RACING SHELL, MOUNTING THE OLYMPUS UPSIDE DOWN ON IT’S COAMING (LIKE A RECREATIONAL SHELL) WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STIFFNESS OVER THE LENGTH OF THE SHELL. DO NOT SECURE IT ON THE ENDS. Tying down each end to the bumper can cause fatigue in the hull’s stiffness over a period of time because of road shock and the like.

SPECIAL NOTE

Any attempt to re-enter your shell after capsizing could cause major and/or minor structural damage, Re-enter your shell in emergency situations only (i.e. out to sea, cold waters perpetuating hypothermia, etc.); otherwise, return or swim the shell back to shore or next to another craft where you can enter the shell properly as described in this manual. (see page 55... Getting back into a Capsized Boat.)

HERITAGE ROWING SKIFFS

STORAGE – The Heritage may be stored outside, right-side up on soft ground, padded dock or on a Heritage Dolly. Be sure to pull BOTH the drain plugs so rain water won’t collect. RAIN WATER IS VERY WEAVY AND IF ALLOWED TO COLLECT IN A BOAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE

DAVITS: WHEN USING A DAVIT IT IS CRITICAL TO BE SURE NO WATER HAS COLLECT INSIDE THE FALSE BOTTOM. WATER IS VERY WEAVY AND IF ALLOWED TO COLLECT IN A BOAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE. The Heritage should never be left for extended periods (even overnight) HANGING FROM DAVIT’S OR OTHER “SLING” DEVICES. If you must, use a sling under the hull (NOT HOOKED TO THE BOW & STERN TOWEYE) and make it mandatory to pull both the cockpit and the liner drain plugs.

MAINTENANCE: REPACKING THE COCKPIT DRAIN PLUG. Compared to a powerboat weighing several hundred pounds, these lightweight skiffs are able to shift and flex. Because of this, it may develop a leak in between the inner and outer layers around the cockpit drain plug housing. This is similar to repacking a prop shaft on a big boat. This procedure is explained under Maintenance and Problem Solving, section 13.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Little River Marine Company

P. 0. Box 986

Gainesville, FL 32602

All LITTLE RIVER MARINE rowing shells are manufactured with high quality selected resins, fibercloth and stainless steel materials, which have been tested under rigorous conditions to meet every possible concern prior to leaving the factory. This warranty only applies to the original owner and is, therefore, non-transferable. Every LITTLE RIVER MARINE rowing shell shall be free of failures resulting from materials or workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of purchase if used under normal circumstances and are subject to the following conditions:

1)This warranty applies only if the shell is used in accordance with rowing related activities. This warranty is void if the equipment is misused, altered, or improperly sunk. It also becomes void if the equipment is used for promotions, (rental, clubs, training, etc.) and demonstrative purposes.

2)This warranty does not cover bending, breakage, or anydamage caused by improper usage, accidents, or acts of God.

3)All warranty claims are subject to factory approval, and the judgement of LITTLE RIVER MARINE is final.

4)All repairs covered under this warranty will be performed at the factory, and all transportation charges are incurred at the expense of the customer. Defective parts must be returned before replacement or repairs will be made.

COVERED

1)Replacement parts and workmanship.

NOT COVERED

1)Normal wear and discoloration of all fiberglass parts,

2)Transportation to and from repair center.

3)Damage caused by abuse or unseaman-like use of the boat.

4)Discoloration, blistering, or cracking of gelcoat caused by injudicious storage.

5)Transportation of replacement parts.

6)Surface scratches and finish on all wooden parts.

7)Failure to comply with the “WARNING” section of the Owner’s Handbook.

We urge that you take a few moments to complete your LITTLE RIVER MARINE warranty card. It is important for you to return this warranty form to the manufacturer in order to validate your warranty. Failure to do so will void your warranty.

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SETTING UP YOUR SHELL

As a beginner, the terminology and fine-tuning adjustments required to rig your shell can be quite confusing, especially if you have never had to set up a shell before. Throughout this manual you will notice that a lot of print is dedicated towards properly rigging your shell. A properly rigged craft ensures that you learn proper rowing techniques and also enjoy and accomplish a good “row” on those first few times out. The following is a common sense guide to setting up your shell. Read this before you get into the advanced sections on rigging.

To keep things simple, there are three basic adjustments you need to make on your shell before attempting to row it.

The height of the riggers.
The “button” adjustments on the oars.
The foot assembly adjustment.

YOUR FIRST TIME

RIGGER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The height of your oarlock off of the water is important in order to pull the oar comfortably towards your solar plexus muscle — not high towards your chest — and not too low towards your navel. Rigger height is also adjusted left hand over right so as to keep your hands from colliding. Further height changes are sometimes made to accommodate rougher water conditions.

Your shell has been pre-adjusted for the average height/weight oarsman and average water conditions at the factory. We suggest that you try this first several times before adjusting the riggers’ height. If your shell was delivered unrigged, follow these simple instructions:

Heritage: Simply loosen the bracket handle enough to see a few threads, and drop the rigger in. Press down to get it all the way in.

All Wing Shells: Your attachment knobs are in your storage bag. Start all three before tightening any. Use the upper holes on the wing (the ones making the wing lower to the water)

Sea shell double:

Leave all plastic shims on the rigger bolts, and remove only the stainless steel nuts and washers. The plastic shim sets the height and protects the sides of the shell.

Slide your rigger onto the upper set of holes.

Snug the nuts and washers... just “spark plug tight”. There is no need to tighten the systems too much

FINE TUNING YOUR RIGGER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS

After you are comfortable with your shell and have a feel for rowing in the factory settings, you may want to adjust the rigger height off the water to better match your body size and water conditions. You can adjust the height up to three different ways depending on which shell model you purchased.

ALL MODELS: You can move the small white washers that are under the oarlock to

above the oarlock.

WING MODEL SHELLS

In RARE cases, a rower might want the rigger much higher, such as ocean rowing. This is done by attaching the Wing to the shell using the other set of holes in the rigger base plate for a little more up/down adjustment. Note that when you do this, a small gap is created between the Wing and the shell. There is a black rubber washer on the mounting knobs that can be slipped into this space.

SEASHELL ( FOR ADVANCED ROWERS ONLY) For a large change in height, you can add or flip