We Build Rowing Tanks

Your tank begins with a conversation, where we find out from you what your goals are, what is important, and what is not. We design your tank to fit your needs, your space, and your budget. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all design.

Configurations

There are several different configurations, and some different construction methods. Our goal is to work with you to find the one that fits you best. Constraints include available space, timeframe, and budget.

Tanks can be constructed out of all concrete, or all composite (fiberglass), or from some combination of the two.

Tanks can be constructed at different elevations. It is best to think of where the waterline is: It can be below the floor, so that spectators are looking a little bit down at the rowers, who are in a rowing cockpit recessed several feet into the floor; Princeton and Navy use this style. Or, the waterline could be about 40 inches above the floor. In this case the rowers are at or above eye level to spectators entering the room, and rowers have to take a few steps up into the cockpit.

How a Tank Comes Together

Sometimes an architect, university planning office, and general contractor are involved. Sometimes not. Where the budget allows we can recommend an architect who has a great deal of experience designing boathouses and rowing tanks.

This is the basic process of designing and building your tank.

1. We get together with you to learn your goals and ambitions. We also need to figure out who needs to be part of the planning process. Sometimes there is an architect or two, maybe an athletic director or facilities person. Maybe a contractor.
2. We work with your planning team to balance your goals with the various things that constrain them: space, power, time frame, and budget. There are decisions to be made: eight seats or 16? Sweep, sculling, both? Barge style or single oval? Raised, recessed, or street level?
3. Then we go to the drawing board—or rather mouse—and start to sketch a design that fits your needs, your space, your budget. There is a back and forth that follows.
4. Once we come to agreement on a design, we build it, install it, fill it, run it up, and teach you how to use it.
5. It doesn’t end there. We support you in figuring out rigging. We will help you determine the best way to go on tank oars, and cut them for you if you want. You will have our cell numbers and email addresses.

We Also Build Boats

Inriver is currently building small sculling boats for kids.  These boats can be found on the website littlescullingboat.com.  We feel that this boat is a great, stable platform for kids to get on the water and learn how to scull.  The boats and sculls are scaled down to kid size, which makes the process of learning to scull easier and with proper technique.  Contact us or Little Sculling Boat with any questions.  A perfect Christmas present!  See the video.

Inriver also is developing prototypes for an ultralight kayak and an efficient midsize runabout.  Stay tuned!