Jim Michalak's Robote as an Oar Cruiser

 In the Feb 19, 2017 post, we documented Jim's Robote and described a possible Oar Cruiser conversion. This post is another Oar Cruiser (Rowmer) based on the same Robote design.

Overview of Model Reflecting Changes Described Below

Transom Sloped Forward Approximately 30 Degrees

Bird's Eye View (8' 2438 mm) Oars

Demountable and Adjustable Outriggers  

Reverse Sheer Giving Reduced Windage Fore and Aft

Specifications as an Oar Cruiser Pictured Above:

• Length: 16' 6" (5 m)
• Beam: 45" (1143 mm)
• Weight:  Approximately 90 pounds (40.1 kg)
• Water Line Length: 16' (4.9 m)
• Water Line Width: 36.5" (927 mm)
• WLL/WLW Ratio: 5.3:1
• Hull Speed: 5.4 knots, 10 kph, 6.2 mph

Conversion to an Oar Cruiser:

• Lengthen the hull to 16' 6" (5 m) by spacing the 14 stations an additional 2" (51 mm) apart.
• Lowered the top of the stem 9" (229 mm), raised the sheer at midships by 3" (76 mm), lowered the top of the transom by 5" (127 mm) and drew new sheer line intersecting these three points to create a reverse sheer.
• Used full-sized bulkheads at stations #3.75, #5.25 and #10, each crowned 1" (25 mm).
• This created 2 forward compartments, a 7'  (2134 mm) cockpit and an after compartment.
• Added fore and aft decks to create a cockpit opening (at deck level) of 5' (1524 mm).
• Added side decks approximately 6" (152 mm) wide midships.
• Provided access to #2 compartment forward and the aft compartment through 2 hatches, each 18" by 12" (457 mm by 305 mm).
• Cross-slatted floor boards were added to provide a dry support for the sleeping pad/bag as well as anchors for the rowing seat and footrest.
• A V-shaped splash guard and 3" (76 mm) coamings provide protection from water entering the cockpit from the deck. 
• The outriggers are adjustable (fore and aft) and can be easily removed by sliding forward on the reinforced coaming.
• A reverse reading compass would be installed on the after hatch.
• On the fore deck is a cleat and deadeye to enable anchoring without climbing on the deck. See description at the end of  this post titled "Anchoring an Oar Cruiser."
• Shelter would need to be provided using one of the many examples described in this blog.