Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The Echo handles differently from the Aero I rowed before. Do you have any recommendations?
A: Because the Echo has a molded keel rather than a separate fin or skeg, you will initially notice a slight handling difference. However, our experience is that after a few fun rows you won't notice a difference at all.
There are two things you can do: one is mechanical (involving the boat) and one is technical (involving your technique).
Set your foot stretchers as far toward the stern of your boat as possible, without your seat wheels hitting the front-stops of the tracks as you reach out to take a stroke.
Make sure that your two oar blades are entering and exiting the water together. This will keep any boat going straight. We find that the Echos challenge us to clean up our bladework - this is a good thing!
Q: What car-top racking systems do you recommend?
A: Your best bet is two parallel bars on top of the vehicle - Yakima and Thule are popular brands. We recommend saddles on both bars to support the boat. If you want to slide the boat as Lorna does in the DVD, glue the fuzzy part of the Velcro on the back saddles or put a nylon stocking over them so the boat will slide.
Q: When I received my boat, it included black plastic washers on a blue plastic frame. What are they for?
A: Those black plastic washers are actually called pitch bushings. If you look very carefully, you'll see a tiny number on each one, and 4 of each number. These are to change the "pitch" of your oarlocks - or the angle at which your oarlock pitches towards the stern. There is a slight pitch to your oarlocks in order to place the oar blade in the right position. This is not something you should have to worry about, as your boat will arrive fully rigged and appropriate for just about all of the rowing situations you will encounter. Set those aside for now, and if you have occasion to readjust your oarlocks later on, please contact us for further guidance.
Q: My bailer won't stay open to let water drain out.
A: This is because your bailer is brand new. We find that roughing up the edges of the bailer with sandpaper is really helpful.
Additional help may be found in the Owner's Manual
