Ron Rantilla’s Odyssey 165 is an unusual rowboat for touring and exercise. It is specifically for use with his FrontRower, a drop-in forward-facing rowing system. With the oars fully supported by the rowing rig, there’s no need to make the boat wide enough to provide a workable span for conventional oarlocks, or stout enough to take the strain of rowing on the gunwales. The Odyssey has the proportions of a canoe, offers the same view over the bow, and is similarly efficient converting effort into forward progress.The FrontRower occupies a fair bit of space in the middle of the boat, but the ends have plenty of room for gear and I could easily imagine taking extended cruises. With one's legs taking on the lion’s share of powering the oars, covering long distances with a heavily laden boat would save the hands, shoulders, and back wear and tear. There would also be a benefit in being able to keep the boat moving with legs alone while looking at charts or GPS, taking photos, and keeping well hydrated and fed. Each oar comes apart at a joint just outboard of the hand grips, and it is easy enough to assemble and disassemble the oars while afloat.
photographs and video by the author
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A neat set up. But I could not afford to buy and have the rowing rig shipped to New Zealand, having not having made fame and fortune in my earlier life. However, I am skilled enough to build the clever gear shown. Are there plans that can be purchased?
If you are looking for plans for the FrontRower rowing system, those are not available; it is sold as an assembled unit only. Shipping the rig to New Zealand by air is $400 USD. I agree this adds up to a lot of money, but “quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” Plans for the Odyssey 165 are $79 USD plus $35 shipping.
I built one of these a few years ago and absolutely love it! Rowing a dingy ashore now seems so strange with my back facing where I want to go. Ron’s kit has everything needed including concise instructions with photos. I love my early morning rows and being able to sip my tea without missing a stroke.
I purchased a FrontRower in September 2016 and have been using it every chance I get. Facing forward lets me navigate winding rivers and around obstacles. It’s fast and using it quickly becomes second nature. The whole unit is really well designed. It’s almost holistic. The legs drive the oars directly, eliminating stress on the back and wrists. The upper body is engaged only to the extent you wish. On the FrontRower, I have none of the wrist problems I suffer from when using my rowing machine. My previous experience was, well, zero. I’d never actually rowed on the water before. Since getting the FrontRower I’ve rowed an average of 3-5 days/week, on 23 lakes and four rivers, including multiple trips in the 20-25 mile range, and never felt worn out at the end of the day. Some day I’d like to try it in a faster boat—maybe Ron’s Odyssey or an Alden shel—but for now I’m content expanding my canoeing opportunities and discovering the joy of rowing.
I am wondering if the oar height above water is adjustable on the return stroke. I do my rowing on the open sound and it can get pretty choppy out and I frequently catch wave tops with my sliding-seat shell if I am not paying attention. By looking at the video it looks like the oars hover just above the water, if that height can’t be adjusted I’m afraid I would have very limited days I could go out. Any input welcomed. Also, if Mr. Rantilla is answering, I am wondering why you choose a reverse raked transom, is it just for looks or does is there some other reason?
For Tom Hesselink: Yes, you can lift the oars if needed, both on the return and drive. I can’t speak to rowing on the sound, but I can deal with the whitecaps on the lakes here in Minnesota. I more often lift on the drive to take shallow strokes in weed beds, shallows, and through light rapids.