Pocock Classic Cedar Singles Store

Store
New Pocock Classic Cedar Single
2/28/13

Heavyweight Teardrop
For Sale
Pocock Classic racing shell, Heavyweight Teardrop model, Western red cedar, 26 feet, six inches long.
See on eBay

The Pocock classic cedar single is one type of rowing shell, in which a single rower uses two oars to row, or scull, the boat. (Different types of shells are designed to be rowed by as many as eight rowers, and sometimes with sweep oars (where each rower handles only one oar.) The single is built for competition and is light and stiff.
With a length of 26 feet, six inches and a beam of 12 inches, it weighs only 34 pounds, yet it is designed for a rower weighing up to 220 pounds.
The hull is made of cedar 3/32” thick, like the skin of a Stradivarius violin. The hull of the Pocock Classic single is unique in that the skin is made from a bookmatched pair of steam-bent Western red cedar planks. Yellow cedar is used for bedes, cheeks and washboards, sugar pine for the keel, gunwales and frame, ash for the shoulders.
No drawn plans exist for the Pocock Classic cedar single; only the forms, jigs and molds that perpetuate their traditional shape and construction remain.
Historically, Pocock shells were made by four generations of the Pocock family. In the heyday of Pocock’s wooden shell building, all piece parts were made in multiples and stockpiled. Then construction of the hulls occured separately, one or two at a time.
Ten years ago, the wooden Pocock shell was in danger of disappearing , when Bob Brunswick, its last wooden shell builder retired in 2003. A unique arrangement was made with the Northwest Maritime Center, for a collaborative effort between Brunswick and boatbuilder Steve Chapin. The knowledge of how to make these unique shells was passed down through first hand tutorial, thus preserving the art of making these one-of-a-kind shells.
The Pocock shells are unique because the frame is omitted to save weight. The result is a monocoque hull in which the skin, as Brunswick calls it, is a structural element. The shells also use one thickness of solid, steam-bent wood per side, unlike strip-planked or cold-molded hulls. And the Pococks are made of Western red cedar, giving the shells a combination of stiffness and springiness that other boats of the type don’t possess. Such new wooden-hulled singles are a rarity these days.
Photos are attached. One of the photos shows a pair of spruce sculls, but they are NOT included in this sale.
This Heavyweight Teardrop Pocock Classic shell currently is on display at the Northwest Maritime Center, Port Townsend, Washington. Because of the need for space and expansion of other lines of merchandise, this single Pocock Classic is being offered on eBay (#330880868980) with a low reserve of $10,000, listed 2/28/12 for 7 days. It is brand new, never has been used, in mint condition. No discounts allowed. Local pick up only.
VISA/MC, Paypal, and cash accepted.
Contact Molly@nwmaritime.org for more information. 360.385.3628 x101