A conversion kit to use a dugout or simple boat as a training scull

Rigger slide and foot stretcher for a dugout or simple boat

Mid section of the boat

Slide for seat (seat not shown)

Slide and foot stretcher shown separatelyFabricate from 12mm plywood. The footplate fits into slots made from strips of wood,

Stern

Bow

Slide bed

Adjustable footstretcher unit

Shape supports to fit the boat

Foot plate (needs footstraps)

Critical dimensions

Distance between pins – 155 – 160 cmPin to maximum foot stretcher position – 50 cmSlide bed length 70 cmSeat height above heel position – 15 – 18 cmRange of adjustment of the foot stretcher – 30cm

The swivels are made from a tube to fit the pin and 25mm x 5mm mild steel bent up into the shape shown.The smaller tube forms a tube cleat for a knotted rope that acts as the gate in a conventional swivel. The three components are welded or brazed together. The swivel has an angle of 8 degrees relative to the pin tube. Take sizes off an existing swivel to fit the blades being used. The pin is made from continuous threaded rod, minimum 12mm diameter, and locked in place with nuts and washers on both sides of the rigger. The swivel is held in place with two lock nuts. Using threaded rod as the pin is not ideal but it will work. For a smoother action slide plastic tube over the thread and use a size of tube on the swivel that will fit over it, allowing the swivel to rotate freely around the pin.

The swivels and pin

Notes

The main parts of the wing rigger should be made of stable hardwood (should not twist) approximately 150mm x 30mm.

The rigger assembly should be screwed and glued and fixed using screws to the gunnels of the boat.

The height of the swivel above the seat should be 14 -16 cm.

The height of the swivel above the water should be 22 – 24 cm

I suggest using bolts for the pins with a nut and washer to fix it to the end of the wings, then lock nuts to hold the swivel in place.

The slides are best made from the lower track of sliding door gear – and the wheels for the seat to match. Alternatively, the top part of sliding door gear turned upside down with four trolleys carrying the seat.

This design is free to use and adapt. Please keep me informed of any improvements made so that these can be passed on to other users.

If anything is not clear, email me for more information.

Jim Flood

jimflood42@gmail.com