Oxford Shell II

Product Description

A swift, smooth running recreational rowing shell intended for rec-racing, workouts or ocean rowing.

The original Oxford Shell was an instant success when it launched in 1996 and remained a popular build-it-yourself kit for 22 years. Boat kit technology has come a long way in that time and in 2018 Chesapeake Light Craft redesigned their original kit to use the latest construction methods.

The Oxford Shell II is pitched a bit more towards speed and performance compared to the original. Reasonably athletic rowers will be able to use it for training and experienced rowers will find it a competitive shell for masters regattas. Without sacrificing smooth-water speed, the design has been refined to produce a hull that can handle waves and chop. Experienced rowers can keep the Oxford Shell II moving in conditions that would send many recreational shells home.

Taking full advantage of modern wood-epoxy composite techniques, the designers were able to eliminate features like the sheer clamp, while creating a more sophisticated and organic hull shape.

Whereas the original Oxford Shell used a drop-in rowing frame, the riggers and sliding seat are integral to the mark II. The riggers can be quickly removed for transport and storage, if necessary.

With computer-cut parts and an extremely detailed step-by-step assembly manual, the Oxford Shell II is suitable for first-time boatbuilders. The panels are assembled in external forms to quickly and accurately build both the hull and the deck, which are then joined together to form a strong and light monocoque shell.

The base kit includes:

• Pre-cut wooden panels with pre-cut joints
• Cyanoacrylate glue (industrial superglue) and accelerator for rapid assembly
• Epoxy resin and activator
• Epoxy fillers
• Copper ties
• Woven glass fabric
• Woven glass tape
• Comprehensive building manual
• Free technical support from a competent builder

As well as the above, the complete kit includes:

• Sliding seat
• Foot stretchers
• Riggers and associated hardware

Oars are not included in the kits. We also recommend installing drain plugs in the airtight bulkheads, to allow the air pressure to equalise when launching in cold water or in storage at changing temperatures.

What else do I need?

Wood only

This option contains only the pre-cut plywood components and the construction manual, for those builders wishing to source all the other materials themselves. It does not contain the plans (these are not required because the wood is pre-cut), the epoxy, the fabric, the tape nor any of the hardware.

Rigger kit (included in the complete kit)

The rigger kit comprises the rigger parts and gates that are included in the complete kit.

• Quick-release wing rigger
• Quick-release mounting plates
• Gates and pins
• Fasteners and hardware

Seat and footrest kit (included in the complete kit)

The seat and footrest kit comprises the parts for the sliding seat and footrest that are included in the complete kit.

• Seat supports
• Seat undercarriage
• CNC-cut unfinished plywood seat
• Seat riser fitting template
• Seat carriage tracks with fasteners and hardware
• Foot straps
• Heel cups with mounting hardware

Plans and manual

These plans and manual contain sufficient information on the cutting of the panels to make it possible to build the boat from scratch. Builders working from a kit do not need to purchase this option. The plans include full size templates for every piece of the boat. Bulkhead and stitch-hole positions are marked on the panels.

The full-colour instruction manual describes all of the techniques that will be used during the build and also a step by step guide to construction. It contains a photograph or diagram of every step.

Please note that plans for a sliding-seat mechanism are not included.

PDF study manual

The construction manual for the boat is also available as a PDF download. After credit card authorisation a download link will be sent to the email address put on the order form.

This is intended for pre-build study or to help with the decision to purchase. This is the comprehensive manual that accompanies the kit; reading it will help you decide whether or not you can build the boat. It describes all of the techniques that will be used during the build and also a step by step guide to construction. It contains a photograph or diagram of every step.

The manual does not contain the cutting instructions so it is not possible to build the boat from scratch using only this.

PDF study plans

These study plans are intended to give you an overview of the construction of the boat. They are in PDF format that can be viewed using Adobe Reader. There are three pages and they measure 279 × 216 mm (11″ × 8½″). They can be printed for carrying around.

After credit card authorisation the plans will be sent to the email address put on the order form.