Welcome to Max Rigging
Welcome! Max Rigging is the authority site on rigging and rowing to help you get the most out of your rowing equipment. You'll find information on rigging and rowing from Mike Davenport, a top-level instructor and the primary educational consultant for USRowing.
The information here is very easy to follow, even if you're not technically minded. You can apply much of it immediately to your own rowing, to be faster, less stressed, save money, be safer or just plain be better than before.
If you're new to rowing, take a deep breath. We all start somewhere, and you've come to the right place. Sign up for a quick course on rigging and feel free to browse the site or contact Mike if you don't see what you're looking for.
15 Passenger Vans And Rowing Shells Don’t Mix Well
Dick recently submitted this question and seemed like a great one to open to discussion:
I read in my copy of “Nuts and Bolts Guide to Rigging” that one should never use a 15 passenger van to carry a boat. Our club has been using a 15 passenger van for some years to carry a 4+ about 75 miles to a regatta, and there have been no issues. What’s the problem, overhang?
The overhang Dick mentions is certainly an issue (Overhang is the length an object extends past the end of a vehicle). Some states only allow 3 feet of overhang, and although it has been a while since I’ve seen (or measured) the overhang of a four on a 15p van, I would bet that it would be upwards of 10 feet or more.
However, the real critical issue here is roll-over. Fifteen passenger vans are notorious for their roll over problems, contributing to many accidents and deaths. Many institutes no longer use the vans, and those that do usually limit them to only 9 passengers (to keep the center of gravity lower).
Locally I know that if I were to transport shells on a 15p van that I would void the insurance.
My suggestion would be to check with the local authorities to see what they say about your suggestion, and then check with your insurance company.
I would also suggest that you do a quick Google search on these terms, “roll over 15 passenger van.” I think you will find the results quite sobering.
That’s my advice to Dick. What do you think?
Filed Under Safety, Transportation | Leave a Comment
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The Nuts and Bolts of Rigging
Mike Davenport is a top-level instructor and the primary educational consultant for USRowing. Now retired from the U.S. National Rowing Team, he enjoys providing consultation, on-site clinics, teaching workshops and coaching athletes and other coaches about rigging and rowing.
Click here to learn about Mike's services or click here to get his book, The Nuts and Bolts of Rigging.
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