The Best 5 Rowing Shell Manufacturers

Several companies build most of the racing shells you will see on the water. “Best” depends on your weight, level, budget and what is available locally, so treat this as an introduction to well-known names rather than a ranking. Try boats before you buy and ask your club what it uses. Details of each company’s history and range change, so check the maker’s own website for current information.

What shell builders do

A racing shell is a thin, light composite structure, usually carbon fibre over a core, built to a hull shape designed by the maker. Builders offer different hull models for different weight ranges and levels, from stable training boats to narrow racing shells, plus riggers, seats, footplates and often oars. Quality of finish, stiffness, weight and durability vary between models. Our history of the evolution of rowing shells shows how these boats developed.

Empacher

A German builder based in Eberbach, widely seen at top-level regattas. Willy Empacher founded the boatyard in 1923 in Königsberg. Empacher boats are known for their finish and are a common choice for competitive crews. Expect a high price. It makes boats from singles to eights.

Filippi

An Italian builder from Donoratico on the Tuscan coast, which began in 1980 and makes singles through to eights. Filippi boats are popular with clubs and competitive crews across Europe and beyond.

Hudson

Hudson is a Canadian builder based in London, Ontario, started in 1981 by Jack Coughlan with his wife Dallas and her brother Hugh Hudson. Its range includes the SHARK Predator and Ultimate SHARK Predator lines, plus a coastal single. Check with your club about the models it uses and what they suit.

Pocock

The Pocock name goes back to George Pocock, an English-born boatbuilder who made shells for American crews in the early twentieth century, starting with the University of Washington. Pocock Racing Shells dates its founding to Seattle in 1911. Today’s company builds racing shells and other rowing equipment in Everett, Washington.

Vespoli

Vespoli is based in New Haven, Connecticut, and began when Mike Vespoli started building Carbocraft boats in the US. It describes itself as America’s largest supplier of racing shells to colleges, universities, high schools and clubs. Check the current range on the maker’s website.

Comparing builders

Question	Why it matters
Weight range of each hull model	A boat that suits your weight will sit and handle properly
Stable training hull or racing hull	Stability for learning versus speed for racing
Stiffness and finish	Affects speed and how long the boat lasts
Spares and repairs	A local dealer or repairer saves time and money
Resale	Well-known names tend to hold value, though this is not guaranteed
Warranty	What is covered and for how long

How to choose

• Match the hull to your weight and ability. See how big should your rowing shell be?
• Think about your use. A stable training boat suits a club novice; a narrow racing hull suits a competitive sculler.
• Consider support. Spares, repairs and a local dealer matter.
• Compare used boats. Our guide to finding a rowing boat for sale explains what to check.
• Ask your club. If you plan to store your boat at the club, check what it can support and which makes are common, since spare parts are easier to share.
• Try before you buy. If you can, row two or three models and compare the feel.

Beyond the big names

Other reputable builders exist, and some smaller makers focus on coastal boats or training hulls. A name matters less than whether the boat suits you, is in good condition and can be maintained.

Oars matter too

A shell is only part of the system. Read how to choose a rowing blade, see the benefits of owning your own rowing shell, and browse the boats and kit hub.