Dumpster & Graveyard Boat Repairs
What Happens to Old Boats?
In this episode, I’m coming to you from the boat graveyard.
You know the spot. The grassy patch outside the boathouse where damaged or forgotten shells sit, waiting for their next chapter... or the dumpster.
Some of these boats have incredible stories. I saw someone post a photo of a boat once, chopped up for scrap, and the comments were full of people saying things like, “I won states in that boat.” It hit me, how many memories are tied to these piles of fiberglass?
I’ve got a soft spot for the old ones. My own boat is a 1981 Pienert. She’s not the fastest, but she’s sturdy, balanced, and fun to row. And I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
Why I Love Rescuing Boats
We call my double the Dumpster Double, because that’s literally where I found her. I picked her up from a drainage ditch after a snowmelt in Boston. She’d been dropped, cracked near the steering, and left for dead. I hauled her home, fiberglassed her back to life (yes, in my garage that barely fit her), and now she gets regular miles on the Genesee River.
There are so many boats like this, ones written off by insurance companies, boathouses, or busy programs. But with some elbow grease and love? They’ve still got it.
Where to Find Used Boats That Deserve a Second Chance:
- Row2k classifieds
- Facebook rowing equipment groups
- Check with local clubs, some are happy to offload unused boats
- Insurance company auctions for “totaled” boats
The Soul of a Boat Doesn’t Expire
Every boat has its quirks, its creaks, its story. If you’re in the market, don’t overlook the older models. They might not win you a national title, but they can give you joy, stability, and the freedom to row on your own terms.
Rowing doesn’t have to be new to be meaningful.
Just like rowers, we age, we adapt, and we keep moving.
If you need assistance with getting your training on track as you age check out Square Performance, Rowing on the Square's training performance community!