WHALEBOAT O28
OCEAN ROWBOAT

8.9m of beauty

The Whaleboat O28 is a carbon fibre/ foam/ epoxy matrix, vacuum infused ocean rowboat, 8.9m long, 1.9m wide, for a crew of 2 to 5.

The O28 doesn’t just have the looks – we know, she’s beautiful – but is also optimally functional.
Her longer waterline makes for a faster boat, with larger cabins, where even the tallest crew can rest in comfort, fully stretched out.

Designed for rowing

The O28 is designed to handle like a proper rowboat. Our design minimises the impact of the wind on all angles of the cabins, creating a much more versatile boat. It’s not built for running downwind only, and will deal with headwinds and side winds too. As such, the O28 is a perfect option for ocean crossings in any direction.

Whaleboat O28 ocean rowing boat overview

Racing is key but safety is priority

The O28 is fully self-righting, even without ballast. The roll-test surpassed all simulation results. So in the off-chance of a capsize, relax. It won’t take long to roll back on your feet.

The entire inner structure of the boat is made of vacuum infused carbon fiber sandwich panels. Two keelsons combined with bulkheads make a compartment. Every single one of these 20 compartments is taped to the deck and the hull, creating individual watertight areas. Even with several punctures the boat will stay afloat. This extremely rigid and stiff construction makes the O28 one of the most seaworthy and safest on the market. Just smile and wave to the approaching freighter’s crew as they prepare for impact…

Tech talk

Robust autopilot capable of dealing with the slower speed of rowboats. Designed to steer much bigger rudders, it can adapt course continuously without getting fried like so many other autopilots. The entire steering system is mounted below the floor level, resulting in maximum aft cabin living space.

Sliding seats construction and adjustment system reduce lateral movement. Wheels are located beneath the seats, protected against direct impact from sea water. Seats stay attached to the boat at all times, and load on the wheel bearings is reduced.

Anatomic seats designed by a prosthetic technician to reduce those backside pains.

Recessed solution to lock the dagger board, keeping the deck area flush and clean. No more injuries to toes and feet caused by protruding dagger boards.

Whaleboat O28 ocean rowing boat foot steering

More tech talk

Revolutionary foot steering system using a wheel instead of a rotating footplate. Wave goodbye to knee inflammation and strained ankles.

A look at the stern

The extended cabin surface has space for optional extra solar panels, in case you crave that extra long shower!

We flattened the aft section slightly to optimise the surf hydrodynamics. Adding more initial stability and reducing the risk of broaching when surfing down a wave.

Whaleboat O28 ocean rowing boat aft cabin

The Captain’s quarters

The largest cabin, situated aft of the vessel, houses the navigation and communication center, and provides a large sleeping compartment.

Most of the ship’s electronics for navigation – chart plotter and AIS – and the communication equipment – VHF (both portable and fixed versions) and satellite phones – are located here. The battery management system with LED screen and waterproof switch panels completes the list.

All electronics are housed in waterproof IP68 boxes. In case of flooding all electronics keep working! A unique feature in ocean rowing.

The Captain, a giant in both wisdom and size, and a second equally sizable crew member can comfortably sleep side by side, fully stretched out, as the mattress in this cabin is more than 2.1m long.
All steering components and the auto pilot are located under the floor, not in the back of the cabin, thus guaranteeing full use of the cabin space. Another unique feature.

Custom made, sturdy storage nets are easily accessible. They provide plenty of space for everything you want to keep close at hand, while ample compartments under the floor can hold all other gear.

The forecastle – front cabin

As in the old days, the less fortunate sleep in the bow of the boat. In fact, in the O28 also this cabin is spacious, and can house 2 crew members with ease.

The same custom made, sturdy storage nets are available here as well, for easy access to the most frequently used items.
Under the floor is more room for extra batteries, and alternative energy solutions (like hydrogen).