Construction Methods
Swift Racing Boats are manufactured in a modern, fully integrated factory, using proven materials and production processes. All Racing Shells are heat-cured under vacuum using epoxy resins for maximum structural integrity and stiffness. Even our lowest cost boats (Club A and Club B) use honeycomb cores on the and gunwales, and PVC for the seat deck and keel in order to provide additional stiffness and minimize the overall weight.
Sandwich construction (an inner and outer skin, with a core in between) is by far the most common construction type in rowing boat construction. Carbon, Kevlar or fiberglass and a core material, usually honeycomb or Lantor coremat, are treated with resin and then heat-cured under vacuum at high temperatures. This method of boat building is to a certain degree unavoidably labor intensive.
A core material such as honeycomb is used to make a sandwich structure in order to increase hull thickness, while adding very little to overall weight. The thickness of a composite structure directly affects its performance, in particular, its stiffness over its length, and its local hardness. Lantor coremat can also be used as an alternative core material, but because of its greater density, it results in a heavier boat. Lantor coremat does however provide a better bonding surface than honeycomb, has better impact resistance, often results in increased stiffness, and is easier to repair.
We offer 4* grades of boats: Elite Carbon, Elite, Club A, and Club B. Each grade is finished to the same high standard, but has a different price point due to the variety of materials used.
All Swift boats share these features;
- “Sandwich” construction (ie. A core material such as honeycomb, coremat, or PVC foam is sandwiched between 2 “skins”).
- Epoxy resin, cured at high temperature.
- Bonded under vacuum.
- Enclosed seat decks for maximum buoyancy (exceeding FISA’s requirements).
Elite Carbon
| Overview | This boat is for serious racers. It is our stiffest and lightest racing shell |
| Hull | Honeycomb core with outer skin of carbon, Inner skin of carbon cloth, and carbon reinforcing |
| Gunwales and bow/stern deck | Honeycomb core with carbon skins, and carbon reinforcing |
| Seat Deck | High density closed cell PVC foam with carbon skins |
Elite Plus
| Overview | This boat is our most popular. Fast and affordable. |
| Hull | Honeycomb core with outer skin of kevlar cloth, inner skin of mostly carbon cloth, and carbon reinforcing |
| Gunwales and bow/stern deck | Honeycomb core with carbon and kevlar skins, and carbon reinforcing |
| Seat Deck | High density closed cell PVC foam with carbon and kevlar skins |
Club
We offer two grades of boats under the club branding, perfect for those looking to build out their fleet for new rowers
Club A
| Overview | This boat is the workhorse of the training team. Durable and affordable, it is fast despite the slight weight increase over the Elite Plus line of shells. |
| Hull | Lantor Coremat with kevlar skins, and carbon reinforcing |
| Gunwales and bow/stern deck | Honeycomb core with carbon and kevlar skins, and carbon reinforcing |
| Seat Deck | High density closed cell PVC foam core with kevlar skins |
Club B
| Overview | Specifically built for training purposes, this boat is heavier but easier to repair than the Club A models. |
| Hull | Lantor Coremat with fiberglass skins, and carbon reinforcing |
| Gunwales and bow/stern deck | Honeycomb core with fiberglass skins, and carbon reinforcing. |
| Seat Deck | High density closed cell PVC foam core with fiberglass skins |
*Depending on the model and design of the selected boat, only certain grades will be available. To find out more about customizing a specific model please choose from the options below.
Parts And Accessories
Whether you are looking for parts for repairs, spare blades, or equipment to store and transport your fleet, Swift Racing offers a wide variety of parts and accessories to meet all of your needs.
Want to Know More?
Centered in beautiful Kingston ON, Canada, we’re committed to bringing about the best in rowing within the province and across the nation. Whether you’re new to rowing and have questions about how to begin, or you’re an experienced rower looking to connect with the larger community, we’re here to help. Drop us a line, we’d love to chat.
