Buyers Guide: quick release rowing rigger fittings

There is often a substantial opportunity cost associated with removing conventional wing riggers in order to maximize the storage space in the boathouse. Many athletes and crews will argue the time taken to dismantle each boat after the session comes at a high price for the amount of space gained.

How much space is gained from storing the boat and riggers separately?

As a general rule, two de-rigged single sculls will fit onto the same space as a single scull with the wing rigger still secured. This at the very least, halves the amount of space required to fit everything in. Pair that with a means of strategically storing the wing riggers – such as a SSRS wing rigger bracket, and you have yourself an incredibly efficient boathouse storage management system.

Bearing that issue in mind, a number of rigger manufacturers have acknowledged the need for a better solution and have come to the rescue with the development of quick release riggers.

Below we take a look at several different quick release riggers, which will save you both time and space in your boathouse.

Swift Racing Quick Release Wing Riggers

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These riggers come as optional extras to the existing range of Swift wing riggers at a cost of US$64 per set and can be retro fitted to their current design of Ali Wing riggers (both stern and bow-mounted Wing riggers). Made from lightweight hard anodised aluminium with a slot in cam, they are simple, secure and easy to use. Note they can only be attached to wing rigger boats – you cannot swap them to a side mounted rigger.

Burton Quick Release Rigger System

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Not to be confused with the popular American snowboarding brand, Burton Water Sports hail from Australia. Burton Water Sports have been in operation since the 1960s, initially producing rowing shells under the name Sargent & Burton. Their latest Quick Release rigger system consists of a high marine grade stainless steel eye bolt and nut which can be put on without tools and tightened with fingers only. The Burton system is AUD$12 each or $48 plus shipping for a set of 4. Burton also produces rowing shells which can be ordered by customers in the UK and Europe.

Rigtec Engineering Quick Release Riggers

Having worked with the likes of Swiss manufacturer Stampfli for the past 8 years, Rigtec know a thing or two about rowing craft engineering. Based in Blenheim, New Zealand, they manufacture a vast range of rowing products including the newest addition – their own quick release rigger.

The quick release system can be fitted to their standard wing riggers with a minor alteration to the rigger mount (by drilling the threaded M6 mounting holes out to 6.2mm). Note however, that in doing so, you will raise the rigger by 10mm. Understandably, they can only be attached to existing wing rigger systems.

The full setup costs NZ$270 which works out to be roughly US$180.

So what are you waiting for?

Claim back your time – switch to quick release riggers now. Your boathouse and your athletes will thank you for it!

Do you use something else? Tell us about it!

NB: We also noticed quick release riggers available from QR Racing, Vespoli and Wintech Racing, but they were unable to respond to our enquiries at the time of publishing in Oct 2015.

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