Here are a few answers to some of the most 'Frequently Asked Questions'

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Is the Solo 14™ car-toppable?

Yes, with the customized heavy duty roof-racks shown here it is possible to car top a Solo 14™. Scott Bessho of Seattle says: “Here is a picture of the car-top setup I have. It's a Thule base rack and kayak saddle system with a Maine Roll-On roller on the back attached to an INNO rack extender that gets the roller back beyond the rear hatch of my car for loading and unloading.” All of these options can be seen at http://www.orsracksdirect.com 

Bear in mind that the boat weighs 150 lbs (68 kilos) so care must be taken when handling.

Can two people row the Solo 14™?

Yes, but only in the fixed seat rowing mode. The Solo14™ comes complete with two fixed seat rowing stations that allow two rowers with 71/2’ traditional oars the option of rowing together at the same time. In slide seat rowing mode there is space in this model for only one rower however two more persons or pets can be accomodated at the same time.

Can I put a sail rig on the Solo 14™

No, the Solo 14™ has no provisions such as a centerboard or mast step to provide a sailing platform. Check out our classic sailing models  featuring cast bronze centerboards, kick up rudders and easily handled sail rigs are much better suited for sailing. Classics range in size from 11'6" to 17' and also feature optional slide seat rowing gear. The Whitehall Spirit® 17 sailing model is available with two slide seat stations allowing double position sculling.

Please visit www.whitehallrow.com to see our sailing models from 9' Minto to the Whitehall Spirit® Expedition model at  20'LOA

Why do they seem so expensive?

Because this is such a unique and innovative product it is difficult to compare it to other boats. Note that these are top quality boats. We believe a boat should do exactly what it's designed to do and should be built to last. Therefore the hull is thermoformed from co-polymer plastic, tougher by far than more inexpensive polyethylene and much more impact proof than fiberglass. (See the video) There is a layer of UV proof "Solartkote™ ) acrylic bonded to the exterior of the deck and hull so degradation by sunlight is virtually eliminated. This material stays shiny and does not chalk over time like non-maintained gelcoat.

Included with the boat  is all the gear found in a racing shell but built even tougher to handle rough salt water conditions. Inside the hull is another  interior structural support grid which further stiffens and strengthens the boat enabling it to withstand the forces imposed by rowing and carry quite large loads. The rower and the boat both get a great workout!
The forces involved in rowing whether in  slide seat mode or traditional rowing are much greater than most other marine activities. Also included is the movable fixed seat and it's rowing gear, nonskid, a drain plug and reinforced towing or lifting eyes. It's a lot of boat, and well worth the price but you do n't have to take our word for the value of these boats,  just read the loveletters posted by the owners themselves.

Do they come only in white?

So far they have been produced only in white. We can provide the boat with colored decks in the case of a volume orders of 12 or more boats. Clubs or Resorts may appreciate this option. However 8 weeks lead time is required prior to shipment to allow for receiving a special order from the plastic suppliers.

How easy is it to repair?

The polymer plastic used to produce the boat is extremely impact resistant, which means the likelihood of putting a hole in the it is extremely unlikely. See the Solo 14™ video with the part showing the hull being hammered several times in the same spot by a 3lb. (1.36 kilo) steel hammer with no resulting damage. Fiberglass would not handle direct impact of this sort.

Like all boats, the exterior can be scratched on sharp or abrasive surfaces, such as barnacles, or sharp edges. It can also abrade over time on sand and we recommend handling your boat carefully to avoid this. An optional stainless steel keel strip is recommended for rough beach landings. In beach situations a dolly, boat slider track or trailer will help suffice to help keep the boat scratch free. Boats kept out of the water on a bunk or lift, that are launched directly into the water and are not landed on beaches will stay pretty much pristine.

Minor scratching can be easily buffed out. Major gouges can be filled. For boats that will be landed on concrete or rocks we recommend the factory option of a stainless steel keelstrip.

If I am unfit and carrying extra weight, can I slide seat row the Solo 14™?

Definitely! Many of our owners have made rowing their Solo a big part of their fitness plan. They are thrilled with the results because it's an enjoyable way to reach their goals. 

Sliding seat or fixed seat rowing is an easy form of exercise, however if you are new to it we recommend starting slowly, being very careful in balancing your weight when getting into and out of the boat and keeping your rowing time down to under half an hour for the first few times out, regardless of how good it feels.

How stable are these boats?

Stability is needed in two areas, the first is when boarding the boat. Compared to a canoe, kayak, rowing shell or stand up paddle board the Solo 14™ is much more stable. A rower can easily step into the boat and sit down. In calm water it is quite possible to stand, for example, to fly fish. In rough water and larger waves the Solo 14™ exhibits another type of stability allowing waves to pass underneath while remaining steady in the water. Rowing skill is required for manoeuvering or making headway in wind and rough waves. The Whitehall's lines, dating back to the 17th century, that the Solo 14™ hull is derived from, is reknown for handling rough, choppy wave conditions. It is regarded as one of the most stable, seaworthy hulls ever designed.

For more information see the History of the Whitehall.

Do you have any used boats?

We hardly ever see any used boats as they are so loved by their owners. However, we do occassionally have someone upgrade, so contact us to find out more and we can add your contact information and the specific model requested to our "wait"  list.  In NA call 1 800 663 7481.

What kind of trailer works best?

The good news is these boats fit on any number of conventional small trailers available pretty much everywhere. One we recommend is the EZ Loader 12' bunk style galvanized trailer. Additional items for easier handling are: A tongue jack, an additional keel roller and a piece of nylon angle edge installed on the aft cross-beam. The bunks can be adjusted. We have an article on our Classic Boats web site called Trailer Your Boat with a link to the EZ Loader and Shorelander Trailers Inc, manufacturers web sites that gives a list of Distributors across the US.  Lighter weight aluminum models such as the Trailex are available through retailers including Cabela.

Typical recommended models suitble for the Solo 14™ include the following:

E Z Loader glavanized trailer -  EZ 12-14'

Shorelander bunk Trailer - SLB10TS

Carnai Trailers Inc (Recently acquired Calkins Trailer Inc.) - recommend 'Tuffy' Model

Trailex Sports Utility Trailers -  SUT-200-S Ultra Light Duty Single or SUT-250-S Light Duty Single

What size and type of outboard motor do you recommend?

Many people think they should have the option of using an outboard but when we check with a few months them later almost all do not use one as the boat rows so well under oars. So we recommend trying the boat out before spending money on an engine. However if you are using the boat on a river where there’s a need to overcome a current or for traveling a few miles to a fishing spot or finally to get off a lake or water that is subject to wind squalls an outboard motor could be helpful. The transom height determines that it needs to be a “long shaft” with 21” or so to the cavitation plate. This will keep the prop in the water in wave conditions. If you are out alone there must be a steering tiller fitted so you can sit on the slide seat or the fixed seat to balance out the boat. The overall weight of the motor should be under 25lbs (11.5 kg.) Most people find a 2hp gasoline outboard works best. An Electric OB will also work well. There are many types but the new lithium battery powered “Torqeedo” is self contained and the latest technology. Model 401S with a 23” shaft is recommended. It’s carried by West Marine, Jamestown Distributors and other vendors.

Can I pick up my boat at the factory in Victoria or meet your driver at an “on route” location?

Many owners do this and enjoy a tour of our facilities at the same time. On a factory pickup all sales are subject to Provincial (PST - 7%) and Federal Canadian taxes (GST- 5%). Deliveries to the US are not subject to any Canadian taxes so delivery via our truck can often cost less. Local delivery to non-Canadian registered yachts “in transit” is also exempt from all Canadian taxes. You can also arrange for a pickup in Blaine WA. Here is a link to a map of the Blaine WA pickup location  

When ordering their boats most owners take advantage of our  "door to door" delivery service as part of the package.  Occasionally, to accommodate these your needs, our driver will meet up at a pre-arranged time and location (such as Blaine or elsewhere) and you take delivery and transport your boat to its destination. Here is check list for whats needed that also applies to boats that are picked up at the factory.

How well does the Solo 14™ tow behind a larger boat?

The Solo 14™ with it’s “Whitehall” style tracking keel tows very well even in rougher conditions. The bow eye is designed to be strong enough for towing or hoisting the boat. See the “Loveletter” and photos on towing the Solo 14™ sent by a happy owner that uses his as a ships tender.