Torque
Overview
A next generation ELITE racing single!
The Torque is Levator’s elite racer, designed as a response to people who asked for a boat to carry forward the strengths of the Racer Series boats and raise the rower to the next level of racing. Available in two weight classes – middleweight and heavyweight – the Torque is a boat designed for speed:
"The Torque really responds at high rates. The feedback I get from elite rowers is once you start rowing at high rates you can see how the boat moves. It likes going fast."
– Jürgen Kaschper, boat designer
One of the reasons it can row at fast rates is its stability:
"At the catch the boat is very stable when the blades are up. That’s what makes it a comfortable, easy boat to row. And in theory and practice that is why I rounded the hull, to get that functionality."
– Jürgen Kaschper, boat designer
Stability at the catch is critical for speed because it allows the rower to maximize the power transfer through the full stroke.
"How it sets up at the catch was the most important thing for me. I was conscious about that aspect of the rowing stroke when I designed it. And that’s also the feedback I have had, that the boat is extremely solid at the catch when the blades are off the water. There isn’t that little wobble that creates hesitation or anxiety."
– Jürgen Kaschper, boat designer
Attention to detail can also be found in the Torque’s ergonomics within the cockpit:
"Another big advantage of the boat is the slope of the track is very deep. Combined with a high seat it creates clearance for the calves, which is an enormous benefit for a tall rower, a big man with a lot of power. I have been told by world-class, elite sculllers that this is a significant strength in the boat’s design."
– Jürgen Kaschper, boat designer
Aesthetically, the Torque draws its inspiration from classic Manhattan architecture:
"It was very much inspired by the lines of the Chyrsler Building in Manhattan. The combing has a gothic arch. The cockpit was designed to look sinewy and musclebound. I once made one with a limegreen cockpit and black hull. The Batman effect was there. Gotham is in the boat, in the lines and in the aesthetic of the cockpit. This might be one reason why the Torque has become quite a popular boat for men."
– Jürgen Kaschper, boat designer
Get INstep with the Torque ! A revolutionary concept; The INstep solves a complex problem with all singles and scullers; stepping in and out of a narrow boat without harming the boat or the sculler. The solution is to lower the centre portion of the seat deck to the keel. Lowering the center of gravity gives maximum stability and also reduces the amount of tuck required to get in and out of the shell, thereby lessening strain on hips and knees. The INstep makes space for convenient storage of water bottles and integrates a lifting handle located on the balance point of the shell.
"I like what I do"– Jürgen Kaschper
Construction
| Hull |
|
|---|---|
| Deck/Cockpit |
|
| Rigging |
|
| Hardware |
|
| Seat |
|
| Shoes |
|
| Footstretcher |
|
| Wiring |
|
Specs
| Length |
|
|---|---|
| Width |
|
| Depth |
|
| Boat Weight |
|
| Rower Weight Class |
|
Testimonials
I just bought the Torque that you had down at the Florida Rowing Center this past winter. I rowed it in Florida and loved it and now that I have it in New Hampshire I am thrilled with it. I will be rowing it out of the Amoskeag Rowing Club on the Merrimack River in Hooksett, New Hampshire (about an hour north of Boston).
It is a sweet boat. Thanks for building it for me!
Bob C.
I have received my new boat and I am in love with it. I want to thank you for helping me decide on a Levator. Our conversation in January convinced me that Jurgen would be building a boat for me and just not selling me a boat he had built. There is a big difference between the two that we both appreciate. The aesthetics of my boat are great and certainly that is important. Perhaps more importantly there great attention to detail--the instep, the footboard, the double hatches, the rail construction and configuration (most comfortable of any boat I have rowed and at last no graphite stained calves), and the rigger. Also, just as you promised many variations are possible for rigging. The greatest feature of the boat is how it rows. It has the same comfortable confident feeling of my Peinert 26 (which you not hear me speak ill of), but it is faster--quite a bit. I have already taken it out in some pretty good chop and I can feel confident in my ability to row hard without worrying about flipping. One the boat's strong points is in the recovery phase of the stroke. I have all sorts of room to work with and a good recovery insures that I am set up correctly for my next stroke. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about the Torque and Levator Boat Works. I have received a lot of boat for my money.
Alan B.
Jurgen, Nice to talk to you today about my new boat. I'm very pleased to have it, and it rows beautiful.
Terry A., Evanston Il.
I was able to go out during lunch for the first row. It really does row great just out of the box. In just a few strokes it felt like an old friend. The wind was blowing about 20 kph (if it were in Canada) but just 12 mph down here and that was no problem.
The size of the boat seems right. It sets up nicely.
Alan B. Makanda Il.
I got back last week after two long trips out of the country and have finally had some time to row the Torque. It is a joy to row and seems fast. I plan to race it in Regionals in Vancouver, WA later this month.
Art W.
First of all: Thank you for that beautiful boat! I don't know how you did it (yes I do- you're very, very good) but it "fit" me like a glove. And was sheer pleasure to row. And fast... what normally took me 20 strokes zipped by in 15. Believe me, it's the boat, not me.
Susan
Thanks for the time on Saturday. I love the boat. The maiden voyage went flawlessly.
I am excited.
Greg B.
Now that I've rowed my "new" boat, I can let you know that it is amazing! I love it. I'll try and remember to bring my camera next time...should have this morning, the lake was like glass.
Kathy H.
I received my levator single spring of 2007 and was estatic because of the design. Never being in a single before and being able to set the shell up was surprising. The smoothness of run in the shell, and power you feel is amazing. Keep up the good work.
Jimmy Wilkie
Although I've had my new boat for about a month, last night was the first time I could take Wasser Drache out for its maiden voyage! Wind, current, and water depth were finally just right. It was a great row! The boat and I had a great connection and everything "clicked."
Ducks and Canadian geese swam around as I rowed and a fly even hitched a ride with me...it landed on my stern and stayed there during the entire row!!! It is an amazing difference finally being in a boat that fits me...I don't have to overcompensate now! For example, I can pull the oars into my navel instead of high into my chest. I especially like how the smooth deck curves down behind my ankles...usually the backs of my legs get beat up from rubbing on the rough edges of other boats. I also really like the step-down (makes getting out very easy and a great place for my water bottle), the handle, and I felt very stable going out in it for the first time. I'll have to play around with tweaking the adjustments to get everything just right, but I love it and had an instant bond with it! Oh, I also got lots of compliments on the color!
Thanks so much for the beautiful boat!
Jennifer M.
Thanks Joe is BEAUTIFUL!!! And the rigger is like its own work of art. I used to do metal sculpture in the old days and I always love anything made of metal and I had to just keep stroking it! Love that my name is on it as well.
Al, the truck driver was great...such a nice guy. Kept me very informed as to his whereabouts.
Elodie
