Original VAK Shell

Overview

Rowing Shells - Mahogany Series - Original VAK Shell

The wooden boat lives!

There is a unique feeling a sculler experiences with the first strokes taken in classic wooden racing single. Moving with grace over the water striking perfect balance. The VAK Shell is a timeless expression of wooden boat building. Two versions are available, which offer the same performance and construction in a choice of hard decks.

• The Original VAK Shell has durable white surface gelcoat decks to keep the original look
• The Legacy has aesthetically beautiful mirror finished mahogany decks

The goal of this boat design is simple – Keep it honest, keep the wooden boat alive.

"I redesigned the VAK Shell because there were people who wanted to have a traditional wooden shell. These are people who refuse to have Kevlar in their boats, they don’t want carbon encapsulating the ribs. They want to have a wooden boat. Period."

– Jürgen Kaschper, boat designer

The VAK Shell is the classic wooden boat. Now made with many internal modifications to improve it’s durability to bring it forward using the best in epoxies, coatings and finishes. The 2 ply hull is built with mahogany and spanish cedar veneers molded under vacuum pressure using epoxy resins. The internal structure and cockpit, includes "AA" mahogany, sitka spruce, ash and spanish cedar. The final finish is comprised of 6 coats of spar varnish to the cockpit to compliment the unsurpased hand rubbed polyester mirror surface to the exterior hull.

Advancements to the cockpit include a built in lifting handle to the stern of a re-engineered high strength single unit ash rigger knee. The standard wooden double action seat rolls on fully adjustable tracks. Traditionalists can have it pure, but there are options available to bring forward new advances in boatbuilding and sculling. The VAK shell includes a choice of traditional wooden clogs or velcro release rowing shoes. It is built with a concealed NK Speedcoach wiring harness for rowing electronics as standard equipment.

Riggers are welded aluminum, anodized, and offer full adjustment, complete with Concept2 oarlocks. The standard pins are stainless steel, or for saltwater enviroments a titanium pin upgrade is available. The sturdy A-Frame design allows for easy accessibility when lifting and launching the boat. Mounting the rigger is fast and simple. The design allows for compact storage while in transit to regattas or a favorite sculling location.

Today the the Original VAK Shell brings the rare experience true afficiandos are looking for. This classic shell first designed and built in 1969 by Jakob Kaschper, brought early acclaim to the Kaschper name, remains the cornerstone of son, Jurgen's boat building career. As owner of Levator the VAK Shell is his commitment to the future of the wooden boat.

On the water the VAK Shell promises performance. Its legacy includes winning many local and international events since its introduction. This heritage bring the same design elements to the Racer Series composite boats. Stabilty, comfort and speed, guarantee ideal sculling for the novice or expert alike.

"I like what I do"
– Jürgen Kaschper

Construction

Specs

Testimonials

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