Frequently Asked Questions about our boats.

How much does a Maas boat cost?
See our current price list on the "New Boats" page. Prices shown for boats are for complete (fully rigged) but basic, white boats. These are ready to row; however, many scullers decide to add options to their boats. When you work with the price list, you see that the most crucial decision affecting price is the choice between a fiberglass boat and a carbon fiber boat. Then you may decide to add a colored deck and/or hull. Perhaps you want special pinstriping or graphics. Almost every buyer in the Northwest decides to add the optional self-bailer and bow ball. Other popular options include N-K on-board computers, water bottle cages, and larger aluminum fins.

There is a shipping charge added to each boat to cover the cost of bringing the boat from the factory in California to you. The shipping charge varies with distance from Evergreen Rowing.

If I order a custom boat, how long will it take to be delivered?
If you order a boat that is neither in our inventory nor already built but as yet unsold at Maas Boat Company, it will take about two months to build your boat, pick it up in California, and deliver it to you.

How do I rig my boat?
Several expert riggers have written books about rigging. The clearest and simplest explanation is an essay on rigging open water boats written by Craig Leeds. I'd be happy to email you a copy of Craig's essay. Just ask.

Do you sell used Maas boats?
I maintain a list of people who have told me they would like to buy a used Maas boat. When I learn of used boats for sale, I contact everyone on that list. I describe the boat and encourage the buyers to contact the seller and work without me as a middleman. However, from time to time a seller simply wants to avoid the hassle of selling a boat, so I make an offer to buy the boat for subsequent resale. When I resell used boats, I add a markup to the price and charge state sales tax, when required.

What colors can I choose for my deck and/or hull?
The gel coat used by Maas for hulls and decks comes in white, light gray, yellow, and light teal. Darker colors (such as red, black, or dark teal) add significantly to the weight of a boat and are difficult to apply over large areas without appearing blotchy. Therefore, Maas will only use the darker colors when the buyer agrees to buy the boat no matter how it turns out!! Dark boats are risky for all concerned, and we discourage buyers from choosing them.

Can I have fancy striping and graphics?
Absolutely! Striping and graphics add uniqueness and pizzazz to your boat without adding significantly to weight. You may use any of the standard gel coat colors (red, blue, black, dark teal, light teal, yellow). Prices vary from $125 to $265 depending on the complexity of the pattern you choose. Click Here to see just some of the possibilities.

How do I carry my boat on my vehicle?
Because of their sturdy construction, Maas boats travel very well on top of a vehicle. Any Thule or Yakima rack system with kayak saddles will work well for transporting a single. Even more secure are racks built for carrying rowing shells by Burnham Boat Slings and Hudson. These custom racks are necessary for carrying a double, with limited exceptions.

How far apart should I place the standards of my storage rack?
Ideal separation is 7' to 8'. Standards placed at this distance support your boat on either end of the cockpit, where the boat is very robust.

How can I meet other open water scullers?
In Western Washington, the best way to meet other open water scullers is to participate in the races sponsored by Sound Rowers. Check out their web page at www.soundrowers.org.

I am happy to provide names and contact information for any of my customers who live near you. You might want to meet at a fun place and explore new waters!

What can I do to protect my boat from ultraviolet light?
Over time, UV light is a harsh enemy of fiberglass and gel coat, and it is important to minimize exposure of your boat to the degradation caused by UV light. The best protection comes from using a cover sewn from Sunbrella marine canvas. We sell covers sewn by Burnham Boat Covers to Maas patterns.

Do I order parts from Evergreen Rowing or from Maas?
You may order from either… whichever is most convenient for you. Incidentally, rubber stoppers for your drain hole are size OO and are sold at Lowe's, Home Depot and Ace hardware stores.

Is a PFD required by regulations? Is a PFD needed? Which PFD works best?

Rowing shells are exempt from federal regs requiring PFDs, and they are also exempted from Washington state regs. I do not know about other states. Maas boats are so easily remounted if you fall out (or choose to go for a swim on a hot day!), that in most cases I feel you can get back into your shell and continue rowing before you can figure out how to put on most stowed or fanny pack style PFDs. Certainly there are instances where having a PFD is wise, and an effective PFD may add greatly to your peace of mind. In storms with high winds, you may get separated from your boat, and having a PFD may save your life. Should you decide to row with a PFD, the Stormy Seas vest is a great solution, since it is worn and ready to go to work. The short vest styling does not impede your sculling. It can be partially inflated, so it will not hinder your self-rescue remount. And they come in high visibility nylon, so they make you much more visible even if never inflated.