What is the common stern pitch for sweep rowing?

• A. 4-5
• B. 3-4
• C. 5-6
• D. 6-7

Answer: (A)

In sweep rowing, the boat is rowed with one oar per rower, which creates a slight trim bias that you want to manage for efficiency and stability. A small stern rake, around four to five degrees, is a common setting because it keeps the stern slightly higher than the bow in a balanced way. This helps the hull move smoothly through the water, reduces drag when power is applied, and prevents the stern from digging too deeply as you drive.

If you go higher, like five to seven degrees, the stern can lift too much, making the boat feel less stable and can affect balance and steering. If you’re lower, around three to four degrees, you’ll have more drag and less efficient propulsion because the hull sits more level with the water but isn’t optimizing the water flow under load. So the four-to-five degree range is the practical, commonly used compromise for sweep boats.