How do I ...?

You may have wondered what is the best way to store our Echos. Or perhaps why some locks seem to be harder to open than others. Or whether there is something you may have forgotten since you were last Checked Out.

Well, you've come to the right place to answer those nagging but important questions. And please contact the Rowing Director if you wish to have other relevant information posted here.

Table of Contents

1. Stow an Echo and Examples of Damage from Improperly-Stowed Echos
2. Using the locks on the Echos
3. Reporting a Maintenance Issue

Stow an Echo?

You may be surprised to learn that a significant amount of the damage received by our Echos is due to incorrect stowage. The following is a checklist to follow when returning an Echo to its rack:

• Rinse Everything thoroughly, including seat rails, bailer, oarlocks, riggers, and under the gunwales.
• Empty Drain the craft after you have rinsed it: the craft must be completely empty of water.
  
• Bow Plug Leave open. Echos are sealed craft, so they need an air-escape when not being used.
  
• Bailer Leave closed to reduce weathering of the gasket.
  
• Lock Hasp must pass through rigger U-bolt. Makes it more inconvenient to steal and prevents dirt from entering the lock.
• Riggers Loosely strapped down, seat tucked under and oarlocks closed.

In the picture to the right, note:

• • seat is tucked under the riggers;
    
  • straps are loose, so as not to stress the riggers over the seat;
  • oarlocks are closed, to avoid damaging the footwell;
  • oarlocks do not touch the footwell.
• See some examples of damage resulting from improperly-stowed riggers.
  

Use the Locks on the Echos?

We have two types of locks on the Echos, each differing in the location of the combination and the way for opening.

• Type 1 requires the combination to be lined up with the center-line. In the picture to the right, "0-0-0-0" is at the center-line. So, set the combination in that line.

• Once the combination is set, you must first push-up against the hasp and then pull down, to disengage it from the body of the lock. Otherwise, it won't open, and you will wonder whether you have the wrong combination, the lock is broken or it is just a bad day.

• Type 2 requires the combination to be lined up with an off-center-line. In the picture to the left, "0-0-0-0" is just off-center, and has dark etchings on either side. Set the combination in that line.

• Once the combination is set, just pull down on the lock body - no need for any extra gymnastics!
  

Please ensure locks are not left in the dirt. One way is to loop the lock, in its cable, over an upper stay or place it gently on the concrete pad (ensuring that the pad is cleared of dirt beforehand). This will greatly extend their lifespan.