7 Best Water Rowers of 2022 Reviewed

best water rowers

There are several reasons for purchasing a water rowing machine for your home.

They are designed to mimic the motion of rowing a boat and provide tremendous full-body exercise without ever leaving the land

They are also relaxing, classy, and efficient, among other things.

No doubt, a water rowing machine is an excellent addition to any home.

But with many water rowers from different brands to choose from, which is the best one to buy?

I'll go through the best water rowers available on the market in this post, examining their features and why they are the best.

If you're in the market for a compact rower instead, this article examines 7 of the best compact rowing machines for homes and apartment.

That said, let's check out the best water rowers of 2021!

In case you're too busy to read to the end, check the comparison table below.

Model

Dimensions

(W× L×H)

Item Weight

Max Weight 

Resistance Mechanism

Warranty

Price

Mr Captain Rowing Machine for Home Use

82'' L x 22'' W x 20'' H

58.5 lb

320 lb

Water

1 year frame, 180 days parts.

SHF Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine

Best Overall

79" L x 22" W x 34" H

91.9 lb

300 lb

Water

3 years frame, 90 days parts

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower

Best Budget

78 L″ x 20 W″ x 30'' H

81 lb

264 lb

Water

2 Years

HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine

43''L x 21''W x 18.3''H

77 lb

330 lb

Water

1 year

SHF Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine

Best For Beginners

82" L x 21.2" W x 40" H

88 lb

300 lb

Water

3 years on frame
6 months on parts

Merax Water Rowing Machine

46.06'' L x 25.98'' W x 22.99'' H 

72 lb

330 lb

Water

-

CIRCUIT FITNESS  Water Rowing Machine

78'' L x 28'' W x 42' H 

105 lb

300 lb

Water

2 years

If you want the best overall, are on a budget, or just beginning, here are the best choices!

Best Water Rowers of 2021 Top Picks

Best overall

SHF Obsidian Surge 500 Rowing Machine

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Made of Alloy steel for performance and durability. Comes with 16 hydro blades that generates resistance for challenging workouts. The seats are padded and it features transport wheels for easy movement. Supports a max weight of 300 lb. 

Pros

  • Steel construction. 300 lb user weight. 16 fan blades. Long rowing arms.

Cons

  • Some issues with the footplates.

Best BUDGET

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower

Overall Rating: -

Ergonomic design makes it comfortable for everyone. Constructed with sturdy steel frame enhances durability and can support 265 lb weight. Also comes with wheels and a large LCD screen. It is also very affordable.                                

Pros

  • Sturdy. 265 lb weight capacity. Affordable, Ergonomic design. Wheels. 

Cons

  • Non backlit LCD monitor.          

FOR BEGINNERS

SHF Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Foldable design makes it suitable for small spaces. Comes with water bottle holder and a device holder for comfort during workouts. Seat is comfortable and 16 water blades provides enough resistance for users of all levels.                                 

Pros

  • Sturdy. Supports  300 lb of user weight. Foldable. Water and device holder. 

Cons

  • Too easy for pros.                                  

Best Water Rowers of 2021 Reviewed

Best water rowers

The Mr Captain rowing machine has a natural aesthetic thanks to its wood finish, which goes well with the notion of exercising out in an ancient boat of sorts.

In addition, it gives the rowing machine an attractive and natural appearance.

Sturdily built, it weighs 58.5 pounds, enabling it to support a maximum user weight of 320 lb.

The Mr Captain rowing machine allows you to row against natural water resistance. Your feet will be tied down to the front of the device with retractable footrests while you sit on a seat that can glide back and forth over a rail.

Holding a cushioned grip, you pull the handle in a rowing manner while pushing your body back. Rowing for fitness is a fantastic aerobic exercise that also boosts muscular involvement in various muscle groups.

Rowing strengthens your biceps, gluteus maximus, abdominal muscles, and quads. Furthermore, the workout is intensive because it burns many calories in a short amount of time, making it very effective if your objective is to burn calories for a session.

The seat of the Mr Captain rowing machine is cushioned to keep you relaxed as you work out.

The ergonomically constructed handles are another clever feature of this machine, reducing the effect of uncomfortable stress points on your hands.

Its monitor displays workout parameters and is also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to connect to the FitShow training app.

The resistance you are pulling against is created by actual water. This gives you the idea of paddling since you can hear the water flowing while you're rowing.

Inside the water tank is a moving gadget that you would try to spin while the water itself slows it down and makes it more difficult.

One of the best water rowers, Mr Captain Rowing Machine comes with transport wheels, making it easy to move around from one place to another.

Pros

  • Beautiful vintage oak design.
  • Sturdy build.
  • 320 lb. weight capacity.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Professional design.
  • Comfortable seats. 
  • Transport wheels.

Cons

  • Monitor not backlit.
  • No water bottle holder.

Takeaway

Mr. Captain Water Rowing Machine may be a new brand name to you. Still, somehow it provides excellent exercises and a positive user experience that'll assist you in achieving total physical fitness rowing in the comfort of your own home.

best water rowers

The SHF Obsidian Surge 500 comes with a black finish, from where it gets the 'Obsidian' in its name.  

This water rower is made of solid lightweight steel that ensures you can row for a long time. It also comes with large padded seat for maximum comfort during workouts.

While the machine isn't exactly light with a weight of 91 lb, it is solid enough to withstand high stroke rates and can support users that weigh 300 lb and below.

The footrests are also padded and come with Velcro straps to keep your feet in place while rowing.

However, some users have complained about the housing or screws coming off, pointing to an issue with the build quality.

The monitor displays strokes per minute, total exercise time, calories burnt, and 500 meters split timings. 

However, keep in mind that the calories can only be used for comparison because the machine won't be 100 percent accurate.

The tank has a maximum capacity of 3 gallons and is simple to fill. And the faster the 16 hydro blades in the tank spins, the more resistance created.

There are several misconceptions about how much maintenance a piece of water-resistant equipment requires.

It's not much. With the free capsule it comes with, you can also keep the water algae-free for six months.

Assembling this machine isn't straightforward. If you are not a handyman, you will most likely need to bring in someone to assist you.

On the other hand, it's much faster if two people put the item together.

Storing this best water rowers machine shouldn't be a problem due to its transport wheels. If you have little space for storage, you can also stand the machine upright against the wall.

Pros

  • Sturdy.
  • Comfortable seat.
  • Easy to store. 
  • Transport wheels.
  • Long arms.
  • 300 lb weight capacity.

Cons

  • Issues with footplates.

Takeaway

The obsidian rowing machine is super effective and easy to install rowing machine. Most consumers' reviews on the Amazon website are full of praises for the rowing machine. Just ensure you change the water as when due so as not to get any form of discomfort.

best water rowers

A water rower, like the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine, has two primary advantages.

First and foremost, it assists you in being physically healthy by allowing you to use it in the comfort of your own house. Secondly, it provides you with an actual water rowing boat experience.

Its steel frame has a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lb which is not quite in the high range but suitable enough if you're not on the heavier side. 

As with many water rowers, it has a very effective and dynamic resistance mechanism, and the inbuilt changeable LCD monitor displays Time, SPM (strokes per minute), Distance, Strokes, Calories, and pulse. 

For easy transportation and storage, its wheels comes in handy. You simply lift and move to its place of storage. 

Pros

  • Easy installation.
  • Quiet.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Transport wheels.
  • Full body workout.
  • Sturdy construction.

Cons

  • LCD monitor not backlit.

Takeaway

The MaxKare Water Rowing Machine helps you lose weight and improve your general physical health while giving you the on-the-lake rowing experience. Though a simple, no-frills machine, it does a good rowing job.

Best Water Rowers

Another medium to a high-end rowing machine, The HouseFit Water Rower is fit for home usage and is one of the best rowers on the market.

With its sturdy and solid build, this water rower seems like it'll last a lifetime. The steel frame can support users with a weight capacity of 330 pounds and below.

Weighing 77 lb, this water rower isn't heavy by water rower standards. That means it's easy to move around and at the same time, making it solid enough for stability while you're rowing. Adding to the stability of the water rower are rear stabilizers and floor protectors.

The HouseFit Water Rower provides 6 levels of resistance, which makes it ideal for users of varying levels from beginners to pros. The resistance system is very quite and operates smoothly.

For comfort and safety during workouts, the anti-slip footpads with adjustable straps keep your feet in place during rowing sessions.

While some straps are tight on the feet and can be uncomfortable for long sessions, the House Fit Water Rower Rowing Machines straps are comfortable.

Also, the LCD is not fixed, so you adjust it and be able to read the calories burnt, time spent exercising, count, total count, and scan, alternating between each of these indications every 9 seconds or so from a comfortable viewing angle.  

For more comfort, there's a 10.2-inch iPad or smartphone that enables you to view films, listen to music, or read a book while exercising for extended periods without becoming bored.

Like I said, this unit isn't heavy is easy to move around. Its two caster wheels in the front also make moving it from place to place effortless.

You can put it in a standing position against the wall for storage if you have little space.

And it isn't even necessary to empty the water tank. Simply make sure the water level doesn't exceed 6.

Pros

  • Innovative LCD
  • Sturdy and well built.
  • Supports 330 lb weight. 
  • Quiet operation.
  • Comfortable feet straps.
  • Transport wheels
  • Has back support stabilizer.

Cons

  • Some complain that it does not accommodate taller people.

Takeaway

The HouseFit is ideal for individuals who require a streamlined design to fit inside a closet or garage and still want to get a terrific exercise. The House water rowing machine manages to be a compact while without losing any other features, making it an excellent pick

The Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine is a mid-price rowing machine with fierce competition. It, however, has features that make it unique.

The steel frame is strong, and the 88 lb machine rests perfectly on its supports and won't shift while pounding up and down the shaft. It's that sturdy and can support user weight of 300 lb and below.

Resistance is provided in the water tank and increases the faster you row. The 16 hydro blades in the tank makes sure adequate resistance is provided for a challenging workout.

The seat is padded and very comfy and not too low for individuals with bad knees.  The beam is long, making it appropriate for taller rowers - we estimate up to 6'4". The grip has a reasonable diameter, is well-cushioned, and fits comfortably in the palm.

The foot pedals are large, well-designed, and are adjustable, with broad straps to keep them firmly in place when rowing. When you begin rowing, you'll notice how silent it is, with only the water splashing in the tank.

The Phantom's monitor is a large LCD screen and has six control buttons to help you indicate time over 500m, distance in meters, total strokes, strokes-per-minute, time, pulse rate, and calories burnt.

The display also swivels, ensuring that you adjust it to make reading easier. Above the screen is a device holder for placing your tablets and phone for watching training videos or listening to music while working out.

The SHF Phantom Rowing Machine also comes with a water bottle holder so you can place your drink to stay hydrated throughout your workout sessions.

The majority of the primary components are pre-assembled, making this an effortless installation. Then, following the resistance level signs, just fill the tank with water.

Storing this water rower is also very easy, thanks to its foldable design that enables you to keep it even in a small storage space.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction. 
  • Bottle holder.
  • Smooth and quiet.
  • Comes with 12 levels of resistance. 
  • 16 hydro fans for resistance.
  • Tablet holder.
  • Transport wheels.
  • Smooth & Quiet.

Cons

  • No online connectivity.
  • Some users say it arrived with a cracked tank. 

Takeaway

For its a price, the Sunny Phantom Hydro is an excellent rowing machine. You receive several nice features that help you reach your workout goals faster. It's also well-made and would endure for years.

With the splashing effect it generates, the Merax Water Rowing Machine offers an open water rowing sensation that simulates actual rowing on water.

Made of Alloy Steel, this machine is sturdily built, ensuring durability and steady performance. The Merax Water Rowing Machine is designed to support a max user weight of 330 lb.

This water rower's resistance is suitable for users no matter their fitness levels, enabling it to work out most muscle groups in the body.

You may also personalize your rowing experience by refilling the water tank to the desired amount, making resistance light, challenging, or extremely challenging.

Resistance becomes convenient when rowing slowly and increases when rowing faster, which is why it is energetic.

Merax Water Rowing Machine features a large LCD monitor that displays workout metrics; heart rate, distance, calories, strokes, and duration.

It also has a quick start button that enables you to stop and start rowing with one single push of a button. Don't expect accuracy though.

With built-in wheels, transporting this rower to the workout area is easy. Its compact 78" x 20" x 25.5" footprint also makes for an easy storage in small spaces.

Assembling this machine is also quick and easy. There are 4 clearly explained steps to follow, and you should be done setting it up in 30 minutes or less, depending on your tools and DIY skills.

Pros

  • Sturdy and solid construction. 
  • Compact footprint.
  • Affordable. 
  • Wheels.
  • Large LCD monitor. 
  • Smooth glide.

Cons

  • Footrest not adjustable.
  • Some complains about handle grips.

Takeaway

Because of its distinctive slanted water tank, the Merax Water Rowing Machine produces exceptional resistance even to the strongest rowers. It is attractively built with sturdy steel construction that provides a maximum user weight capacity of 330 lb.

Water rowers are a common choice for a new form of resistance system, and the Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine seeks to deliver this with some additional features in the design.

This compact machine's water bottle and adjustable resistance should be just the beginning. The promise of a more natural experience is one of the key reasons why consumers choose water rowing.

Users of this model claim that they can accomplish this with ease. They enjoy the sound of the water and provide the appropriate sensation and resistance for their requirements. They also like the product's smooth action and dependable resistance.

The seat slides comfortably on the rail and the resistance cord moves smoothly. This results in some significant benefits, and users can perfect their form as a result. 

There is also the advantage that customers may do all of this in comfort. Unlike some of the cheaper, thinner seats seen on other machines, the seat is large and padded for maximum comfort.

There are also broad footplates to ensure that users do not lose too much grip during rowing.

One of the product's possible drawbacks is the console's simplicity. Like many great water rowers, the focus here is on experience and action rather than any fancy software.

Pros

  • Durable and stable.
  • 300 lb user weight capacity.
  • Robust base.
  • Comfortable seat.
  • Smooth operation.
  • Offers challenging workouts.

Cons

  • No watter bottle holder.
  • Monitor not backlit.

Takeaway

When shopping for a water rowing machine, the most important factors to consider are quality, design, technical features, space, and price. The Circuit Fitness water rowing machine is one of the few that has them all. 

Final Thoughts 

From our research, these 7 rowing machines are the best water rowers that offer you real rowing experience while keeping you fit at the same time. 

Some of the water rowers on this list cost a lot more than others. So if you want something more affordable, you might want to look at the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower

Just beginning and want an easy-to-use but effective rowing machine? The Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine is an excellent choice. 

The best overall is the Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Hydro Water Rowing Machine. It's got just the right features for an all-round rowing experience. 


spread the word

naem

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical science and extensive experience working in the health and dietary supplement industries

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below

Leave a Comment: