In this five-part series, we will be covering the new and most critical elements of the ‘performance’ configuration from Filippi, as seen at the Paris Olympic Games. In conversations with Filippi engineers, we have uncovered the secrets of the most innovative set of rowing boats yet from the mythical Donoratico yard. In the following article, we
Monolithic: this is the new standard for rowing boats.
Monolithic design has always been our focus because it yields a rigid product capable of harnessing the full strength of the rower. The materials available and their characteristics have always determined the design limits, which have been constantly expanded over time. The introduction of Kevlar, fiberglass, and later carbon fiber has revolutionized hull lamination. It ushered in a new concept for rowing boats, marking the end of the era of wooden hulls.
From there, we have taken numerous steps: many focused on improvements, while others were more impactful, such as the Aliante rigger. These steps led to innovations like the Koridion foot stretcher, initially developed for skiffs.
We thought we had produced just another technical upgrade, but we soon realized that the new technology had infinitely greater potential. Design limits were further expanded, giving us the freedom to rethink every component from its foundation: the geometries.
We redesigned everything. Symmetrical sections were no longer necessary. Additional hardware was eliminated. Chassis, slots, crossbars, u-bolts, axles… they could all be fused into a single piece. We embraced this new freedom because we knew it would lead us to our true goal.
We designed the monolithic boat.
The concept behind the new Filippi boats, both in layering and internal components, was driven by the need to transfer energy from your oars to the water as quickly and rigidly as possible. To achieve this, we explored every possible solution to solve the problem, surpassing the current technology used in equipment like bicycles, cars, motorcycles, and more.
We came across the possibility of incorporating a specific foam within our components: a special material which doesn’t develop gases within the structure. This allows for remarkable aesthetic and mechanical quality, as well as the use of a damping material, creating a continuous structure within the product. This means the interior is no longer hollow but isotropic, reacting the same way in all directions. This helps dampen vibrations, much like in soundproof chambers or insulation in buildings, where foam cuts thermal and noise transmission on the external side.
We aim to apply this in the same way.
What do we use? We utilize the breaking of the waves transmitted by your load: deformation waves. The foam specifically helps to dampen these waves as it moves in all directions, cutting them off. The result is a sensation of increased rigidity, a more direct transmission, without returning harmful vibrations to your rowing stroke.
Everything has been developed with this in mind. First, the components; namely the seat, rigger, and foot board, then the hull. For the hull, we used the same idea with technologies that are unfortunately still somewhat outdated because it’s impossible to use foam on all boats due to the vast surface area required—the molds necessary to produce foam for such a large surface would be immense, making production costs skyrocket.
By saving weight with the new monolithic components, we were able to thicken and optimize everything about the boat’s design, particularly the hull’s layering. It was optimized through studies on load direction, improving load transfer, and focusing on precise load points. This has significantly improved load transfer to the water compared to older layering methods. The boat now deforms much less than it used to, which translates to increased speed, as there’s less energy wasted. The materials used are all high-performance, with high stiffness and toughness, allowing us to develop a mechanical structure that will give you a ‘wow’ sensation when you step on board.
When you row these boats with the new riggers, seats, and footboards, the first thing you’ll experience is a ‘never felt before’ sensation, a feeling that is brand new and game-changing.
Stay tuned for Part 2…
