Marcy NS-6023RW Water Rowing Machine | 6 Workout Programs

The Marcy NS-6023RW Water Rowing Machine delivers the intensity of a lake rowing workout to your home gym. Using water as resistance, the NS-6023RW replicates the smooth and natural feeling of rowing on water.

Easily adjust the water rower’s resistance by adding water to the tank or taking water out of the container using the included pump. Many water-resistance rowers are preferred because the water’s resistance naturally increases the faster / harder you row!

You can’t make progress if you are not tracking progress. The fitness monitor on the NS-6023RW displays calories burned, time, distance, pulse, and more! In addition, the included pulse monitor allows you to keep track of your heart rate, which is essential for all CrossFit / HIIT exercisers. Unfortunately, the wireless HR chest strap does not come with the rower.

The Marcy NS-6023RW Water Rowing Machine has an ergonomically molded high-density foam seat to comfort long workouts. In addition, the firm handle offers an excellent grip to ensure it does not slip during use. And the oversized pedals with loops provide your feet do not move.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Marcy NS-6023RW Water Rowing Machine

Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 2 years

My rating: is 9/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 77L x 19W x 36H inches (196L x 48W x 91H cm)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Frame: Steel & aluminum
• Footrests: Adjustable, non-pivoting
• Resistance type: Water
• Fitness Monitor: Total time, 500m time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
• Extras: Phone holder
• Warranty: 2 years limited

NS-6023RW Frame Construction

The Marcy NS-6023RW water-resistance rower combines steel and aluminum parts in its frame construction. The front section of the frame sustains the water tank and the rear stabilizer steel. The sliding rail assembly features a composite structure; it has a steel tube in the center and two aluminum rails (one on each side) for smoother seat movement.

All the steel parts in the machine’s construction come coated with a rust-resistant powder finish; the color used is black, the only color available for this Marcy rower. Then, of course, the aluminum side rails have their natural polish.

Although smaller than other rowers, the Marcy NS-6023RW is still a reasonably large fitness machine. It is approx 77″ (196 cm) long and 19″ (48 cm) wide. Plus, it is advisable to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of the unit and at its rear for easy access and safe usage. Therefore, this rower may not fit too well in a small room.

This Marcy rower does not have a folding design, but you can store it vertically. The front part of the frame has two extra stabilizers for vertical storage. In addition, the front base features two wheels which facilitate its relocation. Also, its rear stabilizer comes equipped with two adjustable and rubberized levelers.

Seat and Rail

The Marcy NS-6023RW water rowing machine has a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is contoured to provide better positioning and prevent you from sliding off. It is approximately 12″ (30 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surfaces. However, it is not cushioned and has a firm structure.

The seat base is steel-made; the seat and the rail assembly are durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg), which is not bad for a machine made for home use. In addition, the seat integrates three sets of rollers, two on top of the rail and one under it for added stability.

The machine’s rail is not entirely horizontal as with other rowers. Instead, it inclines by a few degrees, which leads to a slightly better workout for the legs and a smoother recovery motion.

Furthermore, the exact length of the rail is not specified. Still, as a general idea, the machine should accommodate users up to 6’3 ″ (190 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.

Considering the rail is not completely horizontal, the seat is slightly higher when it extends to the machine’s back. It stands at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level, a plus, provides more accessible entry and exit.

NS-6023RW Footrests and Pulling Handle

The Marcy NS-6023RW rower comes equipped with a set of adjustable footrests. In addition, they have six adjustment positions, can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes, and have straps and heel guards for extra foot stability.

The footrests do not pivot. Instead, each one is attached to a fixed metallic plate providing a firm push, and they are at an angle of approx 45° – 50° for an optimal foot position.

The rower’s pulling handle consists of a short straight bar attached to a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant nylon strap, which means the unit’s drive system doesn’t require lubrication. The pulling handle doesn’t integrate any HR pulse sensors; however, the machine’s fitness monitor has a pulse reading function.

Water tank and resistance system

The Marcy NS-6023RW water rowing machine comes equipped with a similar water tank to the NS-6070RW model, but its sustaining frame has a different design, and the container is at an angle.

The tank is made of durable polycarbonate material and integrates a 16-blade impeller made of ABS material. The impeller connects to a pulley system which enables it to move in reverse during the recovery motion and recuperate the strap to which the handle is attached, preparing it for the next pull.

The tank’s exact capacity is not specified, but it should be between 3-4 gallons (11-15 l), similar to other water-resistance rowers. The resistance system is relatively simple. Once you add water to the tank, you pull the handle, enabling the impeller to spin inside the container and generate resistance.

Like any other fluid-resistance rower, the NS-6023RW provides a dynamic response during rowing. The resistance depends on the speed of the impeller. For instance, if you pull the handle faster, the impeller will spin more quickly, generating more resistance. Thus, it leads to a sensation similar to the rowing of a real boat.

This Marcy rower does not have an integrated resistance adjustment system like most First Degree Fitness rowers. However, you can still adjust machine’s machine’s overall resistance by manually adding or removing water from the tank.

There are six water levels marked on the container. You will get the highest resistance possible by filling it up to the 6th level.

NS-6023RW Fitness monitor

This Marcy rower comes equipped with a pretty inclusive fitness monitor. It has a multi-window display to show as many workout metrics as possible. It indicates time, time/500m, strokes per minute, strokes per workout, total strokes, calories, pulse, drag force, and watt.

The machine does not have integrated HR pulse sensors for the pulse reading functions, but the monitor can communicate with any 5.3 kHz HR chest strap. However, this accessory does not come with the rower.

Also, to benefit from a more accurate calorie reading, the monitor can be correlated with the tank’s water level. For example, if you fill-up the tank to level 4, you can also select the L4 intensity workout mode.

Finally, the monitor also has a Recovery function, requiring an HR chest strap. This function reads your heart rate cooldown at the end of your workout session and, based on the result, will give you a fitness rating. For example, F1 means “excellent,” while F6 means “poor.”

Workout programs

Unfortunately, the fitness monitor has no online capabilities and isn’t compatible with any fitness apps. However, it has several workout programs to keep you motivated. The list includes QuickStart, Standard, Target Single, Target Intervals, Custom, and Race.

QuickStart and Standard program

The QuickStart program is a free rowing program. You press start, begin rowing, and the monitor will count the calories burned, meters traveled, etc. The Standard program makes available five training modes. These are 2000m, 5000m, 10000m, 30:00, and 500m/1:00.

Target Single program

Target Single offers four workout modes Single Time, Single Distance, Single Calories, and Single THR (single target heart rate). You can set a goal for time, distance, calories, and target heart rate.

For a time, distance, or calories, the unit will show the remaining amount until you reach your goal, while for THR, an alarm will notify you if your current heart rate is higher than the selected THR.

Target Intervals program

The Target Intervals program offers three workout modes. These are Intervals Time, Intervals Distance, and Intervals Variable. For Intervals of Time, you can select training time and rest time. For Intervals Distance, you can choose the distance and relaxation time; for the Intervals variable, you can choose distance, time, and rest time.

Custom program

The Custom program offers four interval workouts as well. The first is a 30/30 seconds interval workout, and the second is a 60/60 seconds interval workout with seven repetitions; the third requires you to complete a 2000m distance, rest for three minutes, and repeat three more times. The fourth custom mode is for a work interval of 1 minute and 40 seconds, with a rest phase of 20 seconds and nine repetitions.

Race mode

The Race mode is similar to the one on the NS-6070RW model. However, it gives you the possibility to compete against the computer. It shows you and the CPU as two boat icons on the center display, and when you start the program, the two icons begin to move.

The program has 15 difficulty levels; the first level has a default timer of 8 minutes, while the 15th has a default timer of 1 minute. The distance is adjustable for each level. The race begins when you hit start and ends whenever you or the PC reach the distance goal set for the race.

NS-6023RW Assembly and Maintenance

The rower’s water tank and resistance system come pre-assembled. You only have to insert the seat on the rail, add the rear stabilizer, connect the rail to the front unit, and then attach the fitness monitor.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. In addition, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and suggestive schematics.

It is advisable to keep the unit’s rail clean to prevent damage to the seat rollers for maintenance. The box does not include chlorine pills for water treatment, and the manual specified that you shouldn’t put bleach or pool chlorine pills into the water. So, a regular water change may be the right call.

Pros

• Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
• Aesthetic design;
• Can be stored vertically to save space;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Ergonomic, contoured designed seat;
• Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
• Water-resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
• Fitness monitor with a multi-window LCD that tracks time, 500m/time, pulse, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, and calories;
• Six workout programs, some of them with multiple workout modes;
• Recovery function;
• Smooth and quiet operation;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Easy to assemble and comes with the necessary tools.

Cons

• AN HR chest strap does not come with the rower;
• There are no chlorine pills for water treatment.

Marcy NS-6023RW Water Rowing Machine Summary

The Marcy NS-6023RW is a mid-range water-resistance rower made for home use. It features a sturdy frame with 300 lbs and a fitness monitor with multiple workout programs. Additionally, it also excels in ergonomics and is storable vertically. In all, it’s a reasonably decent fluid resistance rower, great for a full-body cardio workout, and a great alternative to any commercial-grade model.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.