Mr. Captain Water Resistance Rowing Machine | Real-Life Rowing

The Mr. Captain Water Resistance Rowing Machine simulates a real ship, and the natural water resistance will give you a real-life outdoor rowing experience. The actual red walnut wood makes the machine firm and durable. Please note that the wood might have natural grains and slight color differences.

You’ll make the most of your workout as it comes with an ergonomic seat, an active recoil system, and height-adjustable footplates with straps. In addition, it operates quietly, mostly just the swooshing sound of the water.

Mr. Captain Water Resistance Rowing Machine comes equipped with a customizable Bluetooth fitness monitor – You can also set up three modes: Manual, Interval Custom, and Target. It’ll help you manage your time and accomplish your exercise goal easier.

The Mr. Captain, Red Walnut rower, is not far different in design and features than the Mr. Captain Vintage Oak I’ve already covered here. Furthermore, it’s also pretty similar to the WaterRower models, and since this brand is relatively new (in 2020) to the market, it’s quite a bit cheaper than the WaterRower models.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Mr. Captain Water Resistance Rowing Machine (Red Walnut)

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

Warranty: Frame 1 year/components 180 days

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: 82L x 22W x 20H inches (208L x 56W x 51H cm)
• Assembled weight: 58.5 lbs (26.5 kg)
• Supported weight: 320 lbs (145 kg)
• Frame: Solid red walnut wood
• Footrests: Size-adjustable, with straps
• Resistance type: Water
• Fitness Monitor: 3 workout modes, Bluetooth
• Warranty: Frame 1 year/components 180 days

  

Mr. Captain Frame’s construction

The Mr. Captain water-resistance rowing machine features a durable red walnut wooden frame. In addition, it has a dual-rail design system for improved sturdiness and motion stability.

Its rails and seat have a maximum user weight capacity of 320 lbs (145 kg). So even though it is not a commercial-grade machine, it’s close to the sturdiness and range of features of at least a light-commercial model.

The fully assembled rower is relatively large. With all the parts built, it is approx 82″ (208 cm) long and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Its rails are long enough to accommodate 6’5 ″ (196 cm) users with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.

Like many other wooden frame water resistance rowers, the Mr. Captain Red Walnut model is storable vertically. The top of its front section features a set of small stabilizers for better upright positioning. When stored vertically, the unit’s footprint becomes 22″W x 20″D (56 x 51 cm) while its height becomes 82″ (208 cm).

The rower is not extremely heavy. With all the parts assembled, its net weight is approx. 58.5 (26.5 kg) without water in the tank. The tank’s exact capacity is not specified, but as a general idea, it should be 3.5-4 gallons (13.2 – 15 liters). Thus, with the tank filled to the top marking, the unit weighs approx. 87.5 – 91.4 lbs (39.7 – 41.5 kg).

The rower is relatively easy to relocate once assembled. Its front base features small wheels that considerably ease its transport. Also, the rails rest on two sets of large rubber stabilizers to prevent floor damage.

Seat and other parts

This Mr. Captain water-resistance rowing machine has a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top integrates a layer of foam padding covered by durable vinyl material. It is also contoured to adapt better to the user’s body.

The base of the seat combines steel and wood elements. The side wood panels are the same red walnut wood as the rest of the frame. A set of durable steel rods sustains eight wheels. Four of them slide on top of the rails; the other four slide on their inner side for improved stability.

The wheels integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth seat motion. In addition, they also have a rubber layer on their outside to minimize noise.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the seat is durable enough to support users up to 320 lbs (145 kg). Its top stands at approx. 12″ (31 cm) above floor level. The rail system is horizontal, so the machine provides a neutral and ample rowing motion.

Mr. Captain Red Walnut’s rower is equipped with large, adjustable footrests. They are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. In addition, they feature adjustable straps and heel guards to keep your feet wholly secured during rowing.

The unit’s footrests are attached to an oblique board piece. Their angle is non-adjustable, and they do not pivot, as is the case for other rowing machines. Their pitch is approx. 45°-50°, so they provide optimal positioning for your feet.

The rower has a straight pulling handle featuring ergonomic grips and brown to match the rest of the machine. Unfortunately, it does not come with HR pulse sensors as for other, more expensive rowers.

It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap, which is highly resistant to abrasion. In addition, the machine uses a strap and not a chain as its primary drive system element, which can be quite a plus. That’s because it is quieter and smoother, and the strap does not require lubrication.

Mr. Captain Resistance’s system

Mr. Captain’s water-resistance rowing machine has a standard water-resistance system. It features a polycarbonate tank with an integrated impeller that spins into the water when you pull the handle. Unfortunately, the tank has no water level adjustment mechanism or a dual chamber like the First Degree Fitness rowers.

However, a rechargeable electrical water pump comes with the rower, making adding or removing water from the tank easier.

Although the rower has no integrated resistance adjustment elements, it provides a dynamic response during rowing. Thus, the resistance is variable. It depends on the strength and speed you put behind each stroke.

For example, if you pull the handle faster, the impeller will spin more quickly inside the water and generate more resistance. Therefore, this is quite a plus as the rowing motion resembled the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water.

The rower is pretty quiet during usage. Even though the impeller spinning inside the tank makes a sound, it’s pretty soft and shouldn’t cover a TV’s sound even if the volume is lower. Also, most users have described the noise generated by the machine as relaxing.

Fitness Monitor

The fitness monitor included with this Mr. Captain water resistance rowing machine offers quite an impressive range of features.

It comes equipped with an LCD divided into multiple sub-sections, tracking time, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories burned, distance, and pulse. Unfortunately, you will need a wireless HR chest strap (sold separately) for the pulse reading function, as the machine doesn’t have any contact sensors.

The monitor offers three workout modes. These are Manual, Interval Custom, and Target. As the term suggests, the Interval Mode allows you to create a custom workout interval with rest/work periods. The Target mode enables you to select targets for various metrics, such as time, strokes, calories, etc.

When a target is assigned, the monitor will countdown until it reaches zero, indicating when you have completed your set-up goal. And finally, the Manual mode allows you to row, and the monitor will display your SPM, strokes, the time elapsed, etc.

Bluetooth connectivity is also available with the fitness monitor. In addition, the monitor is compatible with the FitShow app for iOS and Android. This app allows you to track your progress online and makes several other features available.

The monitor is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin rowing. It automatically enters idle mode to save the battery if it does not detect machine activity for several minutes.

Amenities

In terms of other accessories, there are quite a few included with this machine. The most notable ones are the cover, the phone holder, and the electric water pump.

The cover is dust and moisture-proof; even though the machine is for indoor use only, it can still be helpful if it is out of service for a while. The phone holder comprises a small shelf at the fitness monitor’s bottom.

Therefore, if you sync the monitor with your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can place your phone on the monitor to use the app’s interface.

The pump is battery-powered and rechargeable via a USB cable. Furthermore, this is quite a neat accessory for adding or removing water from the tank to increase or decrease the rowing resistance.

Mr. Captain Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s water resistance mechanism comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. The rest of the parts do require user assembly, though. So, you will have to connect the rails and the seat.

The included manual provides step-by-step instructions and all the necessary tools for the rower. Consequently, the assembly task shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time.

For maintenance, you should treat the water inside the tank periodically with a chlorine pill. Also, it’s best to use rower chlorine pills, not pool chlorine tablets. Besides this, you only have to keep the unit clean, especially the rails, to prevent damage to the seat wheels.

Pros

• Sturdy frame – can support users up to 320 lbs;
• Aesthetic design made of red walnut wood;
• Can be stored vertically to save space;
• Easy to handle and transport;
• Rubberized stabilizers for extra floor protection;
• Water-resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
• Cushioned ergonomic seat;
• Adjustable footrests;
• Multi-window fitness monitor included;
• Three workout modes on the fitness monitor (manual, target, and interval);
• Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the FitShow App (for iOS and Android);
• Smooth and quiet operation;
• All the necessary tools come with the rower;
• Electric (rechargeable) water pump included;
• Protective cover included;
• Phone holder integrated into the fitness monitor;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Easy to assemble.

Cons

• The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight;
• The HR chest strap for pulse reading does not come with the rower.

Mr. Captain Red Walnut Summary

The Mr. Captain water-resistance rowing machine features a durable, professional-looking frame, a large water tank for extra resistance, and a fitness monitor with Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with the FitShow fitness app. In addition, an automatic, rechargeable water pump and a cover also come included with the rower.

Furthermore, it’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, interval training, and weight loss. And finally, it is considerably more affordable than other similar rowing machines with an outstanding price/quality ratio.

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.