Personal Boat Owners (PBOs) are an important part of Community Rowing, Inc.

They are a dedicated and motivated group of rowers who are fast to volunteer and help where they can.

Personal boats are stored in the Ruth B. Somerville sculling pavilion, famous for its design. Its four glass walls symbolize the welcoming and wide-open atmosphere we strive for at CRI. Currently there are 42 occupied personal boat racks.

To keep a personal boat at CRI, owners must meet mileage and volunteer hour requirements each year.

Every PBO must complete 12 hours of service to the club each year by November 15. The mandatory service requirement helps to inspire, but many end up doing far more hours of service than required each year. For a list of volunteer opportunities, please check the online postings.

The mileage requirement is 250 miles per boat annually*. If you have an injury, illness, or another reason that keeps you off the water, please let us know and we will make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

*250 miles is the standard requirement but there is a sliding scale based on age: if you are over 55 the requirement is 150 miles and over 65 the requirement is 48 outings OR 150 miles.

PBO Wait List
Anyone wishing to keep a personal boat at CRI must put their name on the wait list. To remain on the wait list, rowers must complete 12 hours of service to the club each year by November 15 and be active in another CRI program. When your number comes up, you will have 30 days to bring a boat into the boathouse or show a receipt for a shell that you have ordered. Therefore, if you are in the top spot on the list, it is a good idea to start shopping for a boat.

If you would like to be added to the wait list, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See your position on the waiting list: PBO Wait List

For more information on Personal Boat Ownership, sculling, and general policies at CRI, see our Participant Handbook or email sculling captains at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..