Concept2 Pace Boat

By the Watta Team · Updated

Concept2 Pace Boat: The pace boat is a PM5 feature that displays a virtual competitor rowing at a target split, helping you maintain consistent pacing during workouts and tests.

What is Concept2 Pace Boat?

The PM5 pace boat feature shows a graphical representation of two boats: yours and a virtual pacer rowing at a user-defined split time. The display shows whether you are ahead or behind the pacer and by how many metres. This is one of the most useful PM5 features for both training and testing. For 2K tests, set the pace boat to your target average split — it provides real-time feedback on whether you are on track. For steady state, set it to your UT2 pace ceiling to ensure you do not drift too fast. The pace boat helps develop pacing awareness and reduces the cognitive load of constantly monitoring split numbers. You can also race against your previous performances stored in PM5 memory.

How Watta Uses Concept2 Pace Boat

The pace boat helps produce the consistent splits that earn high Pacing scores in Watta's Effort Score. Athletes who use the pace boat tend to produce more even-paced workouts, which the Pacing component (15% of score) rewards.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up the pace boat on the PM5?
On the PM5: Menu > Race > Pace Boat. Enter your target pace (split per 500m). The display will show two boats during your workout. Some displays also show the metres difference between you and the pacer.
What pace should I set the pace boat to?
For a 2K test: your target average split. For steady state: your UT2 pace ceiling (e.g., 2K split + 20s). For intervals: your target interval pace. Setting it 1-2 seconds faster than your target gives a slight pull.
Can I race against my previous workout?
Yes. The PM5 stores previous workouts in memory. You can select a stored workout as your pace boat opponent and race against your past performance — excellent for tracking improvement.

Related Content

PM5 MonitorThe PM5 (Performance Monitor 5) is the current-generation display unit on Concept2 ergometers, showing split time, distance, stroke rate, watts, heart rate, and other workout metrics.Split TimeSplit time is the pace expressed as the time it takes to row 500 metres on an ergometer, displayed in minutes and seconds (e.g. 2:00.0/500m).Negative SplitsNegative splits in rowing means completing the second half of a workout faster (lower split time) than the first half, indicating strong pacing and endurance.Pace per 500mPace per 500m (also called split) is the standard unit of speed in indoor rowing, representing the time to cover 500 metres, displayed in minutes:seconds format.Average SplitAverage split is the mean pace per 500 metres for an entire rowing workout; it is the most important number for comparing rowing performances.Rowing Pacing StrategyRowing pacing strategy is the planned distribution of effort across a piece, with even splits or slight negative splits (faster second half) generally producing the best ergometer results.Rowing Pace Calculator2K Rowing Test GuideHow to Improve Your 2K TimeFor Concept2 UsersFor Competitive Rowers2K Test Protocol
Free on iPhone

Every erg counts.

Photograph your erg screen after the piece and Watta logs it for you.

Download on the App Store

iPhone, iOS 15.1 or later · no subscription · Android beta

See everything Watta does