Merach Rowing Machine Reviews: Is R28 Water Rower Good for Beginners?

Compared with air or magnetic rowers, water resistance rowing machines offer a smoother and more natural resistance curve. This makes them easier to control, more forgiving on form, and more popular for beginners. Recently, the Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine has been trending on YouTube and TikTok, drawing attention from home fitness beginners and budget-conscious buyers.

In this rowing machine review, we take a close look at the Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine. We're going to go through everything from the design, the setup, the app, and most importantly, how it performs, to help you decide whether the Merach R28 is a good entry-level water rower for home use.

Unlike magnetic or air rowers, water resistance closely mimics on-the-water rowing, making workouts more engaging and natural. Among all Merach rowing machines for home, the R28 water rower is designed primarily for beginners and casual users who prioritize value, smooth rowing, and ease of use. Compared to other wooden water rowers, it delivers a premium rowing experience at a price under $500, making it a top choice for cost-conscious newcomers.

Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine Key features

The R28 Wooden Water Rowing Machine features a 180° foldable design and delivers an authentic rowing experience at a budget-friendly price. With its smart folding mechanism and built-in wheels, the R28 stores effortlessly in just three seconds—truly a fold-and-go solution that saves significant space. This makes it the ideal choice for apartments and limited space.

Furthermore, the FSC-certified rubber wood, combined with a leak-proof water tank, offers exceptional durability and peace of mind. This robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, allowing you to focus purely on your workout. Unlike other rowers, the R28 provides a smooth and natural resistance, which helps beginners learn correct technique safely and effectively.

Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine Specifications

Below, we break down the key features and dimensions to help you understand the technical details.

When you receive the R28 Water Rowing Machine, everything is definitely packaged very well and is individually wrapped. There are no issues with shipping, scratches, or anything.

Parts & Accessories List

And these are all the pieces once it is out of the box. It comes with a user manual and the necessary tools, making the setup of the rower very easy.

How to Set Up the R28 Wooden Water Rowing Machine?

The water rower comes with the machine 80% pre-assembled, so it's basically a breeze. Just an allen key as well as a little wrench, all you need is about 15 minutes to get it fully set up, and everything is smooth sailing.

Step 1: Connect Rails to the Main Frame

Align the left and right slide rails with the main frame and secure them using the provided screws and tools.

Note: Lift the main frame (A) slightly during assembly for easier alignment with the screw holes on the rails.

Step 2: Assemble the Track Connecting Plate

Position the track connecting plate across the installed left and right rails. Secure it firmly to enhance the overall structural stability.

Step 3: Install the Seat Cushion Assembly

Place the pre-assembled seat cushion unit (including the seat and rollers) onto the slide rails. Slide it back and forth several times to ensure smooth and unobstructed movement.

Step 4: Install the Monitor

Insert the monitor into the designated port at the front of the main frame and tighten the fixing knob or screw. Then, install the 2pcs of batteries in the monitor.

When you get the handle mounted as well as the monitor and the batteries, the water rower is assembled. All that was left was to fill it with some water. And it does have a minimum and maximum fill line. It also comes with purification tabs. Just throw one in the tank, seal it up, and we are ready to row.

Let's dive into how the Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine actually performs in home use. Through hands-on testing and user feedback, we've evaluated every aspect of this water rower, from its smooth resistance system and build quality to its practical storage solutions and workout results.

Quality & Durability

It must be said that this water rower stands out in looks. With a beautiful design made from FSC-certified rubber wood, it's stylish, compact, and doesn't scream "equipment." It supports up to 180kg, which is pretty impressive, making it accessible for a wide range of users. The steel components deliver superior weight-bearing capacity and exceptional durability, ensuring long-lasting performance even during frequent workouts.

In contrast, many other water resistance rowing machines on the market utilize ABS plastic for their main structure, which tends to offer lower weight-bearing limits and relatively less stability compared to the R28’s steel-reinforced design.

Resistance & Performance

Let's talk resistance and performance. The resistance is easily adjustable by adding or removing water from the tank, which is crafted from rigorously tested leak-proof materials to ensure no water leakage during use. The more water that you have in the tank, the higher the resistance it's going to be. It is ideal for beginners because there's no complicated setup, and you just row and go. So, if you find that's a little too challenging, you can go ahead and take some water out. Or if you want a challenge, you can go ahead and add some water as well.

And it actually mimics rowing more closely than magnetic rowers. The water resistance system delivers a linear, smooth rowing motion, accompanied by gentle, natural water sounds that closely mimic the authentic feel of on-water rowing. This design not only provides a consistent and comfortable workout experience but also enhances immersion, making every session feel more realistic and engaging.

Comfort & Noise

If you're familiar with another Merach rowing machine, the NovaRow R50 Air Rower, you'll find that both are equally comfortable. It's got the exact same seat, exact same pedals, as well as straps. So, the comfort is unbeatable. And then the straps, it does have a nice, wide strap. So, that way it doesn't dig into your foot. It's not uncomfortable when you're doing those hard interval sessions or even just for a longer steady-state session as well. And there's a lot of surface area right here on the feet. And so there's no discomfort.

And it's quiet. You'll only hear the swish of water, but it's actually quite calming. The seat and the rollers are also very quiet and very smooth. On other rowers, you can kind of hear them as you're moving. Nothing that would disturb someone in the next room.

Display & App

Equipped with an LED digital monitor, the R28 provides comprehensive workout metrics at a glance, including Time, Time/500M, Distance, Calories, SPM (Strokes Per Minute), Watt, Strokes, Total Strokes, and Pulse. It even integrates with heart rate monitors, which is great for zone training as well.

And along with the water rower, it also comes with an app, saving all of your workout data and letting you set weekly goals. It's really cool. You can simply connect with your Bluetooth. The Merach app includes guided rowing classes, scenic rides, and even game-based workouts to keep you engaged. One interesting feature is the 3D map mode, where you can virtually row through rivers, the beach. Of course, you can pair it with other fitness apps such as Kinomap.

Storage & Mobility

Thanks to the 180-degree foldable design, it makes moving and storing this home rower is super simple. You're going to go ahead and lift the back here, guide the seat down so it doesn't crash, slightly bend the back, and then you can slowly roll it forward.

And then here you have it. It's all set up nice and easy. It’s tailor-made for home fitness beginners, whether you’re in a small flat or designing your first home workout space.

Based on the above test results, we conclude the overall rating of the Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine:

Merach R28 Water Rowing Machine Pros & Cons

So, who is the R28 for? As we noted earlier in the cons section, the R28 may not be suitable for professional athletes or users seeking ultra-high resistance. Additionally, it’s not the perfect choice if you’re looking for a quieter rowing experience.

But if you are new to rowing or want an affordable way to experience water resistance training at home, the Merach R28 is a smart and accessible choice that is well worth a try.

Below, we address the most common queries from users, covering everything from how to use the water rower and water filling to resistance tips.

Q1: Which is better, a magnetic or a water rowing machine?

Both magnetic and water rowing machines have advantages, but water rowers offer a more realistic rowing feel. Magnetic rowers are easier to adjust, while water rowers provide natural, progressive resistance. For users seeking immersion and smooth resistance, water rowers often stand out.

Q2: How much water do you put in a water rower?

The water rowing machines allow you to adjust resistance by changing the water level. The R28 Water Rower has a minimum and maximum fill line. It is recommended to fill the tank within a marked range to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Q3: How to increase resistance on a water rowing machine?

Water rowing machines increase resistance naturally as you row harder. You can also adjust resistance by changing the water level in the tank.

• To increase resistance: Add water slowly to the water rower until reaching the recommended level.
• To decrease resistance: Drain water from the water rower until the desired resistance level is achieved.

Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or a rower looking for a premium option at home, the R28 Water Rowing Machine definitely delivers. It offers a strong balance of performance, value, and usability.

Based on real-world performance and consistent Merach water rowing machine reviews, it earns its place as one of the best budget rowing machines for beginners.