What do boat names like 8+, 4x and 1x mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

The number is how many rowers are in the boat. "+" means there's a coxswain, "-" means there isn't, and "x" means sculling. Sweep rowers use one oar each; scullers use two (Rules of Rowing 3-103). Code Boat Rowers Oars Coxswain 1x Single 1 Scull No 2x Double 2 Scull No 2- Pair 2 Sweep No 2+ Coxed pair 2 Sweep Yes 4- Four 4 Sweep No 4+ Coxed four 4 Sweep Yes 4x Quad 4 Scull No 4x+ Coxed quad 4 Scull Yes 8+ Eight 8 Sweep Yes 8x Octuple 8 Scull Yes USRowing expects every athlete to learn basic boat terms before getting in: bow, stern, port and starboard, their own seat number, the stroke seat, and the stop command "Weigh enough! Hold water!"

Code	Boat	Rowers	Oars	Coxswain
1x	Single	1	Scull	No
2x	Double	2	Scull	No
2-	Pair	2	Sweep	No
2+	Coxed pair	2	Sweep	Yes
4-	Four	4	Sweep	No
4+	Coxed four	4	Sweep	Yes