For years, my home workout routine felt like a chore. The treadmill was a monotonous march to nowhere, the stationary bike a static, uninspired spin. Each session was a battle against boredom, a countdown of minutes until I could stop. I was getting cardio in, but I wasn’t engaged, and my upper body and core were completely neglected. I craved a single piece of equipment that could deliver a powerful, full-body workout that was both effective and, dare I say, enjoyable. The problem is that commercial-grade equipment that ticks all those boxes often comes with a prohibitively high price tag, leaving many of us stuck in a fitness rut. That’s when I began my search for a home-friendly, budget-conscious rowing machine that didn’t compromise on the authentic experience, leading me directly to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine.
- WATER PERFORMANCE: Experience smooth, water-like rowing at home. The flywheel and 16 fan blades provide instant, adjustable resistance, with dynamic response based on stroke speed.
- DESIGN: Made with lightweight, sturdy steel for durability. 16 Hydro Blades mimic competitive rowing, with a sweat-resistant, non-slip handlebar and adjustable leveling caps.
- ERGO-EFFICIENT: The molded, padded seat sits 17" high for easy on/off access. Non-slip foot pedals with nylon straps ensure secure footing and allow natural foot/ankle movement.
What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine
A rowing machine is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for achieving a comprehensive, low-impact, high-intensity workout in the comfort of your own home. It engages over 85% of your body’s muscles in a single fluid motion, torching calories, building lean muscle, and improving cardiovascular health without the joint-pounding stress of activities like running. The rhythmic, meditative motion can also be a fantastic stress reliever, making it a holistic tool for both physical and mental well-being. Unlike isolated exercises, rowing offers a complete package, blending strength and endurance into one efficient session.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of limited time, seeking an all-in-one fitness solution that fits into a busy schedule. It’s perfect for home gym builders, those recovering from injuries who need a low-impact option, or anyone simply bored with their current cardio routine. However, a water rower might not be suitable for those who require absolute silence during their workouts, as the sound of sloshing water, while soothing to many, is a defining feature. It may also be less ideal for competitive athletes who need the precise, globally standardized metrics found on professional-grade air rowers. For those individuals, an elite air rower or a premium magnetic rower with advanced performance tracking might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Rowing machines have a significant footprint. Measure your available space carefully, considering not only the machine’s length and width during use (78.9″L x 22.3″W for this model) but also the clearance needed around it. Crucially, look for models like this one that can be stored vertically, which drastically reduces the floor space it occupies when not in use.
- Capacity/Performance: Check the maximum user weight recommendation, which is a key indicator of the frame’s robustness. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine supports up to 300 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of users. For performance, understand the resistance type. Water resistance is dynamic, meaning the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel, which closely mimics the experience of rowing on a real body of water.
- Materials & Durability: The frame material is paramount for longevity. Alloy steel, used in this model, provides a great balance of strength and manageable weight. Cheaper alternatives might use lower-grade metals or more plastic components, which can compromise stability and lifespan. Pay attention to the quality of the seat, handlebar, and foot straps as well, as these are your primary points of contact with the machine.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good home rower should be straightforward to operate. Consider the height of the seat for easy mounting and dismounting; this model’s 17-inch height is a notable comfort feature. Maintenance for water rowers is generally minimal but necessary. It typically involves adding a water purification tablet (usually included) every few months to keep the water clean and prevent algae growth.
Investing in the right rower can transform your fitness journey, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine presents a compelling option. By weighing these factors, you can ensure your choice aligns perfectly with your space, goals, and lifestyle.
While the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Choose YOSUDA: Design and produce top-quality exercise machines for home use for over 20 years. YOSUDA has been chosed by more than 3,000,000 families and we will always stand behind our product
- MERACH APP: Our App offers various courses and programmed exercises for you, Taking the courses can bring your rowing experience to the next level. Also compatible with KINOMAP APP, immerse yourself...
- Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.
First Impressions: Solid Construction and Surprisingly Simple Setup
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine arrived in a large, well-protected box. As someone who has assembled their fair share of fitness equipment, I braced for a frustrating afternoon. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Sunny Health & Fitness has clearly refined its packaging and instructions. Each screw and tool was clearly numbered and corresponded perfectly with the step-by-step manual. As many users have confirmed, the assembly was remarkably straightforward, taking me just under an hour from unboxing to filling the tank. The initial feel of the machine is impressive for its price point. The alloy steel frame feels sturdy and substantial, with adjustable leveling caps ensuring it sits flat and stable on the floor. It doesn’t have the premium wood finish of a classic WaterRower, but its sleek black design is modern and unobtrusive. The quality of the molded seat, the feel of the non-slip handlebar, and the smooth glide along the rail immediately give the impression of a machine that punches well above its weight class. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of this initial quality.
Key Benefits
- Authentic and smooth water resistance that is both challenging and soothing
- Excellent value, offering a water rowing experience at a fraction of the cost of premium brands
- Sturdy alloy steel frame with a 300 lb weight capacity
- Convenient upright storage with built-in wheels, saving significant floor space
- Free access to the SunnyFit App with a wealth of guided workouts
Potential Drawbacks
- The R2 Fitness Meter’s distance and split time metrics are not consistently accurate for serious training
- The monorail may be too short for users significantly taller than 6’2″
Performance Deep Dive: How Does It Feel in Action?
A rowing machine’s spec sheet only tells part of the story. The true test is in the feel, the sound, and the results it delivers day after day. After weeks of consistent use, putting the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine through everything from high-intensity interval sessions to long, steady-state rows, we have a clear picture of where this machine truly shines and where it has its limitations.
The Water Resistance Experience: Smooth, Dynamic, and Soothing
The heart of this machine is its water resistance system, and it is genuinely excellent. The 16 hydro blades churning through the water in the tank create a resistance profile that is incredibly smooth and continuous, with no jarring or dead spots throughout the stroke. This is the magic of water resistance: it’s self-regulating. The faster and harder you pull, the more water the blades have to displace, and the greater the resistance becomes. This dynamic response mimics the physics of rowing on a lake or river far more accurately than its magnetic or air-based counterparts. For general fitness, this is a massive win. You don’t have to fiddle with dials or buttons to change the intensity; you simply row with more power.
Beyond the physical sensation, there’s the auditory experience. The gentle “whoosh” of the water with each stroke is meditative and rhythmic. Unlike the whine of a fan rower or the silence of a magnetic one, the sound of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine is genuinely pleasant and can make workouts feel less like a chore and more like a retreat. Many users echo this sentiment, noting how quiet and smooth the machine is. One user, accustomed to commercial gym equipment, was “very pleased to find this water rower to be very solid and smooth and with great rowing resistance.” This authentic feel is the primary reason to choose a water rower, and on this front, Sunny Health & Fitness delivers an experience that rivals machines costing twice as much. This dynamic water resistance is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.
Build Quality and Ergonomics: Comfort and Durability Examined
For a machine in the mid-tier price range, the build quality is robust. The alloy steel frame feels solid under pressure, providing a stable base even during intense sprints. We experienced no wobbling or shaking, a testament to the sturdy construction and the effective floor levelers. The 300-pound maximum user weight feels conservative; the machine inspires confidence. The 17-inch seat height is a standout ergonomic feature. It’s noticeably higher than many other rowers, making it much easier to get on and off the machine, which is a significant benefit for users with mobility issues or anyone who simply doesn’t want to crouch down to the floor to begin their workout.
The molded, padded seat provides adequate comfort for sessions up to 30-45 minutes. The non-slip handlebar is well-sized and sweat-resistant, preventing slippage during long rows. However, there are a few areas where long-term durability concerns have been raised by some users. We’ve seen reports of the nylon pull strap or the internal shock cord fraying after a year or more of heavy use. While we haven’t experienced this in our testing period, it’s a point to consider for those planning very high-volume training. Additionally, some users have noted the pivoting foot pedals can loosen over time, though this is often fixable with a simple jam nut. The most significant limitation we found, corroborated by a user who is 6’2″, is the length of the monorail. Taller individuals may find they hit the stopper at the back of the rail before achieving full leg extension, which can compromise form. For users under 6’2″, this is a non-issue, but it’s a critical consideration for taller athletes.
The R2 Fitness Meter and SunnyFit App Integration
The included R2 Fitness Meter is a mixed bag. On the positive side, it’s a clear, easy-to-read LCD that tracks all the essential metrics you need for a good workout: total time, 500m split time, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes, and calories. It also has built-in programs and can connect to a wireless heart rate strap (not included), which is a great feature for training in specific heart rate zones. The setup is simple, powered by two AA batteries.
However, this is where the machine shows its budget-friendly roots. As experienced rowers and users have pointed out, the meter’s calculation for distance and 500m split time is not accurate when compared to industry-standard machines like the Concept2. One user, a former racer, noted “splits and meters are just way off.” For someone just looking for a great workout and tracking their time and effort, this is perfectly acceptable. But if you are a competitive rower looking to train with precise, comparable data, this meter will be a source of frustration. The true value here comes from the free integration with the SunnyFit App. This is a game-changer. While competitors lock their guided workouts behind expensive monthly subscriptions, Sunny provides access to over 1,000 trainer-led workouts and thousands of scenic tours for free. This adds immense value, turning a simple machine into an interactive training platform and more than compensating for the meter’s basic shortcomings.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from long-term owners provides a clear and consistent picture of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users frequently praising it as an incredible value. One user, who bought their machine in 2019 and uses it religiously, called it “great as a more reasonably priced rower.” Another highlighted the value proposition directly: “Great price for a water rower (the ones from First Degree or Waterrower are at least double that price) and nice design.” This theme of solid performance for the price is the most common accolade.
However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which align with our findings. The most common complaint among serious rowers is the inaccuracy of the performance monitor. On the durability front, a small number of users have encountered issues after extended use. One owner reported that after a year and a half of regular use, “the strap holding the bar broke.” Another mentioned the shock cord becoming frayed after four months. It’s important to note that Sunny Health & Fitness customer support is often praised for being responsive in sending replacement parts, but these potential wear-and-tear issues are worth noting for prospective buyers planning to use the machine heavily.
How Does the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine Compare to Alternatives?
While the SF-RW5713 is a standout in its category, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular models, especially those with different resistance mechanisms. Your ideal choice will depend on your specific priorities, whether they be the type of workout feel, noise level, or additional features.
1. Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine 16 Resistance Levels
- Powerful & Quiet Magnetic Engine: The rowing machine is equipped with a newly upgraded 12 lbs flywheel component and high-energy magnets that provide 66 lbs of resistance, which offers ample...
- Upgraded Dual Slide Design: Compared with the single slide rowing machine, this newly upgraded dual slide design makes the rowing machine more stable, safe and beautiful. In addition, the slide rails...
- 16-Level Magnetic Resistance: The rowing machine offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance that can accommodate all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced rower or a beginner, you can easily...
The Dripex Magnetic Rower is a strong alternative for those who prioritize silence and precise resistance control. Unlike the SF-RW5713’s dynamic water resistance, the Dripex uses magnets, making it nearly silent in operation—perfect for apartment living or early morning workouts where you can’t risk waking others. It offers 16 distinct levels of resistance that you can set manually, providing a consistent challenge regardless of your pulling speed. While you lose the authentic “whoosh” and feel of water, you gain predictability and quiet. It also boasts a slightly higher weight capacity at 350 lbs. This is the better choice for users who need a whisper-quiet machine with easily adjustable, repeatable resistance levels.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower with Bicep Curls
- DIGITAL MONITOR: Display Time, Count, Total Count, Calories, and Scan. Stay focused on your fitness goals and exercise metrics.
- 16 LEVELS OF RESISTANCE: 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance provide versatility and customization for rowers of all levels.
- UPPER BODY ROWS: Isolate and target your upper body muscle groups by using the floor plates for different standing row positions.
For those looking for more versatility from a single machine, this multi-function rower from Sunny Health & Fitness is an intriguing option. It operates on a quiet magnetic resistance system similar to the Dripex but adds a unique feature: upright plates and handles that allow for exercises like bicep curls and upward rows. This transforms it from a pure cardio machine into a hybrid strength and cardio station. While its core rowing function might not feel as authentic as the SF-RW5713’s water system, its added utility could be a deciding factor for someone building a home gym on a budget and with limited space. If you want your rower to do more than just row, this is a compelling alternative.
3. MR. CAPTAIN Foldable Water Rowing Machine with Monitor
- 【WOODEN WATER ROWING MACHINE】Perfect for home fitness enthusiasts. This COMPACT ROWING MACHINE FOR HOME boasts a sturdy build to support up to 400LBS, offering a HYDROW-like experience with its...
- 【BLUETOOTH APP】Its Bluetooth APP connectivity pairs seamlessly with leading fitness platforms, ensuring every session is optimized and engaging. Experience the luxury of a WATER ROWER style...
- 【WATER RESISTANCE ROWING MACHINE】Our water-based resistance technology offers a smooth, silent ROWING operation, allowing you to enjoy your workout in peace. Built from premium materials, this...
The MR. CAPTAIN rower is a direct competitor, also utilizing a water resistance system. It distinguishes itself with a significantly higher weight capacity of 400 pounds, suggesting an even more robust frame, and it also features Bluetooth APP connectivity for workout tracking. While both machines offer the sought-after water rowing experience and can be stored upright, the choice between them may come down to specific design preferences, current pricing, and the higher weight limit of the MR. CAPTAIN model. If you are a heavier user or simply want the most heavy-duty frame available in this style, the MR. CAPTAIN rower is worth a very close look.
Our Final Verdict on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine is an outstanding value and one of the best entry points into the world of water rowing for home fitness. It successfully delivers the smooth, dynamic, and engaging workout experience that makes water rowers so popular, but at a price point that makes it accessible to a much wider audience. Its sturdy build, comfortable ergonomics, and space-saving vertical storage make it a practical and enjoyable addition to any home gym.
It is not, however, a machine for the elite competitive rower who needs precision data tracking. The monitor’s inaccuracies are its most significant flaw. But for the vast majority of users—those looking to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, and get a fantastic full-body workout—this is a minor issue, especially when offset by the fantastic, free SunnyFit App. If you’ve been dreaming of the on-the-water feel without draining your bank account, this machine is, without a doubt, the one to get. You can check the latest price and secure one for your home gym today.
Last update on 2025-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API