What year was the pram built. Too make my gunnels (sides) from creeping in when I rowed, I put a length of aluminum tubing in the channel and this kept the sides from flexing a lot.
I used to sit on a bucket to row but got smart and made a beach seat. I made it out of a 2"x8" oak plank. I then added two 1"x2" strips on each side on the bench to keep the board in place. But eventually I broke down and bought a 55lb thrust Minn Kota and later bought a 2hp 4 stoke Honda.
Sad to say, I sold it. Wish I still had it. Much easier to fish out of than my fish cat 4 or pontoon boat.