Different Strokes...

This is a single. One rower, (usually) no coxswain. Its abbreviation is 1X.

This is a pair with. Two rowers with one oar each, and a coxswain. The abbreviation for a pair with is 2+.

A pair without a coxswain is called a straight pair. The abbreviation for a straight pair is 2-.

This is a straight double. Two rowers with two oars each, no coxswain. The abbreviation for a straight double is 2X-. A double with a coxswain is called a double with. The abbreviation for a double with is 2X+.

This is a four with. Four rowers with one oar each, and a coxswain. The abbreviation for a four with is 4+.

This is a straight four. Four rowers with one oar each, and no coxswain. The abbreviation for a straight four is 4-.

This is a straight quad. Four rowers with two oars each, and no coxswain. A quad with a coxswain is called a quad with. The abbreviation for a straight quad is 4X-, while the abbreviation for a quad with is 4X+.

This is an eight. Eight rowers with one oar each, and a cowswain. This boat is too big not to have a coxswain. The abbreviation for an eight is either 8 or 8+. You can use both.

Do you sense a pattern here? An easy way to break down the abbreviations is this:

Number - how many rowers/seats in the boat.

X - If there is an X, that means they scull. Otherwise, they sweep.

+/- - Whether or not a coxswain is on board.