Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

Once I had fitted the kneeling thwart in my old Nova Craft Prospector it posed what could be considered as a pinning hazard. Picture this; you are running steadily down hill, hit a rock head on, you shoot off the kneeling thwart, thighs pinned under the yoke and over you tip!

I decided to change the standard 'fitted' yoke to that of a quick release affair.

To maintain the hull strength and shape an additional thwart was needed. The thwart is a standard ash affair to match the rest of my fittings, which can be ordered from your preferred retailer.


After measuring twice and only having to cut once the thwart was ready to fit. This I positioned approx 18cm to the rear of the bow seat, this would give me the rigidity required whilst still providing a large open space to move around in.


Again I measured and re-measured and drilled two holes either side, fitting the yoke bolts and nuts.


The Yoke was fitted with one bolt either side with over sized washers and wing nuts positioned under the gunwales so as not to catch me or the car when car topping.

The new yoke position


Close up of the fittings, highlighting the need to clean 'under the rim'


Job done. This has also been carried over to the Wenonah, I am however looking at improving the release action on this.

Its obviously not a particularly demanding task technically, however someone may benefit. Besides I'm terrible at DIY. In my mind DIY stands for Don't Involve Yourself!

I have just hit this thread as i know it will be of some use to forum member pauly

(22-02-09 10:18 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]I have just hit this thread as i know it will be of some use to forum member pauly

Certainly will be of use to me Gav. I think i would put the yoke on the uderside of the gunwhale though, but i stand to be corrected, especially with my lack of experience.

Cheers,

Paul

(23-02-09 01:58 PM)Paully Wrote: [ -> ]

(22-02-09 10:18 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]I have just hit this thread as i know it will be of some use to forum member pauly

Certainly will be of use to me Gav. I think i would put the yoke on the uderside of the gunwhale though, but i stand to be corrected, especially with my lack of experience.

Cheers,

Paul

the way lee paddles it is under the gunwhale

I only put it on top for ease as it's taken out when at the water so aesthetically it doesn't really matter when it's upside down on the roof of the car. Similarly the weight of the canoe is on the yoke not the other way around. I guess it's each to there own though, as long as it does the job.

As Lee has said its up to the indervidual mines in the normal postion under the gunnel as in tandem mode I leave it in.