Canoe Size and Shape
Size and Shape
The size and shape of a canoe has significant impacts on overall
performance.
Canoe Parts
Canoe Size
Canoe Length
- Longer Canoe
- Glides father with each stroke
- Carries more gear
- 16-18’ good for tandem canoes
- Shorter Canoe
- Easier to turn
- 14-16’ good size for solo canoes
Canoe Width
- Wider Canoes
- Caries more gear
- Most stable
- Narrower Canoes
- Less resistance in water = faster
Hull Depth
- Taller Sides
- Carry more gear
- Prevents waves to washing into canoe
- More vulnerable to wind
- Shorter Sides
- Better resistance to wind
- More likely to take on water if windy or water is choppy
Canoe Shape
The shape of the canoe will have a significant impact on how the canoe
performs.
Canoe Symmetry
- Symmetrical Canoe
- Bow and Stern look identical
- Easier to maneuver backwards
- Asymmetrical Canoe
- The Slice through the water better
- Increased speed
For solo use, a symmetrical canoe can often be paddled with the stern to
the front. This allows a solo canoeist to sit closer to the middle
of the canoe without having to knee unsupported.
Rocker
- Lots of Rocker
- Whitewater
- Easy to turn
- Poor tracking
- Minimal Rocker
- Flatwater
- Great tracking
- Turns poorly
Side Shape
- Flared Sides
- Deflect waves better
- Use in whitewater canoes
- Tumblehome
- Easier to paddle efficiently
- More water will splash in canoe
Hull Shape
- Flat Bottom
- Easier to turn
- Better initial stability (not tipsy)
- Rounded Bottom
- Easier to lean
- Good secondary stability (better leanability)
- V-Shaped
- Compromise between flat and rounded
Bow Width
- Wider Bow (Blunt Entry)
- More easily navigates waves and rapids
- Deflects rocks
- Narrow Bow (Pointy Entry)
- Cuts through water like a knife
Bow Shape
- Plumb (Straight) Stem
- Tracks better
- Goes faster
- Raked (Slanted) Stem
- Prevents waves from splashing in canoe
- Recurved Stem
