5 DIY Canoe Upgrades To Try This Weekend

 Canoe designs change over time. Modifications may be required due to wear, different paddle conditions, or shifting needs. However, there are many DIY canoe modifications anyone can do. Many paddlers mistakenly believe that modifications are the responsibility of experienced canoe builders. Try these out to improve the comfort, functionality, and appearance of your canoe.

1. Yoke to be replaced

If you plan to go on an expedition, you need a comfortable and well-placed yoke.  Installing a new one takes less than an hour.

Start by finding a yoke that fits snugly around your neck and shoulders. Gouging, sanding,, and varnishing can deepen the yoke shell if the shoulders are bony. Remove the fasteners and the existing yoke will come off. Your new yoke will come sooner than it should. Cut the ends a little longer and adjust as needed to align with the center point of the old one.

2. Improve the seating

Installing a new canoe seat requires 30-40 minutes of adjustment. For a long day on the water, or for improved comfort due to rotting and wear, paddlers can change the seat. To mark where you need to drill holes and cut perches, unbolt the old sheet and place it over the replacement. Cut evenly from both sides, chop slightly longer and finely trim. Consider the fit and centering of previous sheets when trimming perches. "Measure twice, cut once." Install the screws. Hardware replacement is a great idea for now.

3. Your wooden boat should have a shoe keel

A wooden boat bottom can be well protected with a shoe keel. Shoe keel absorb valuable canoe shock in shallow water and difficult landings. This do-it-yourself canoe upgrade requires a weekend and a motivated guide.

Cutting and shaping the keel, sanding and preparing the area of ​​the hull where the keel will fit, drilling and fitting,, and applying epoxy are all steps to adding a shoe keel to a wooden canoe. To make sure, ask a buddy for help.

4.  Include Lining Holes

The lining holes are a nice fix as they provide a secure mounting point for the paint lines used to line the Rapid.

Start with a 6-inch webbing cut at a 45-degree angle on each end. Mark the center of the folded part. The bow should be covered with webbing. Align the center mark with the center of the bow within 2 inches of the hull. Mark the ends of the hull webbing and drill a 3/4 inch diameter hole in each mark. Then with a drill make a hole to size 5/8 inch.

Do the same for the rear. Any type of canoe can be drilled.

5. Include A Spray Deck

With the spray deck, the canoe is ready to navigate rapids, explore coastal areas, traverse open water, and keep out of the rain. We appreciate the low level of protection. This gives you more comfort when paddling in cool, rainy, and unpredictable weather.

Drilling holes in precious hulls can be a little intimidating, but this 2-4 hour project of can actually improve the seaworthiness of your boat.