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Seats
(including tilting option)
Canoe seats are available with a tilt mechanism, allowing the paddler to sit or to kneel.
The leading edge of the seat tilts down (the rear edge is hinged to allow this), so the paddler can kneel
on the hull while partially sitting on the seat to distribute weight. This lowers the centre of gravity, thus
offering improved stability in windy conditions and waves.
Canoe seats are hand-caned using 3mm polypropylene "cane". Although this lacks some of the
aesthetic appeal of natural cane, it is much more resilient to UV light and to moisture, and so lasts much longer
before re-caning is required. A cane seat moulds itself to the pelvic bones, reducing the incidence of "pressure
point" pain for any shape of backside, and also allows air circulation, reducing the sweatiness associated with
solid seats.
Feature Strip
Every Otter Creek Smallcraft boat includes a feature strip of the illustrated design,
a series of chevrons pointing towards the bow, a group three amidships, groups of two fore and aft of this, and
single chevrons nearest to bow and stern.
The precise spacing of the groups depends on the length of the craft, and the colour may vary because of natural
variations in wood tone.
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Recurve
A characteristic feature of my canoe designs is the accentuated recurve.
My reasoning is simple: what affects water performance is from waterline down; what affects response to
wind is largely above the waterline. For a given waterline length, the greater the recurve, the lower is the area
presented to the wind. It's good to know that this design performs well in wind, confirming the theoretical
considerations.
Scuppered gunwales
Scuppered gunwales provide a number of benefits: they allow easy drainage of water fom the canoe;
they help keep the weight low whilst sacrificing little strength; and they provide a place to tie packs, watch,
compass etc, or a tarp to cover packs. The sizes of the scuppers depend on the canoe length as well as on the
number and placing of seats. Rounding of the ends of the scuppers complements the smooth curves of the hull design.
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