Hello all,
I've recently decided on my next build - John Winter's Osprey. I'm planning on positioning the seat more towards the stern than I've seen it in pictures of the boat. Here's my reasoning: I've done most of my soloing from tandem canoes sitting in the bow seat. That places me more towards the stern than traditional solos and I've really felt comfortable in this area. I feel I have great control. My boat tracks great as each stroke doesn't push the bow much. A moderate J-stroke here and there and I'm on my way efficiently, and comfortably. I also want a yoke centered for portaging. I'm not into this over the shoulder thing on grueling portages. Which would mean, the seat couldn't be there. I think I could also plan on my canoe frequently having a load of gear in addition to the paddler that I would place towards the bow.
My other soloing experience comes from a Wenonah Rendevous, which I've heard described as "paddling like a wild stallion" and I can tell you, I am compelled to agree with that. From the center in this canoe, I felt like, with each stroke, the bow wanted to jump away from the pressure of my stroke.
One of my canoe buddies advised me that John Winters would know what he was doing and not to mess with it, put the seat where he intended. However, I just don't know if that's for me.
I'm here for some thoughts and insight.
I've recently decided on my next build - John Winter's Osprey. I'm planning on positioning the seat more towards the stern than I've seen it in pictures of the boat. Here's my reasoning: I've done most of my soloing from tandem canoes sitting in the bow seat. That places me more towards the stern than traditional solos and I've really felt comfortable in this area. I feel I have great control. My boat tracks great as each stroke doesn't push the bow much. A moderate J-stroke here and there and I'm on my way efficiently, and comfortably. I also want a yoke centered for portaging. I'm not into this over the shoulder thing on grueling portages. Which would mean, the seat couldn't be there. I think I could also plan on my canoe frequently having a load of gear in addition to the paddler that I would place towards the bow.
My other soloing experience comes from a Wenonah Rendevous, which I've heard described as "paddling like a wild stallion" and I can tell you, I am compelled to agree with that. From the center in this canoe, I felt like, with each stroke, the bow wanted to jump away from the pressure of my stroke.
One of my canoe buddies advised me that John Winters would know what he was doing and not to mess with it, put the seat where he intended. However, I just don't know if that's for me.
I'm here for some thoughts and insight.