GRB Classic XL Yoke

[TDG1515]

Hi,
Picked up a 22 year old GRB Classic xl last week and I am thinking of using it for the 90 miler in Sept. It didn't come with a yoke. Has anyone found one that works well with that canoe?
Thank you!
Todd

 

[SouthernKevlar]

I made one for my Classic XL. My usual solo canoe portage yoke was to large for the narrow gunnels. The lack of outwales worried me a bit, so I cut grooves in the yoke to match the hull and inwales, the added my clamps. I also marked on the inwales the balance point, so I can position it correctly each time. I can walk for a ways without even touching the canoe unless I make a quick move. I'll try to post a photo later.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

I made one for my Classic XL. My usual solo canoe portage yoke was to large for the narrow gunnels. The lack of outwales worried me a bit, so I cut grooves in the yoke to match the hull and inwales, the added my clamps. I also marked on the inwales the balance point, so I can position it correctly each time. I can walk for a ways without even touching the canoe unless I make a quick move. I'll try to post a photo later.

Here are the photos. I used mahogany for the yoke, an old set of pads and hardware scavenged from another portage yoke. I hope this helps. The GRB is a great boat on the water: smooth, fast and can carry a solo tripper's load. I took mine to the Adirondacks this June (see the trip report) and although the weather shut the trip down, I still had a good time and the canoe did well.

 

[TDG1515]

Here are the photos. I used mahogany for the yoke, an old set of pads and hardware scavenged from another portage yoke. I hope this helps. The GRB is a great boat on the water: smooth, fast and can carry a solo tripper's load. I took mine to the Adirondacks this June (see the trip report) and although the weather shut the trip down, I still had a good time and the canoe did well.

Here are the photos. I used mahogany for the yoke, an old set of pads and hardware scavenged from another portage yoke. I hope this helps. The GRB is a great boat on the water: smooth, fast and can carry a solo tripper's load. I took mine to the Adirondacks this June (see the trip report) and although the weather shut the trip down, I still had a good time and the canoe did well.

Thank you! I remember reading your story a couple of weeks ago. In fact, it was one of the reasons I pulled the trigger (last week) on the GRB. I had been paddling an older Hemlock Kestrel (which I love!) and wanted a faster canoe. So, I bought a used Shadow but quickly discovered I really disliked it. Then I sold it (no shortage of buyers) and bought a Magic. I love the Magic, and I am keeping it, but I can't get it to go very fast (most likely me). I wanted something quicker for the 90-miler. The Classic XL I found is 23 years old. It seems tippy to me, but it is materially faster than the Magic. I have to learn how to turn it...but I am happy with it. I was originally going to carry it on my shoulder, but I have had a lot of success with yokes so I am going to give that a try. Your pics really help! Much appreciated.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

I hope that you enjoy your XL as much as I do mine. When I first got mine it seemed a bit tender too, but as I put in a bit of time the stability seemed better. Maybe narrowing the envelope made me a better paddler, or at least that is what I'm telling myself. I did note that adding 50 or so pounds helps it to sit a bit more stable and deal better with the winds.

The Classic XL is not the most maneuverable canoe in my stable either; it ain't no Freestyle canoe. Straight ahead and go is more the style for this boat. With enough practice you will be able to turn it, but it will never turn on a dime! What it does it does well.

Good luck on that 90 miler next month.

 

[TDG1515]

I hope that you enjoy your XL as much as I do mine. When I first got mine it seemed a bit tender too, but as I put in a bit of time the stability seemed better. Maybe narrowing the envelope made me a better paddler, or at least that is what I'm telling myself. I did note that adding 50 or so pounds helps it to sit a bit more stable and deal better with the winds.

The Classic XL is not the most maneuverable canoe in my stable either; it ain't no Freestyle canoe. Straight ahead and go is more the style for this boat. With enough practice you will be able to turn it, but it will never turn on a dime! What it does it does well.

Good luck on that 90 miler next month.

Thank you. Much appreciated. I already like it a lot.