It's just the angle. I assure you there is more curve in the front of the seat than the rear. Comfy seats too.
I did not repair it, Dave Curtis of Hemlock Canoe did. And actually it didn't even need that patch. It's just there for a factor of safety... The boat was never soft where those spider webs are. It's all in the clear coat. Dave and I decided that because it's right near the foam mat, that a reinforcing patch would be a good idea in case it takes another whack in the same area. All the webs except that one on the side under the gunwale run right along the mat, so it's the differential stiffness that caused the gel coat failure. I'm assured it's all cosmetic and I can provide you Dave Curtis to vouch for the inspection and determination... he's been laminating and repairing boats for god knows how long. I trust his judgement.
Yes I'm in upstate NY. The boat may go to Hemlock in a couple weeks if it doesn't sell right away or if someone wants to test paddle it. I need to talk with Dave about consignment but I'd like to have it available for test paddling.