Which solo canoes are best for heeling?

[Gamma1214]

I'll agree that the seat can make it easier (and more comfortable) to heel a hull. When I built my Raven, I contoured the seat all the way to the gunwales and heeling becomes automatic if you slide to the rail (probably would be anyway but this remains comfy).



It might require a new jig for every few hulls (the same jig worked for the Bloodvein but the spreaders are nearly under the gunwales) but I'll probably never use another seat contour.

It doesn't heel it all the way to the rail (you'd have to kneel in the knuckle for that) but, in a tripping situation, with full gear load, you don't need to do that anyway. All you're looking for (IMO) is enough to break the stems free & allow turning to become easier.

 

[lowangle al]

Seat hight also makes a difference. A low seat may make for a safer ride but it might not give you enough leverage to comfortably get the lean you want.

 

[canoedad89]

It might require a new jig for every few hulls (the same jig worked for the Bloodvein but the spreaders are nearly under the gunwales) but I'll probably never use another seat contour.

You boat-builders have some serious skills! I can't picture the jig or spreaders, but that is one nice looking seat.

 

[kahel]

As a complete beginner, I’ve learned here that the most important thing is to have a good seat. Next comes positioning yourself in the boat so you can comfortably use both options (sitting or kneeling). This also includes whether the seat is mounted flat or at an angle in the boat.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I've had the Solitude for several years now. Its seat is adjustable to three heights. It came to me with the seat in its lowest setting. I immediately raised it to the middle, and left it there.

Seat hight also makes a difference. A low seat may make for a safer ride but it might not give you enough leverage to comfortably get the lean you want.

It took me until less than a week ago to figure that out. On the last morning in Bowron, I raised the seat to the top out of curiosity (finally!). Suddenly, it was easier to heel the boat to turn. I also noticed that I was using core muscles more than before in my forward strokes. To top that off, now I have room to kneel if I want - and with no significant stability penalty.

I need a forehead smack emoji.