Growing family?Solo paddling? Party boat? Let your situation dictate the seating.
Want a 'camp rig' that works great when paddling with kids? This setup places young paddlers in the space behind the bow partner while maintaining portaging capability. Start by removing the center yoke, flip it, then reinstall the portage yoke facing the stern (back end of the canoe). Install your new center seat a few inches ahead of and on the bow side of the portage yoke.
An uncut center seat measures 41-inches. Keep pint-sized paddlers closer to the water and lower the center of gravity by using 4-inch seat drops and 6-inch stainless bolts. You and the kids will love the
While the camp rig makes a beautiful set up for paddling with kids, it places a solo paddler too far forward.
A paddling position about one-third the distance from the stern of the canoe works best. Hence, the common recommendation to turn your canoe around and solo paddle from the bow seat. A second option replaces the stern thwart with a kneeling thwart. Combine a kneeling thwart with a camp rig and you have a do-it-all tandem.
If your need for a center seat stems from taking non-paddlers out; use a comfortable NorthWest Canoe Duffer Seat. The Duffer Seat maintains a low center of gravity. NorthWest Canoe can help you customize and accessorize your canoe. Visit us before you head out on the water.