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BASIC COMPONENTS |
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Length Longer canoes will have greater hull speed, will track better, and will have greater potential for carrying capacity. Shorter canoes will be more maneuverable and lighter in weight. |
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Width Widths, or beams as they are called, are given in two measurements; the beam at the gunwale and the beam at the 4” waterline. The 4” waterline beam has the greatest influence on performance. Wide beamed canoes offer great stability but may be somewhat slow. Narrow canoes may be less stable but afford better efficiency and hull speed. |
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Depth Greater depth allows for increased carrying capacity and better water shedding ability. However, deep canoes can be harder to handle in windy conditions and will be heavier. The shape of the bottom of the canoe and how it blends with the sides will influence its performance. Stability of a canoe is affected greatly by its cross section. |
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Entry Lines The shape of the bow where it cuts the water will have an effect on the canoe's performance. A very sharp, knife-like entry will cut through the water easily and provide efficiency. A blunt bow will add fullness and give buoyancy in waves, thus a drier ride. |
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Symmetry Symmetrical canoes have identical ends, bow and stern. Symmetrical canoes offer more versatile designs and convert more readily from tandem to solo. Asymmetrical canoes are usually designed for a particular specialty. |
Flat bottom Flat bottom canoes offer great initial stability. That is, they feel very secure on calm water. Flat bottom canoes are great for the sportsmen and general recreationalists looking for steadiness. |
Shallow arch bottom Shallow arch bottom canoes have less initial stability but good secondary stability. As the canoe is leaned, it will balance on its side and resist further tipping. Shallow arch canoes work well in waves and whitewater. Shallow arch bottom canoes offer the best all-around performance. |
Round bottom Round bottom canoes have great secondary stability but very little initial stability. They are designed for speed and efficiency. Round bottom canoes are usually fast, specialized canoes. |
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Keels A keel will help tracking in short canoes and will help the canoe's resistance to crosswinds. Keels also work well on canoes used with outboard or electric motors, as they decrease sideslipping. |
| A keel would not be preferred on a canoe used in whitewater or situations where quick maneuvers are essential. |
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Flare, Tumblehome, Straight-sided The sides of the canoe can have flare, tumblehome or be straight-sided. Flare will shed water well and increase stability. Tumblehome gives a narrower beam at the gunwales and allows for easier paddling, however stability will be decreased. Straight-sided canoes are a compromise of the two. |
| Keep in mind that many canoes will incorporate one, two, or all three of these in different areas of the hull. |
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The curve of the keel line from bow to stern is called rocker. |
 A straight keel line has no rocker, which allows for exceptional tracking ability but lacks maneuverability. |
 An extremely rockered keel line offers exceptional maneuverability but will not track well. |
 Moderately rockered canoes are usually straight with a rise toward the ends. Most general recreation canoes have a moderate rocker. |
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