Installing seats and thwarts in a canoe

[cliffjacobson]

I received the following private message from jimdgriff but I couldn’t send the response to him through the web-site. Here’s the question and answer:

Cliff
I read your post refering to the Dagger Venture
I am restoring a 98 Dagger ledgend 15′ and since you are so familiar with Dagger I could sure use your help..
The canoe was “borrowed” some time ago and when fiinally returned all that was left was the hull

I have found all of the parts and pieces but have no reference to the placement of the seats twarts and yoke..I you could put me in the right direction to get measurements from the Bow to each placement down the centerline it would be of great help

Jim
First, install the yoke at the balance point of the canoe. Use two bolts at each end. Then use this formula to install the seats:

To adjust the seat placement to compensate for weight differences of the paddlers use this formula: The weight of the bow paddler times the distance from the front edge of the bow seat to the center point of the canoe is equal to the weight of the stern paddler times the distance from the front edge of the stern seat to the center of the canoe (BxD=SxD) [Use the FRONT edge of the seats because that is where the paddler’s weight is centered]. This has the same effect as when big brother and little sister want to teeter-totter together. Big brother scoots way up (closer to the center point) while sister scoots way back (farther from the center point).

Example: Two people are canoe partners. One always paddles bow, the other stern. The bow paddler weighs 120#. The stern paddler weighs 170#. They have a new 16′ tandem and they want to place the seats so that it is trim. Work with bow paddler to find the optimum place for his/her seat. Let’s say it is 66″ from the front edge of the seat to the center of the canoe. We now can work the formula to figure out placement of the stern seat. 120# x 66″ = 170# x D”, or 7920 = 170 x D, or 7920/170 = D, or 46.6″. The front edge of the stern seat should be 46.6″ from the center of the canoe.

Reverse their positions and you get: 170# x 66″ = 120# x D”, 11,220 = 120 x D, 11,220/120 = D, 93.5″. The front edge of the stern seat should be 93.5″ from the center of the canoe. Remember, always use the FRONT edge of the seats when measuring.”

Note: if you’ll be running big rapids you may want to install both seats closer to the yoke–this lightens the ends so they’ll rise better in the waves. It’s not rocket science.

Thwarts:
Put in the front thwart about 6 inches behind the front seat. I like the rear thwart 23 inches in front of the leading edge of the stern seat, but placement is a matter of personal preference. I have short legs so the 23 inch distance works for me and provides more space for packs behind the yoke.
Best,
Cliff
PS. Email me at cliffjacobson4@gmail.com if you need more help.

[jimdgriff]

Cliff
I am finally getting around to restoring the Dagger 16 legend
I appreciate the info from last year….is there a standard width gunnel to gunnel at the yoke it looks like 34.5 to 35.5
Thanks in advance
Jim

[lisawatt]

Its great .

[Author]

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