Canoe Parts Glossary

Beam

Measures the width of the canoe at its widest point.

Rocker

Measures the degree to which the hull is curved from bow to stern. More rocker means increased maneuverability.

Bow

Term indicating the front end of the canoe.

Stern

Term indicating the back end of the canoe.

Hull

The body of the canoe; what’s below the gunwales. Its shape determines the canoe’s performance characteristics.

Trim

Trim package includes the gunwales and interior parts of the canoe including seats, yoke, thwarts and end decks.

Yoke

Installed at the balance point of the canoe, a yoke is used to portage the canoe and rests on the shoulders of the carrier.

Thwart

A straight piece of wood installed as a support to maintain the structure and shape of the hull, usually between the yoke and stern seat on canoes 16 feet or longer in length.

Flotation Tank

Installed at the bow and stern ends of our composite canoes. The tanks are hollow inside to ensure that if the canoe is submerged that it will float near the surface of the water.

Initial/Primary Stability

Stability of the canoe at rest in the water or when entering/exiting the boat.

Secondary stability

Stability of the canoe in motion.

Portage

To carry a canoe upside down, with the yoke resting on one’s shoulders. Also refers to the trail used to connect two bodies of water.

Tracking

The ability to maintain direction on a straight course, a desirable feature in flatwater canoes.

Stem

The end of the canoe.

Gunwale

Covering the top of the hull, ours are made from vinyl, anodized aluminum or ash.

Asymmetrical Hull

When the widest point of the hull is not directly in the centre of the hull.

Symmetrical Hull

When the widest point of the hull is directly in the centre of the hull.

Balance point

Where the yoke is installed on a canoe to ensure balance when portaging

Ballast

Weight placed strategically in the canoe to counterbalance paddler weight for enhanced paddling performance.

Keel

A narrow protrusion off the bottom of the hull running lengthwise; improves the tracking ability and stability of the canoe. A shoe keel is flattened, slightly wider style of keel.

Freeboard

Refers to the portion of the hull remaining above the waterline of the canoe in water.