Gibban

Another off-season project I have been gradually working is a leather sling seat for the 15ft cedar canvas canoe. Paddling solo means kneeling as close to the center point of the canoe as possible. With my shorter, symmetrical 14foot canoe, the bow seat is perfectly positioned to paddling the canoe "backwards" so that my rump can rest on the edge of the seat and take weight off the heels if needed. With this option and full kneeling on the bottom of the hull, paddling the 14 footer is a joy. The longer 15ft cedar canvas logically has its seats positioned further towards the ends of the canoe and paddling in reverse while resting on the bow seat results in an awkward stern heavy position when the boat is unloaded. So a solution was in order. I considered the idea of adding a permanent kneeling thwart but then wanted to explore a more removable option - hence the pursuit of a personalized sling seat. Tom Seavey of Azland Traditions is the creator of Original Saddle Seat. I'...

Here's a great little page from Boys Life, July 1953 for anyone wanting to make some traditional canoe gear. The double article features plans for a wanigan and a quick photo series on making a leather tumpline. Click the link or the image for a larger view... Source Link: Boys Life, July 1953