Dwight is correct, that the heaviest objects in the canoe, and the one's that are going to make the most difference in safety and stability are the paddlers. The paddlers can see and think, and adjust their position depending on what the canoe is doing. If it's rough, the paddlers can kneel to lower their center of gravity, and lean away from the gunwale that's too close to the water. The packs can't do that. If the canoe's close to going over, an 80 lb food pack and a 60 lb gear pack with a high center of gravity might make the difference between a swim and a dry ride. Maybe not every time, but it seems like loading the canoe like in the pictures is just increasing your risk.

Posted by Harry on April 20, 2001 at 09:17