"The conversion kit adjust the hull slightly (5 different ribs) to make a  slightly narrower/deeper canoe.  I'll also get replacement rod extensions for the seat so it can be positioned nearer the middle."

Hey doc,

did the conversion kit include the rod extensions for the seat, or was that extra to the conversion kit ?

Joe_Schmeaux wrote on Sep 26^th, 2012 at 6:58am:


Yeah.  I'd thought about that, but just hadn't gotten to it yet.  I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the time adding it to the mock-up design. 

Actually the slots were initially used as direct mounts to the seat.  This gave me a little left/right adjustment, but was just a little too far to the rear to result in good fore/aft balance.

I'm giving consideration to two other adaptations as well:  (a) adding extra material around the side cut-outs to add strength (they look a little thin to handle much bouncing along the portage) and (b) tilting the yoke part so that it is flat with my body when carrying (the current design is angled slightly).

Keep those suggestions coming ... its going to be a while until I'm back in north country for a canoe trip ... looking for little winter projects.   

dd

You need to put a little notch in the cutout section to accomodate your seventh cervical vertebra (at the base of your neck):

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I used his design for my stripper's yoke and it makes a huge difference. And you won't need any wussy pads unless your canoe is over 80 lbs (which it isn't) or you're doing a lot of portages of a mile or more.

This my first attempt to craft a portage yoke for the Pakcanoe.  With scant little lip on the gunwales, and what there is round rather than flat, I started looking for an alternative.  This one is a cantilever design that fits parallel to the web seat that will be placed near the middle of the canoe.  Its still a little rough, and I need to cut another pair of slots to aid in mounting pads, but at least its a start.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I was just sitting here watching some of Les Stroud's original Survivorman series and the episode where he goes to Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle was on.  As he was building his second shelter and dropping the his canoe on top, "Pakboat" was clearly visible on the side ... even a red one, just like mine.  Funny I'd never noticed that before.

dd

Well Wayne, It is nice to see the project worked out, and your new found friend floats.

SunCatcher

We paddled them in big wavy rapids up north. The front flexes up instead of penciling into waves. Settles into troughs too, instead of getting the ends lifted.
Different, but it works.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Well, she floats!  Actually, she handled pretty well.  However, I didn't get to try it out in swells and wind.  As you can see (which was typical of my time on the water) the lake was glass.

dd

BTW:  This is Eagle Nest Lake, New Mexico.  It sits at an altitude of about 8300 feet.  It is just a few miles from Angel Fire Ski basin.  Behind me (in the pic) is Wheeler Peak, highest point in NM, at an altitude of 13,161 feet.

DentonDoc wrote on Aug 14^th, 2012 at 3:23am:


I like. I get a kick out of your search for the better mouse trap. Even with all the qualifying smileys, text can still come across as a negative comment.
Indulge yourself, and please keep sharing.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
PakCanoe packed up for travel.  As it sets there in the bag, it weighs 45 pounds (and quite a bit more could actually go into the bag ... lots of empty space and gaps left).

As you can tell, it doesn't quite reach the height of a standard door knob (right) and it is quite a bit shorter than the 54" Sawyer bentshaft on the right.

It is a bit awkward to carry.  It would probably work better with a handle in addition to the supplied adjustable shoulder strap. BTW, the bottom of the bag is padded.

Take down time was less than 20 minutes; including sorting, folding, and banding the poles (and this was only my first run at it).  The next time should be quicker since I discovered that it was much easier to get the gunwale poles out of their sleeves if I used one of the seat support rods as a push rod.

dd