i'm finally getting this modified yoke design setup. Only 2 years later. It's a record for me. I'll post up some pics when I get it done...but first I have to set up an imgur account.....hmmmm....could be awhile...

Great stuff pd!

pd -

Exceptional work on the paddle.  It has developed quite nicely.

dd

ST,

Thanks for the compliment!  I'd certainly be willing to help out any fellow QJ'ers looking for a custom yoke solution. 

No doubt adding some carbon to the MII yoke would do a lot to stiffen it up - and look great against the cherry.  Even some Kevlar or 'glass would help out, without adding much weight.  I may 'glass the blade of a new paddle I just finished when the weather warms up, so maybe I'll throw some on the yoke too.  The paddle is cherry, some 225 yr old plus white cedar I came across and scavenged and some white ash on the outside.  Here's the paddle, oiled for now.  22 ounces.

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pd

pd,

I think you've found a cottage hobby to pay for trips once you retire! 

You have excellent McGYVER skills!

What would happen if you cut out a sheet of carbon fibre and laminated to the bottom of that lightweight yoke to stiffen/strengthen it?

So, I noted the yoke I made originally weighs in at 3 lb. 8 oz. - very sturdy, but no light weight.  Magic's Rapidfire inspired me to see what I could do for my Merlin II at home.  Since it has 'normal' gunnels for clamping purposes, it worked out a bit easier.  I used some EVA foam from a kayak roof mount block kit this time and it came out at just 24 oz. - a whole 2 lbs. lighter than the first model.  Now I will admit it's just a bit too light for taking into the back country, as the thin yoke has some flex to it.  I'm afraid it would snap if taking a huge Quetico step off a ledge or bolder when the weight/momentum of the canoe comes down on it.  I'll just use that one at home and maybe I'll make slightly thicker yoke for trail use.

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pd

Okay...so I've been yoking around this fall/winter with some new stuff.  On my trips last summer with Magic Paddler, I noted his homemade Placid Rapidfire portage yoke was looking a bit ragged.  He's posted some pics here before, but here's a reminder and what it looked like last summer. 

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Having loaned me his Magic for the trips, I figured I'd take a shot at tackling a new one for his Rapidfire.  This was a bit of an engineering challenge because there are no flat, horizontal surfaces to clamp to, just a crowned top and a 37 degree inside bevel.  I took a bunch of photos and measurements, then at home, I made a mockup of his gunnels to work from.  After a bit of trial/fitment/retrial process, here's a few pics of how it came out.  I was able to send it to him for Christmas.  It fit amazingly well and very solidly.  MP tried it out in his yard and is quite pleased with it.  He's looking forward to putting it to a real test once the waters thaw out.  I did make a minor mod to it at his request to fit his mounting preference - not reflected here. 

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And mounted on his canoe.

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The wood is cherry and the pads are EVA foam block.  I was having a hard time sourcing some reasonably priced foam from suppliers, then I found this purple yoga block at Walmart for $6 that was of decent firmness.  The clamping hardware, you've seen before.  Even using hardwood, it weighs in at 36 ounces - 6 less than his old model.  Stronger, prettier, and lighter - how can you beat that! 

pd

Imgur is the way to go or at least the best/easiest I've found.

Upload your pics to an album. Click on a pic and on the right you see a list of options to copy.

Copy the one that says "message boards and forums", click on Copy, then paste in your message.

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Can't get much easier than that.

Nothing to see here folks...(well, hopefully yes....) just working on figuring out this posting pics thing.  After a year of COVID quarantine, I should have had this figured out already.

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Daaaang! That was easy.

Always nice to see different ways of doing the same-thing. Thanks for posting.