I've always borrowed the solo canoes I've used and around 30# is a pleasant walk in the park no matter the yoke design. The most interesting one was not adjustable which was fine by me. The thing I liked about it was it was cut to size and the attachment was a half a hinge on both ends that corresponded to the other half of each hinge attached to the gunnels. Line 'em up and stick in the hinge pins. No guessing on placement. I found that the snaps from old metal stringers worked better and were not so easily lost. No idea what the pads were like.

So many people I know tie in rods and thwart bags, finders and whatevers and also wear a pack when portaging their canoes. I've often considered just balancing the light ones on my head but then I'd have to hand carry the yoke plus my hair would get messed up so…

I have the "half hinge attachment" on the yoke I referenced earlier. I leave the pins and hinge attached and simply use the flex of the hull to slide the wooden yoke into place.

Solus wrote on Oct 26^th, 2018 at 3:15pm:


I like that set-up for a fixed removable yoke Solus.
I also think you could take a regular wooden yoke, set it where you want it and cut for a snug fit using the hull flex as you did.

The DIY part comes into NOT putting 2 bolts thru each side but a SINGLE clevis pin with a washer top and bottom and a clip like you used. Maybe wire the clip to the clevis pin so you don't lose parts? They also make clips with a wire hook to keep the pin secure.

The make ADJUSTABLE clevis pins, you just get one longer than you need and use stainless washers to make the fit tight when you put the clip on.

Something like this? You could make a few positions to account for gear weight once you have a system you like.

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Solus wrote on Oct 26^th, 2018 at 3:15pm:


It's been four years but nothing like that. Flat rails, wooden yoke, 2x3 hinge. Really, really simple.

I wish I had a picture but I never even thought of taking one. Seriously simple. Like a small door jamb and a door.