Outfitting a Canoe: British Style

[@bradbradshaw7995]

You've just set the 'Industry Standard' for canoe outfitting videos ! Top Job Ray x

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you for that kind comment. More to come.

[@Antipodean33]

Except for the pink paint job, thats the ugliest coloured boat I've ever seen in 58 years. Why would you choose that colour?

[@jackkrag]

i have been fortunate to have hade three masters. a shoe maker, a horseman and a leather carver master. this man is giving master tips ! LISTEN ! thanks master

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Wow, thanks

[@garycadman2584]

Nicely talked through, I use the masking tape approach because once you have drilled one side you can peel it off and stick back on the other. Gives a great symmetry and minimises a measuring error.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Not thought of that. good idea

[@Thebonesoftrees]

This is fantastic . I re watch the video of when you shared a trip with Ray Mears out east in Ontario. I have no shame in saying I also make a mean spatula. I am so happy to have found this channel , cheers from Vancouver Island BC Canada.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yep I still have that spatula, it is on the wall next to the paddle Ray Mears made.

[@Canyakcoaching]

Well done Fella, for an absolute Klutz with tools and glue, you've made it look quite professional .

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I try and keep my talents hidden. ;-)

[@arthurszu]

I’m starting with my adventure with canoe and trust me Ray - You really inspire me ! :) Great video!! Best regards from Poland !

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

thank you for your kind comment. I hope you have some great travels and adventures in canoe.

[@philschaefer4651]

Great video, Thanks especially for the tip on gluing to Polyethylene. That alone probably just saved me a lot of aggravation.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yep. Do have a look at the Old Town site for confirmation tips. It is scary using the flame on it.

[@grahamskinner7230]

I’ve just drilled over 60 holes in my brand new boat. I would not have had the confidence to do it without your advice. They are all the right size and I the right place. Thank you very much

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Great to hear! I look forward to seeing the new boat and you in action soon. Roll on end of travel restrictions!

[@theboycalledleaf]

Hi Ray. Bit by bit I've been upgrading and outfitting my canoe. Carrying thwart, kneeling thwart, lacing and air bags. Your video has taken the he fear out of cutting holes in my boat and sticking things where there was once nothing. Thanks for the effort you put into your videos. Hope you're enjoying your paddling and the family is well.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

So glad it has been of help and reassurance. And thank you for your kind wishes. Regards, ray

[@MrBritishTea]

Thanks Ray, I’ve just found my adjustable kneeling thwart hangers, going to fit this weekend. Venture didn’t put a video out on how to fit them, this is perfect.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it helped

[@unclejohnthezef]

Ray your house is AWESOME!!!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I love living here but my goodness stone walls and floor take some heating in these hard times! But thank you.

[@ollismark]

Thank you Ray, very useful, loads of handy tips.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad to help

[@warbi1kenobi]

Excellent video, thanks!!! Gave me the confidence to drill 104 holes in a brand new canoe! Phew!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it helped! Always scary the first time.

[@martinmiller7623]

I have a Mad River. Nice work sir.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you. I loved my Mad River Canoes. Favourite was the Explorer 15'

[@nigelgregory4777]

Ok, I get everything you are doing and the reason for it, but you are doing it in your, kitchen, lounge, dining room, anywhere but the garage /covered area in the garden like anybody else would be expelled to, a true hero, 😀😀😀, Many thanks Ray, a very informative video. Nige.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Ha ha. Yep it was winter so too cold outside and the store shed just didn't have the room. In return Lina gets to do her own canoe, wood carving and general sorting in the house as well. A fair trade. And thanks for the kind comment.

[@nigelgregory4777]

Ray, glad it all works, but not many women would welcome a canoe instead of roses, you have a great family, look after them in these troubled times, Take care of your loved ones, Nige.

[@alanpashley8927]

Nice work Ray. Covering the FAQ's for this subject, I'm sure it'll be useful to many.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you Alan

[@Xaco_NuAr]

Thank you Ray, very well done!!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Cheers

[@paulruddick]

Great video, really helped with this step by step guide and now my boat looks gurt lush. Cheers Ray.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it helped. So pleased your boat looks gurt good.

[@thedrawingdatabase8743]

Wonderful channel! Thank you!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you

[@rebeccahorne]

Great video, thanks. I am trying to summon up the courage to take a drill to my new (to me) Nova Craft prospector, so have watched several times. I do like the idea of bringing it into the house to do the work in the warm, as long as him indoors doesn't complain!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you for you comments. Yep drilling your first boat is scary! I have done so many now I have finally lost the trepidation. You can allows tell him that Ray says......... Good luck.

[@patmurray5917]

Excellent video Ray - i'd expect no less! A quick work around to avoid the faff with the ruler is a rectangular bit of scrap wood with a couple of holes drilled in at the depth you want below the gunwale. Drill a hole, drop a temp screw through, drill next hole and slide along - viola perfect spacing. If you want different spacing fore, aft and middle then three holes and a blanking bit of tape works.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I used to use a wooden template but nowhere near as efficient as that. I like it. Thanks

[@mikearonoff]

Great job, complete and experience shared, the grab loops being too tight is really key. The adhesive bit depends on the canoe material but what’s shown works on any.Good job, thank you Ray.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Cool, thanks. Appreciated.

[@mfdanko]

Thank you for all your video I love solo canoeing Your videos are very helpful Champion, Ohio

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you like them!

[@MichaelAnderson-zp6il]

Briiliant video ray well explained , ill be watching a few times just to make sure im on track , thanks again .

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it has helped.

[@francistwizell7711]

Great video and handy for people who are looking to outfit their canoes. I do think paddling retailers should do the outfitting for people given the price they are paying for a canoe but also would remove a barrier to canoeing. Last thing someone wants to do is to take a drill to something new and shiny.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi Francis, thanks for your thoughts. Some do. Venture that sponsor me offer this but also other manufacturers are linked with businesses that will do a full outfitting. But the real issue is that a lot of folk want to individualise their outfitting to suit what they do. Ray

[@Evan_Le5]

Ray I have been watching this over and over. Thank you so much for the information. I’m just about to drill the holes for the cage!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it helped. I hope it goes well and it works for you.

[@Evan_Le5]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Hi Ray! Just wanted to say thanks again, I got everything set up and enjoyed a ride down some rapids over the weekend. What a dream. I documented my experience on TikTok I will try to repost them here!

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Oh to live in a canoe shop! I have frequently brought projects into the house, with winter coming on I may still bring a boat in for the comfort factor. Nice over view of your mods. I have an old Tripper which needs some G-flex, I won't be heating it.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

We have another canoe in the house now. Going to put skid plates on it (yep and make another video). In the meantime the fire and tv are still visible across it.

[@backinthewoods2022]

Just found the channel very cool video learned a lot. I am getting into canoeing myself and have just purchased two different ones and looking to set them up. I never knew about sailing a canoe looks like it would be easy enough to carry the gear with you might have to try that. Subscribed👍

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Welcome aboard! It is great fun and with the right wind very useful

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Great video Ray

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Martin Outdoors69 : thank you

[@broadsworddannyboy5057]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video - excellent quality of work

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Great to hear! Thank you.

[@tomhughes5123]

your the man , great vids very clear simplified information , cheers Ray , even us simpletons understand

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you Tom for your kind comments on this and other videos. Its much appreciated.

[@leeconran9041]

Thanks Ray and co, so much helpful info

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Our pleasure!

[@laffilmfest3759]

Beautiful boat!.....thanks for the great info...

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thanks for watching!

[@befrankpls]

Sure it. Is perfect. Thanks and regards from Antonio Goa India

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

A lot of fun sailing a canoe. Thank you.

[@Glasshousebc]

That was awesome, thanks ever so much

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

You are most welcome

[@MyCanoeCountry]

great video, the mass foot i thought to be more complex, had no clue it was only glued. That changes my opinion a lot more. You know us Canadians would canoe all winter.. if the bloody ice would let it.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

In all my current canoes, personal and for customers, the mast foot is glued in. But 25 years ago Dave Howie and I did the first crossing of the Irish Sea by canoe and sailed the entire 65 miles. This was unsupported and we needed the mast foot to be totally secure so we bolted through the hull into a wooden mast foot. This crossing was so ground breaking and one of the most committing things I have ever done, it has only been repeated once in the subsequent years. We were using a bigger rig as well. Glad the video was of interest to you.

[@joannagodfrey5111]

Total pleasure to meet you & your family today on Loch Lochy, my deepest gratitide to your wife for helping me back to my car _ I was the woman with the badly behaved Labrador

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Joanna: nice to meet you. Lina was only too pleased to help

[@rapidsplash9339]

Incredibly user friendly content . Enormous information available on couple of gos to.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. Will be putting a real effort in to even more information content in the next year.

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Just what I needed, very helpful. Nice one ray.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

You are most welcome. Glad you are finding it useful.

[@keithmorris4304]

Nicely done Ray! By the way the second half-pole you use for that kind of rig would be better termed a "sprit." It is a boom-less sprit rig - kid's Optimist dinghies use a bigger version that does have a boom. If you're into great jargon / sailing terms etc then you might be interested to learn that the tensioner at the mast end of the sprit is called a "snotter!"

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Many thanks Keith. Appreciated. I am also going to enjoy using the term 'snotter.'

[@alexanderspear7332]

You had me at "sailing seat."

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It is very much a personal outfitting (as all should be) for the use I put it to. Thanks for commenting.

[@madaprak]

Learned a lot. Thank you. :)

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garethmiller9872]

Ray. Bloody useful and clear. Many thanks. I’ve no got to do this to ten canoes for the kids … oops !

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it helped. I only outfit my own canoe and maybe one other to this level. Most of the rest of the fleet I only do the lacing in the area of the airbags. I have put sailing foot and seat into a few more as I have clients that want to try out sailing (sorry for slow reply been ill for a few weeks but now recovered).

[@rhestephens]

very good content

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you

[@stemcleeds]

Thanks Ray. I now need to make a list and find suppliers.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glan you found it useful. Cheers

[@ptrckmuir]

Great video. Thanks. 👍

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you liked it!

[@kevinbungles]

excellent video Ray, i currently have an OT discovery 158 in Poly and its kitted out. I am looking at getting a Nova Craft Prospector in Tuff Stuff . can i still drill this for the painter and the side runners

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I have know people do it but I would have a good look around at other ideas as well. Maybe D-rings from the gunwales. With square gunwales that is easy todo. They do come with an well embedded eye at bow and stern for painters which is what we have used in Canada. Hope that helps

[@kevinbungles]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Thanks Ray, it does

[@Nick_Stott]

Great video Ray, I’m interested why you choose airbags over solid expanded polythene floatation. I bought some nice covered ones from Agile in Stavely that have performed really well over the last 10 years. No need to worry about having to let air out in a hot day.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

A good question. I do have foam blocks in some of my customer boats and they certainly have durability. My own personal boats I have always used airbags. I often use very big airbags and I have never seen foam ones that which would be as big and unless individually cut, fill the boat so well. Also, perhaps, a little bit of a habit with my own boat, its what I have always done and I feel it gives me a bit more flexibility.

[@daveknapton4096]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe what size bags have you used here? I'm considering a change from foam blocks for added buoyancy.

[@AndersHyltoft1]

Hi Ray. Nice video. Do you have a manufacturer name for the two airbags and perhaps a model name? I am looking for something similar. Thanks, Anders

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

peakuk.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1 I also use these which are tougher again facebook.com/tribalairbags Hope that helps

[@bushdadnick6055]

This is awesome

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful

[@philschaefer4651]

Just finished gluing in my D-rings. Need to add an addendum to Ray's instructions: If you clean the surfaces with alcohol, be sure it's completely dry before flame treating the surface. LOL

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

So clad I wasn't drinking when I read this. The screen would have been well and truly splattered. I presume this is no film? Anyway I will include a note in the next version of this video.

[@philschaefer4651]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe sadly no, I didn't have a camera rolling at the time. But the best part was probably my face as the flame spread across the hull of my new canoe. Haven't even had her in the water yet.

[@snriggs]

Really excellent explanation and step by step guidance. Much appreciated! Thanks.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CristiNeagu]

Are the airbags recommended for all canoe applications or is it ok to make do without them if the canoe is mostly used on flat water and the occasional, very easy rapid? I imagine they're a must if carrying a lot of heavy equipment.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

If you are only doing easy things like canals and slow rivers there is no need of airbags. Bigger lakes and lochs I would have them in the canoe.

[@CristiNeagu]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Thanks!

[@isaacsimcha]

I’m wondering if a long nose butane lighter can be used to prep /oxidize the polyethylene for gluing? Using a torch seems a bit overkill for the task.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Should work

[@frdavebirchfield6701]

Well done cheers.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MancsGonewild]

Hi Ray.. just wondering did you use an 8mm drill bit and a 5mm drill bit.. or an 8.5 and 5.5mm drill bit?? Just curious before I butcher my boat 😂

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

There tends to be a bit of variation in rope diameters when quoted. So for the 5mm cord I get a 5mm bit and visually check them against each other. If I think the bit is correct I drill just one hole and then check the rope through it. Is it right, is it too big or too small. Then if needed move up or down one bit. No butchering please just neat holes and job 😅

[@MancsGonewild]

Hahaha I will try my best not to murder the poor boat 😂 but it will be my first time fitting one out… so it will be a case of measure a million times and still once… thanks for your Reply and your vids Ray they have helped a hell of a lot so far 🙌🏻 your an absolute legend 🙌🏻

[@robertvezina3669]

Thank You Sir. Subscribed!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Welcome!

[@sdavids81]

Thanks for the all the great videos, Ray. On my old quiet water canoe, I always tied the painter line to the handle. My new canoe that I'll use for WW has holes for bow and stern loops already drilled in. I don't fully understand what advantage bow and stern loops serve over the handles as tie-on points. Could you please explain? Also, what type of rope would you recommend for the loops? Thanks in advance!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi that is an easy one. For quiet water I don't think it matters at all but if you end up with boat broached in white water the forces are enormous. Any pulley system could easily pull a handle off of a boat. Because of my background I have always used 8mm climbing rope/cord for the end loops. It's neat, durable and has a breaking strain of around 1500 kg. Hope that helps

[@sdavids81]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe It does! Thanks so much, Ray. And I can't overstate how clear and useful your videos are. All your work is very much appreciated.

[@MrMjt888]

I recognise that paddle and spatula 🙂

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Well spotted!

[@MrMjt888]

Ray is there any particular type of screw for the cam cleats? Cheers Mikey

[@nigelgregory4777]

I noticed the cans of Stella 😁😁

[@mattgoss7024]

Hi, brilliant video. I have one question, why do you drill through the hull and not just the inside surface of the gunwales? Many thanks.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi Matt. I have used clips that I have riveted to the gunwales before and that is a reasonable solution although over time I found some came away. So back to the exact question. In a very bad situation or two I have seen the gunwales split away from the hull so since then preferred to drill the hull. Hope that explains it. Ray

[@oozycactus7525]

Hi Ray, I'm wanting to install the tie down straps around my bow air bag, but I can't do the flame technique to prepare the surface for sticking. A: I don't own a blowtorch type thing. B: I'm a bit nervous about taking a flame to my new canoe! Will cleaning and roughing up the patch be enough? Or definitely not. Thanks!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I fully understand the reluctance, it still makes me nervous. The blowtorch is really cheap and so that is not a problem. I will always use a flame as that is the advise of the epoxy manufacturors I use. I do know other people who do what you suggest and they have some degree of success. So if really nervous try without. PS sorry for slow response but I am canoeing in the south of France currently and only using a phone

[@seantidey904]

Great vid Ray. Spent the day outfitting my brand new Madriver explorer. Can't wait to take it out on the water now. One question your video didn't answer is how and where I should attach painters? Don't want to just tie round the handle or grab loop and I'm seeing a lot of different opinions online. Ta

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I always attach mine to the end loop. I then tuck mine under the cords holding the airbag down. As an alternative I have and many others do, put a piece(s) of shock cord across the end cap to tuck the painter under. Hope that helps. Ray

[@seantidey904]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe That's spot on fella. Will get on and sort that today. Many thanks.

[@stephangrimoni3786]

Hey Ray, great video! Lots of useful information. Question: Is it a 16 or 15 feeter? Greetings from germany.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you for you comments. It is a 15' 5'' or 4.62 metres.

[@stephangrimoni3786]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe thanx for the quick reaction!

[@johnling2919]

Ray, thanking you for this video, really appreciated, it took me longer than I thought of course, and I should have remembered the old adage 'measure twice drill once'! (one of my straps is 10cm not 15cm..as I was doing a 2 man 16' canoe/decided the central lacing worked better as 15cm, and 10cm for the end laces). Ready now for a Loch Ba/Loch Laidon/Loch Rannoch trip soon...

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I have made mistakes as well...... it happens. Loch Ba/Rannoch is an awesome trip. Enjoy

[@mikeu5380]

Hi from Japan, Ray. I am fitting out a 17-ft. Old Town for sailing, and wonder about your thoughts on using canvas for the sail. Thank you!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi I am wondering what size sail you are going to make? For my small sail shown in the videos then some form of heavier ripstop nylon would be fine. Canvas strikes me as far too heavy. Hope that helps.

[@mikeu5380]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Thank you.

[@juliandickson4724]

Hi Ray, great video! I'm fairly new to canoeing and have an old town discovery 158. Can I drill straight through the Hull all the way along to lace it like you have? Just worried its a different canoe/double layered and will cause an issue?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

The plastic on the Discovery 158 is fine, you can drill straight through that with no problems. Have fun out there paddling.

[@juliandickson4724]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe thanks so much for replying. Was just nervous of making a silly mistake. I have subscribed to your videos and particularly enjoy the river Spey ones as that is my next adventure very soon! 🙂

[@nickmoon8306]

Hi Ray. Thanks for this video. One question I have is about the kneeling Thwart. The 35cm back from centre. Is this a standard measurement, or is there a specific measurement based on individual height. Thanks.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

If anything I would put it slightly further back now. I am 5'7'' tall. You do need enough room to get your feet out from under the thwart easily in on white water in the event of a capsize or pin. So the bigger you are re feet or taller the more room that would be advised

[@nunya7027]

Red sharpies are permanent. You really want to use black if you want to get the sharpie marks off after the measurements are made. Just a thought. Great video and ideas!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Not thought of that. Too be honest I tend to use what is available on the day. In reality marks tend to drilled out or in a spot where I don't notice. But good tip and for some folk it will be an important one. Thanks.

[@nunya7027]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe One large circle placed in thew wrong spot will be a lot easier to remove with regular 70% isopropyl alcohol using black sharpies. Red is permanent, and isopropyl doesn't remove it. I just watched your sailing video after purchasing a Mohawk Royalex canoe yesterday. Interesting stuff, to be sure. Thanks for the effort.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

@@nunya7027 Thank you for you useful and kind comments.

[@Markazor]

Hi Mr. Goodwin, great instructional video! The way to stick d-rings to polyethylene is invaluable advice that I might use in my C1 (a converted kayak hull). If I may, I'd add that we do use air bags in Canada. We'll even put a center bag on day trips, when not paddling solo or hauling too much cargo. Thigh straps and knee pads are also common, and canoes outfited for running long sections of class III-IV will use a full-length spray deck, requiring more scary drilling through the hull, and much close to the water line! I have not seen kneeling thwarts though. A 3rd seat, with thigh straps and knee pads is more common.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Useful comments. yep I feel I over simplified the Canadian air bag situation. Never had them when I have hired a boat for expedition use although I have used one with a full spray deck on the Bonnet Plume. Thanks

[@Markazor]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Ah, rentals. That explains it. Many rental shops here don't equip their boats with air bags, presumably to cut costs. People who own their canoe and paddle mostly rivers almost always use them though. If you ever find yourself in need of a canoe in Québec City, check out Canots Légaré. They outfit their rentals properly!

[@Nijoto]

Is there a concern with drilling holes into Royalex regarding structural integrity? I have an Old Town Pathfinder that is just under 15". I want to outfit it but worry about diminishing the hull's integrity by drilling holes.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Never ever seen a problem with this and lots of us do it.

[@Nijoto]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Excellent! Thank you, sir.

[@theboycalledleaf]

Thanks Ray. You've taken a lot of the mystery out of sorting my canoe. Can I please ask, is any 2 part epoxy suitable for gluing the D ring to a Royalex Old Town? Does the epoxy need to be waterproof? Thanks again, subscribed.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yes, absolutely, But I have stuck with the epoxy that I know which is the West Systems G-flex. My knowledge doesn't really extend beyond that I am afraid.

[@helenward681]

I have a we-no-nah prospector in tuf weave which I’ve had for many years without doing any outfitting. I feel nervous of drilling it as it doesn’t see soft like royalex. Will it work just as well?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I am getting a Kevlar canoe this autumn and am facing the same dilemma. I have been talking to the manufacturer and we are both agreed that drilling for the rigging is the most secure but they are talking if ‘sealing’ the edges of the holes. I guess I will know more when we get to that stage. Sorry I can’t be more specific at this stage

[@Dazbox]

Without sealing the holes, is there a danger of water getting in between the two skins?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi Darren, no danger that I or many many other folk have found. The skins are bonded in the moulds during the manufacture.

[@Dazbox]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe thanks, it just that I noticed a very thin tissue layer between the two layers when drilling my silverbirch, yesterday.

[@MyCanoeCountry]

Ray!!!! i can't help but notice, you got your glue all over the seat, and you sanded on your gunnels. I'm sure that's just from lack of doing it often, honest mistake. Not sure how youtube does with Text overs, but maybe add-in (dont mix your appoxie on your seat) :P that must of been a pain to clean!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Once it up it's up and very little I can do. Yep but it was a very small amount and easy to clean. Normally I am more careful but had to do the work in our living room as it was bitter cold in my workshop. That mistake did annoy me.

[@GraysOutdoors]

Hi Ray. I hVe a novocraft sp16 with a spare seat for my son. We find it a little tippy from the previous canoes we have paddled. I need to fit some flotation bags but not sure what size. Is there a way of measuring what size flotation bag to use.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Have a word with Alan at facebook.com/tribalairbags My recommendation would be to measure the distance from inside the stern to back of stern seat for first airbag. I would then put get a second the same size and put it in the front of the canoe so there is still room for someone on the bow seat (even check that measurement if you want slightly more room for the bow paddler. If you are going for Palm or Peak bags then get the smallest of their canoe airbags. Hope that helps

[@GraysOutdoors]

Ray Goodwin thanks

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Grays Outdoors: no problem

[@Karen-ou4ib]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Hello Ray - I was wondering the same thing. I'm new to canoeing and have an Old Town 119 which I am going to kit out as per your excellent instructions! What size airbags do you recommend? Should I measure the distance from the stern to the seat also? I'm thinking of the Peak bags - thanks

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

@@Karen-ou4ib Hi, do you have the normal set up with one seat and two thwarts? If you do I would say the most I would do with airbags wound be from the end to the stiffening thwarts. If you measure that distance at each end that would give you the size of airbags. If you are only doing flat water then you could go smaller again.

[@ltcdsmith]

Where can one purchase a sailing seat and mast foot? Thanking you in advance for any assistance.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi Colin, the seat, mast foot and sail are all sold by: www.endlessriver.co.uk Cheers, Ray

[@newlife155]

Thanks Ray, just a question , the boat requires a kneeling thwart for what reason?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Hi, If you have a look through the white water videos, where I am paddling solo, on my channel you will see that I am normally using the kneeling thwart to paddle from. It puts me closer to the centre point of the canoe than either of the seats. This makes paddling and control easier. However on white water all of us carry folding saws incase of entrapment in a pin and fold.

[@newlife155]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe So it has nothing to do with Assimetrical canoe shape, also have you ever taken a look at the Aiguille alpine equipment kneeling seat, I have one and it is really a flexible item, Thanks

[@newlife155]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe , so it has nothing to do with assymetrical shape of the canoe, also have you ever seen the Aguille Alpine equipment Stingray canoe kneeling seat?..

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

@@newlife155 Yep I know the Stingray kneeling seat. Not something I personally like as I like to pull upwards on the kneeling thwart in some turns. that gives me stability. But if it works for you that is great and stick with it.

[@newlife155]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe That is a great point, so many great points like not making the front loop too large to put a hand through.. , thanks.

[@jimhayes5928]

can you please tell me where i can purchise online the brackets you used to attach the kneeling thwart , it is the adjustable angle bracket you fixed cannot find any where online thank you

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

These folk should be able to sort your out: www.go-kayaking.com/?fbclid=IwAR0sMryC58OHkwtBQdH8OHxUxRqek4OgVU-mwsLqAmUjvLS4voZjpwtutN4

[@jimhayes5928]

Ray Goodwin thank you , i think these adjustable brackets are suitable for my needs and especially when no cutting involved . your video was also informative and especially fitting of the Drings and sail mast holder ..... .... but i'm not brave enough to drill holes yet 😂😂😂😂😂 . thank you again for amazing videos and making canoeing more adventurous

[@andrewvillalobos1957]

Could I drill holes in a fiber glass canoe?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yes is the simple answer.

[@andrewvillalobos1957]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe would there be any integrity issues?

[@westpoint6256]

can you lace a fiberglass canoe?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Generally I wouldn't but instead use clips attached to the gunwales.

[@nm-ge4tb]

👍👍👌

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you

[@keithadams1905]

Love the canoe being in the house, only done it once and was threatened with divorce....

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It works both ways, Lina's boat is not in the front room ready for some skid plates being put on.

[@keithadams1905]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe great video.

[@helmcamera]

nice video, just the amount of adds are insane

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Sorry about that. I will look at it myself to see what Google/KZbin are doing with the ads. But glad you liked the video.

[@damkayaker]

Don't drill holes ever.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Lots of us do. Common practice in UK.

[@susieqhoughton3488]

Third seat for solo use absolute death trap. Your delusional if you think that won't possibly trap your feet in the last few seconds of your life.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

As with everything there is a risk and yes a middle seat does have issues and a warning of the fold/entrapment danger is included in the video. I have used one for thirty plus years now and am mindful of the risk, keeping enough room for me to slide forward and keeping the thwart high enough to mitigate the danger. But all the solo boats I have used including ones I have hired for expeditioning in Canada have the seat in this same position as it is the optimum position for paddling solo. This positioning is done by the manufacturers with solo boats. It is normal practise in the UK for solo paddlers.

[@susieqhoughton3488]

My used canoe had one fitted when I got it. Tried it once, took the saw to it the next day, no regrets. Planning on using some type of air cushion for future use, which I'm sure will prove safer, more comfortable and less worrying. Canoe people are very much stuck in their ways, the one's that have perished under their canoe's can't post on you tube, they are all rather dead. Trust me you can't hold your breath at your age like you might think. I'm 60 and can hold my breath for about 25% of what I could at 27. I'm much fitter than average for my age and none smoker. Safety First.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

@@susieqhoughton3488: Rather than air cushion consider one of these: www.aiguillealpine.co.uk/products/watersport/stingray-kneeling-saddle/

[@danhaywood5696]

Awesome ❤

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you! Cheers!