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How To InstallYour Canoe Yoke
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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your yoke installation
Image : Stripper Canoe with Ash Yoke
The carrying yoke
is mounted at the balance point of the canoe and used to spread the weight of the canoe across the shoulders when portaging.
A well made and properly installed yoke can mean the difference between a painful portage and a pleasurable experience.
The following describes how to install a yoke on a canoe with wooden gunnels.
1) Make sure all seats and accessories are installed before finding the balance point.
2) I always install a thwart 16"-20" in front of the yoke this makes portaging easier than holding the gunnels.
• You can mount and adjust this thwart in step with the yoke.
3) Find the balance point.
• Cut a stick to fit under the inwale and with one person on each side of the canoe find and mark the balance point through trial and error.
4) Mark and trim the yoke to fit under the inwale.
• Clamp the yoke in place and try it out, make fine adjustments so the canoe balances on your shoulders.
5) Use a 1/4" bit to drill through the inwale and yoke. Watch your angle and try not to get too close to the edge of the yoke.
• I use two carriage bolts on each side, remember this must support the weight of the canoe bouncing on your shoulders over rough terrain.
6) Clean up cuts and holes and apply 2 coats of oil or varnish to seal the ends.
7) Set carriage bolts with a hammer and use a 7/16" wrench to tighten lock nut over flat washer.
8) If necessary trim carriage bolts with a hacksaw and file any sharp edges.
If you have any questions or comments contact me
and I'll get back to you.
Check out our stainless steel
yoke installation hardware kit
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