Drop seat for vintage Old Town Yankee canoe

[bobthebuilder]

I have a canvas on wood old town Yankee canoe, circa 1946, hull # 144620.

A previous owner installed crossbar seats directly under the gunwales, making for a high center of gravity. Looking to install a 2.5” to 4” drop seat.

I would appreciate any insights as I design a solution. I have read about dowel spacers vs H-style spacers and would appreciate any insights, design advice, etc.

 

[Dave Osborn]

Dowel spacers would match original drops.

 

[Benson Gray]

The dowel spacers and bolts are available from the links below and other sources.

Benson

Old Town Canoe Restoration Parts & Wood Canvas Materials | Island Falls Canoe

See our stock of authentic Old Town canoe restoration parts on display. Browse our current inventory of cedar ribs, canvas rolls, brass tacks, gunwales, and traditional marine varnishes.

www.islandfallscanoe.com

Hardware - Northwoods Canoe Co.

Rollin Thurlow's Northwoods Canoe Company constructs, repairs and restores wooden and canvas canoes, offers wood canoe building classes, cedar and plywoodstrip plans, paddle kits, books, videos, and canoe building materials.

www.wooden-canoes.com