Two quarter thwarts vs. one center thwart

[Hungry Jack]

I have a 1933 Old Town HW. For various reasons, I would like to install a center thwart/yoke and remove the two quarter thwarts that were original.

Aside from authenticity objections, will I be compromising the structural integrity too much? I understand it came with two thwarts for a reason, but I just have a hard time believing that a 75 year old canoe is going to lose its shape based on this modification. In addition to a new center thwart in the form of a yoke, the seats themselves are adding support (although the bow has a drop seat). The canoe is a 16-footer.

You can see a picture of this model at this link

http://www.vintagecanoeworks.com/restored/26ot_hw.html

That's not my canoe, but it's exactly the same as mine and it shows you where the thwarts are currently located.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Michael Grace]

Hello Hungry,

I've seen quite a few 15' Old Town 50# models (made with only one center thwart) that had relaxed at the gunwales. When looking down the length, the canoe was shaped like a peanut.

Michael

 

[Dan Miller]

I echo Michael's comment - I did this with one of my new builds - a 14' solo canoe with kneeling thwart. It also showed the tendency to spread between thwart and stems. Next time around, I'll put in quarter thwarts and a saddle seat...

Dan