What is the purpose of this cut?

[ken mueller]

I have noticed on several, probably most, decks, a cut along the inside bottom of the deck. The cut rounds off the bottom edge of the deck so that there is not a sharp edge coming from underneath by the cant ribs. Just wondering the purpose of this. Transporting? Weight saving? Just curious.

 

[Dan Miller]

Relieving the underside of the deck does make it more comfortable to lift the canoe there (though heart-shaped decks aren't all that comfortable anyway, and it is not the best way to lift a canoe in any case...).

I think the best reason is that it gives the deck, and the bows of the canoe, a much lighter, graceful appearance, without sacrificing strength.

 

[Douglas Ingram]

Dan's absolutely right. Its primarily to add grace to the deck, otherwise it can really look like just a slab of lumber stuck into the ends.

 

[Douglas Ingram]

Forgot to add a photo showing how much I like to undercut. I like to undercut a lot.

 

[ken mueller]

Thanks, guys. The undercut does look a lot nicer than a big chunk 'o wood.