canoes and motors

You won't hear many paddling purist talking about motors and canoes, but judging by the amount of canoe motor brackets we, and other accessory businesses sell, it's a fact of life

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These tips are for square stern canoes as well as double ended canoes with motor brackets.

CAUTION: Using a motor on a canoe can be dangerous if not done properly!

NO!

Extremely dangerous, This canoe grossly out of trim. The bow is out of the water with the stern deep in water. This canoe is highly unstable. Danger of capsize, high.

YES!

This canoe is trimmed , the bow and stern are drawing the same amount of water. The canoe is much more stable with this level load.

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HOW TO TRIM YOUR CANOE WHEN YOU ARE USING YOUR CANOE SOLO

• Add a person (go tandem)

• Add weight in the bow until the canoe is trim in the water. You can do this by using 5 gal. water jugs.

• If using an electric motor, put the battery up front.

Other tips for motoring a canoe is to avoid quick or sharp turns and motor movement. Try your motor close to shore without gear in the canoe until you familiarize yourself with the operation of the canoe and motor.

Secure motor to the seat frame with a safety or rope. Secure your gear- any canoe can capsize. Always wear a life jacket.

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MOTORS

Electric: 17-42 pound thrust. Short shaft

Gasoline: Light weight 1-1/2 to 2 HP