LENGTH

The longer the waterline length, the faster the potential speed of the craft - given that everything else, like width and load, remains constant.

WIDTH

The wider the craft the more stable it tends to be. Conversely, the narrower the boat the faster it is inclined to be.

	KEEL LINE OR "ROCKER" The keel line (profile of the bottom of the boat from end to end) can vary from straight to rockered, a measurement of the amount of curve. Little or No Rocker 0 - 1 ½" Provides a fast boat that tracks well (the tendency to keep a straight course and resist turning) Well suited for fast touring boats like the Evergreen Maple and Evergreen Willow Moderate Rocker 1 ½" - 3" A compromise between maneuverability and speed Ideal for mixed lake and river travel. Used in versatile tripping designs such as the Evergreen Prospector and Evergreen Prowler Pronounced Rocker 3"+ A maneuverable river and whitewater design. Used in river running boats such as the Evergreen Starburst and Evergreen Sequel

CROSS SECTION

The rounder the bottom, the faster the boat. However, a completely round-bottomed canoe is tricky to handle and stop from tipping. Popular cross section profiles in recreational canoes strike a balance between stability and performance.

primary stability secondary stability Flat-bottomed Excellent primary stability Good choice for family recreation and sportsman boats such as the Evergreen Cottager and Evergreen Sportsman primary stability secondary stability Shallow Arched Good primary stability with excellent secondary stability. Modestly rounded bottom provides a compromise between stability and the speed associated with a shalow-arch hull. Preferred hull cross-section for touring canoes.

	SYMMETRY Hull profiles come in both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. Symmetrical Symmetrical canoes have the same shape at both ends. This popular design offers predictable handling, and is designed for both easy tandem and solo paddling. A full bow provides lift to ride the canoe over waves and such. Found in classic designs such as the Evergreen Prospector and Evergreen Cottager Asymmetrical An asymmetrical design, seen in the Evergreen Willow or Maple, has the widest part of the canoe behind the middle of the boat. The finer entry-line makes for a faster boat that tracks well.

SHAPE ABOVE THE WATER LINE

Strait Sided This cross-section provides large amounts of volume used on stable recreational boats such as the Evergreen Cottager and Evergreen Sportsman Tumblehome Hull curves providing checks to the canoe. This allows for a convenient paddling angle and a dryer ride. Found in the Evergreen Prospector and whitewater designs. Flared Used in fast touring boats like the Evergreen Willow and Maple The flared design sheds water well while retaining the speed associated with a tripping hull.