Evergreen Canoe Co.: Hull Design

Hull Design
The shape of a canoe or kayak hull has everything to do with the manner in which the boat handles and consequently the optimum environment in which it operates. The following guidelines are an introduction to the key elements of hull design. Please ask us about the particulars of each of our craft and your needs.

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. Similarly the narrower the boat the faster it is inclined to be.
Keel Line
Slide a ruler on edge across the top of a carpet and you'll discover that it goes in a straight line. Put a saucer on edge and slide it across the top of a carpet and it more easily turns and wavers. This exemplifies the difference between a canoe with a straight keel line -- resulting in a fast boat that tracks very well, to one with rocker that sacrifices a little speed and tracking for maneuverability.
Cross Section
A flat-bottomed boat feels very stable on flat water. However in choppy conditions the hull rides parallel to the wave surface leading the canoe to tilt back and forth with each wave. In contrast, a hull with an arched bottom feels a little tippy initially. In rough water, however, it tends to ride up and down with gravity as opposed to following the wave surface.
Consequently, general recreation canoes tend to have flat bottoms and tripping boats tend to have arched bottoms. This is a guideline NOT a rule.