Above and Below the Waterline

A well designed canoe should have the widest part, or “beam” at the waterline. This adds greater stability.

Many canoes have their widest part at the gunwhale where it does nothing but inhibit the paddling. Ranger Canoe’s Otter 16’ has a 36” beam at the waterline and a 34” beam at the gunwhale. Another easy way the tell a good, fast efficient canoe design is to look for a compound curve in the bow lines. The Ranger Canoe Otter 16’ has a longer than normal curve from the bow to just past the bow seat. This is where fast, efficient canoes pick up the extra hull speed. The Ranger Canoe Otter 16’ looks and is fast and sleek, and is also very stable.

Learn about Profile