Canoe 101

What makes up a canoe?

Dictionary.com

(noun) any of various slender, open boats, tapering to a point at both ends, propelled by paddles or sometimes sails and traditionally formed of light framework covered with bark, skins, or canvas, or formed from a dug-out or burned-out log or logs, and now usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, etc.
(noun) any of various small, primitive light boats.

Merriam-Webster

(noun) a light narrow boat with both ends sharp that is usually propelled by paddling.

Keel:

outer strip on bottom of canoe in the center, extending from bow to stern
Painter:

rope attached to bow and stern
Planking:

flat sections of wood forming the hull, fitted lengthwise
Ribs:

curved pieces of wood on planking, running crosswise
Thwart:

crosswise supports between gunwales which help canoe maintain shape

Gunwale:

top edge extending around the canoe from bow to stern
Beam:

point of greatest width
Bow:

front of the canoe
Deck:

wood pieces fitted between gunwales at the extreme canoe ends
Freeboard:

portion of the hull between gunwales and waterline
Hull:

body of canoe
Keel:

outer strip on bottom of canoe in the center, extending from bow to stern
Painter:

rope attached to bow and stern
Planking:

flat sections of wood forming the hull, fitted lengthwise
Ribs:

curved pieces of wood on planking, running crosswise
Thwart:

crosswise supports between gunwales which help canoe maintain shape

Postal Address

All correspondence to the above address or phone number will be routed to its desired destination.

A Mountain Lake Services Company

Phone: 518-942-6671
Fax: 518-942-3034