KERO PakCanoe (any) - Manual (Page 6)

6
FINE TUNING YOUR PAKCANOE
Securing Cross Ribs
You can reinforce the latching of the cross ribs with plastic wire ties (cable ties).
See Fig 6. This is especially helpful with securing the ribs holding the seats. 8"
ones work well. Make a loop under the latch rod and over the top of the latching
clip.
Creating Additional Rocker
In a folding canoe, the keel shape is influenced by the load distribution. The flexible hull lets you tune the handling characteristics
to your specific paddling use.
In rapids where you want a rockered, highly maneuverable canoe, just concentrate the load (including paddlers) near the center of
the canoe and leave the ends light. This gives more rocker (leaving the bow lightly loaded also improves your ability to rise up
over waves).
On flatwater a straight keel line helps both tracking and speed. Distribute the load more evenly along the length of the canoe.
You will be amazed how well the canoe tracks.
On a typical river with a mixture of flatwater and rapids you can tune your canoe by loading the gear in the midsection. Then sit
close to the ends on flatwater for a straight keel line and improved tracking. Kneel next to the thwarts for more rocker and
improved control in whitewater.
Attaching A Painter Line
You can attach a painter or tracking line to the cross bar on the end cross rib. The rib must first be secured to the stem with a wire
tie (refer to Securing Cross Ribs). The cross bar is not the ideal placement of the attachment point for serious wilderness travel.
We recommend the use of D-rings.
Attaching D-rings
If you need attachment points for painters or tracking lines, you can attach D-rings to the ends of the canoe just above the water
line. Use D-ring patches with PVC backing. Drape a patch across the end of the canoe so the D-ring is next to the stem. The lower
edge of the patch should be just above the curved part of the stem. Attach the D-ring patch the same way you patch the canoe.
Portage Yoke
Our yoke can be installed when you assemble the boat and be left in place while you are under way. It will even fit under a spray
cover. In big water with a heavy load the yoke adds support to the canoe frame.
Spray Cover
We recommend a spray cover for wilderness trips in cold areas. You are much more comfortable on a rainy and windy day, and
the canoe is less affected by wind. Please note that the cover does not turn the PakCanoe into a decked boat, and the cover may not
hold the weight of a big wave breaking over the boat.
Knee Pads
A kneeling position gives much better control and stability. Insert each pad under the cross rib in front of your knees and under the
one behind you. Wrap the front half of the pad back over the cross ribs and attach the two ends to each other with straps. Both
cross ribs will be padded and your knees will rest on more than 1" of foam.
6.