Yoke for Prism

[WillisB]

Any thoughts on how to make a portage yoke for a Wenona Prism? It has a floor mounted sliding seat.

Thanks!

Willis

[frozentripper]

There is a yoke design here...

http://www.aracnet.com/~ncglad/canoe/yokedetail.htm

I still have not built my solo with removable yoke, the way I thought that the yoke would stay in place at the balance point would be by fitting the ends into a matching slot formed by a rail below the inwale... bungees would hold the yoke tightly in place during the portage for quick on and off.

Madcanoeist at www.myccr.com had a page with this idea shown in photos on his Osprey. It has disappeared since, maybe he could be talked into getting the photos back online.

[yellowcanoe]

http://www.wenonah.com/craftsmanship...al_Options.php

Seems you could make your own but perhaps easier just to buy it. The CVCA pads shown are themselves fifty bucks worth.

[Jsaults]

makes a yoke dedicated to Wenona sliders.

http://www.gear4portaging.com/soloyokes.html

If you want a wood inwale-mounted yoke Wenona sells brackets that use a hairpin to attach the yoke to the boat. Never used them, but they look interesting.

Jim

[pgeorg]

Here's a link to the yoke I have been using on my Argosy. It is comfortable, light weight, not too expensive and can be transferred to other boats.

I added four pop rivets under the Gumwale (inwale), two on each side. The rivets serve to locate the yoke (it clamps between them) and prevents it from sliding.

I bought mine from REI, but they don't show it any longer. Here's a current link:

http://www.harmonygear.com/product/2...w_Superior_Pad

Peter

[cwetfeet]

My personal preference for a solo portage yoke is one that clamps to the gunnels and has the C-shaped pads.

http://www.rei.com/product/685649

I prefer the style of yoke that clamps to the gunnels because I can adjust it forward and back to balance the canoe. I bungee paddles and stuff my PFD under the seat as well as attaching other pieces of equipment to the canoe when I?m portaging. No matter how I try the balance point is never the same so some back-front adjustment is good.

I prefer the cup style pads because they are rock solid on my shoulders and the canoe stays in place and goes where I tell it to. If I turn my shoulders the canoe turns also. I find the hammock style yoke pads slide when I tilt the canoe, brush up against obstacles, or twist at the waist. Inevitable one ends up pushing through some overgrown branches when portaging and I find this much easier with a canoe that it solidly on my shoulders.

This style yoke has the added advantage of fitting all my boats. If I were making my own yoke I would buy a simple carrying yoke, add some slots, install clamps for the gunnels, and mount the pads to fit my shoulders. Of course this is just one guys opinion and I?m sure others will chime in with theirs. the style mentioned by pgeorg looks pretty good.

[yellowcanoe]

I have the C shaped pads too.. but no idea if a simple detatchable yoke works with Wenonah tractor sliding seats.

The CVCA pads slide too much and are better for a heavier boat. I have been told that its possible to make them more saggy so that a light boat does simply not get thrown off but have not tried to adjust their shape yet.

The C pads seem to work best on boats under 40 lbs and the CVCA on boats over 40. I can interchange them on my yoke.

Either the C pads or the CVCA pads give you a little extra elevation to prevent your head from bruising or losing your hat against the bottom of the boat.

[WillisB]

A normal yoke clamped to the gunwales doesn't give enough clearance above the seat rails.

[cwetfeet]

I didn?t think of that problem, I Don?t use tractor seats and forgot about that issue.. I?ve seen pictures of homemade yokes that use a spacer block to raise the padding. I also found a picture of a kayak yoke that has 3? extension blocks.

http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com...fm/4,4180.html

If this is high enough you could probably get them through Piragis.

[cadboy]

http://www.wenonah.com/craftsmanship...al_Options.php

Seems you could make your own but perhaps easier just to buy it. The CVCA pads shown are themselves fifty bucks worth.

I have two solo yokes, the Wenonah solo yoke works nicely, but it does make the canoe ride taller when you portage, possibly a consideration for some, it is very comfortable though and goes on/off in about 30 seconds.

The other I have is more traditional, it was built by the guy I bought the canoe from, he did a nice job but it takes longer to put on and take off.

I see they are charging over 100 bucks for the Wenonah yoke, it used to be half that just a couple years ago.

[yellowcanoe]

Do you think it would be possible to use a standard yoke and the CVCA or cup pads but have spacer blocks(with a loong bolt through them) between the yoke and the attatchments to make the boat ride higher?

Just speculation. I dont have any solo with a tractor seat.

[Jsaults]

their sling pads in standard and "tall" models, but the tall ones have disappeared. You might contact Kevin and see if he can whip up a pair.

Jim

Edit: Here is the item from an online retailer as well.

http://store.springcreek.com/Yokes/Y...ads-p1593.html

[WillisB]

I guess that I can't see paying close to $150 with shipping for a pre-built yoke. I am going to take a standard wood yoke with some pads I have, put risers on the yoke for clearance, and figure out how to clamp it to the canoe.

[yellowcanoe]

Creative thinking!

Pics when you are done, please!

[WillisB]

Creative thinking!

Pics when you are done, please!

Maybe I should apply for a patent.

[Yanoer]

I like the CVCA for my Wenonah Advantage pedestal seat. It's easy to install and remove. Position on the seat rails can be adjusted to balance the boat on your shoulders.

[SWIFT]

Some of these are great yokes and ideas.

I actually have the "Universal Solo Yoke with Pad" as pictured from Harmony website. Not bad for short portages, and I suspect pretty good for light boats. But for my honker, not good enough for longer treks.

I do really like those suggested "C" type (if that's what they are called). Those look like the ticket I am looking for. I could see putting them on my current (Universal Solo Yoke) WITHOUT the pad.

Now I just have to pick the best one. Thanks for all the suggestions, links and pictures guys, really helps.

Hey I don't know about you, but i am REALLY getting that bug. With all this melt and mild temperatures, I am just itching to get out.

Thanks again...