v-shape vs flat bottom vs round shape

[yoram]

thanks for the useful info.
by now, all kind of changes have happened in the school i am working and it seems like the canoe building class is off for now.
i am still trying to finish my sof kayak. i got the polyester today and probably tomorrow i will try to put it on the frame.
despite all that, i am infected with the boat building bug. i have all kind of ideas for the next project. i will definitely need help and hope to get some of it from you guys in the forum, like you have been helpful till now.

[river runner]

I have five canoes and none of them are flat bottom. Flat bottoms are looked down on by experienced canoeists. Their advantage is primary stability. That is, they don't feel tippy. The problem with a flat bottom is secondary stabiity. Once leaned past a certain point they quickly and dramaticaly capsize. They are also rocked more by waves. The flat bottom tends to follow the shape of the wave. All my canoes are what they call shallow arch. A true round bottom is too unstable for anyone but racers. A shallow V has advantages. It can be the most stable and best tracking of the three shapes. Mad River is big on the V bottom. But most high end canoes are shallow arch. Hope this helps

[Deering]

I've owned many different kayaks (and canoes) and paddled extensively. All have been some version of the shallow arch design. Recently I built a pair of flat bottomed kayaks (Chesapeake Light Craft - Mill Creek) to use as 'tenders' on my big boat. I wanted a beamy, stable boat with a large cockpit for easy boarding from the big boat, and short enough to fit on the cabin roof. They're not intended for paddling expeditions or big water.

I was pleasantly surprised by their performance - the paddling effort and speed of these boats is not noticeably different from some similar sized arch bottom boats I have, even though these have more beam. One advantage of the flat bottom is that I can get into shallower water and slide the bow up further onto shore when getting out to explore. Building was definitely easy.

Depending on your application, flat can be good.

[river runner]

Originally Posted by Deering

I've owned many different kayaks (and canoes) and paddled extensively. All have been some version of the shallow arch design. Recently I built a pair of flat bottomed kayaks (Chesapeake Light Craft - Mill Creek) to use as 'tenders' on my big boat. I wanted a beamy, stable boat with a large cockpit for easy boarding from the big boat, and short enough to fit on the cabin roof. They're not intended for paddling expeditions or big water.

I was pleasantly surprised by their performance - the paddling effort and speed of these boats is not noticeably different from some similar sized arch bottom boats I have, even though these have more beam. One advantage of the flat bottom is that I can get into shallower water and slide the bow up further onto shore when getting out to explore. Building was definitely easy.

Depending on your application, flat can be good.

I checked out the Mill Creek and it is indeed a flat bottom boat. Yes, flat bottoms can be good. They are good for fishing on calm water and for exploring shallow creeks and bays. But if I were to recommend a general purpose canoe for a multiple of conditions and aplications, I don't think I'd recommend a flat bottom.