I am thinking about having my Langford's sliding bow seats removed and a stationery one put in. I find the sliding seat really wobbly when I am sitting on the seat. I know I should be kneeling but it isn't always that comfortable on long trips.

Does anyone else have this problem? Or am I the only canoeist with a few extra pounds?

Is there advantage to having a sliding bow seat Vs. a stationery one?

Thank you in advance to anyone that responds!

SBA
Muskoka, ON

There's nothing wrong with a stationary bow seat. If you regulary paddle with the same person in the bow, or alternate between bow paddlers of similar size then there isn't much advantage to a sliding bow seat. In that case a stationary bow seat will not only be more stable for you but will probably also save a little bit of weight.

The advantage of a sliding bow seat is when you regularly switch bow paddlers of widely different sizes - like switching between a kid and an adult. When tripping with one of the kids in the front then I move the sliding bow seat right up and load the heavier gear in the front.

A smaller advantage is when the bow paddler is bigger than the stern paddler. With my Temagami, trimming the seat back farther helps to even out the trim.

Yeah, you're the only one of us with a spare tire.

I agree with you on the sliding bow seats. They always feel like they're about to give. And the little nuts get lost and the seat ends up shifting around anyway.

The advantage is the ability to accomodate different size folks.

Most sliding seats that I've seen make it wicked uncomfortable to paddle bow-backwards if you have a symetrical model.

Rip it out! Put in what works for you.