: I am currently building a Bear Mtn. Reliance Tandem Kayak and am thinking
: about possibly using caned seat bottoms like the ones from Green Valley
: Boatworks but
: set low on the bottom like a double paddel canoe. I would appreciate any
: thoughts on this subject from any experienced paddlers/builders. I would
: also hearing from Ross Liedy and or Spidy on the timing and sequence of
: the various stepes in building One Oceans hatch seals.

I used 2 caned seats from Clark Craft in my canoe. They are $21.50 each, which seems like a fair price. For a kayak you'll want some kind of back support, too.

These seats are supplied with an extremely durable varnish finish, and the mounting "arms" that extend from the seat area cna be cut to whatever length to fit narrow or wide boats.

The canoe is due for a refitting and refinishing. When I get to it I'm going to remove the bow seat, which was originally installed for my kids, and now is a bit too close to the front for their legs. I'll replace it with an adjustable seat which rides on some wooden rails. The caned seat that comes out will have some very short "arms" on it, which I'll probably trim further so that I can use the seat either in a Putz Walrus, or close to the bottom of a Wee Lassie. It all depends on which one I build first.

Cane is a good choice for a touring seat. You get plenty of ventilation so you don't get a heat rash, and it has some "give" to it. Over an extended time it will stretch a bit and conform more to the shape of your butt, making it even more comfortable. They look REALLY classy.

If you get $10 worth of cane, and $5 to $6 worth of ash you can make your own seats. I thought the difference in price for a completed seat was a reasonable tradeoff.

PGJ