TGV...A Fast Classic Wooden Canoe

Pronounced in French as "Tay Jhay Vay", for Tres Grande Vitesse, the famous fast trains of France.

The concept for this canoe arose out of discussions with potential clients for a very fast, classic wooden canoe.  The Pleasure and the Cruiser, already fast, are made faster by stretching out the ends to maximize the efficiency of the entry and exit waterlines.  This is a new offering for Red River Canoe & Paddle.  I'm sure that it won't take long to be catch the interest of paddlers.

No photos available...yet!

The TGV is based upon the Pleasure model.  This canoe hull already has near the ideal proportions coupled with a very smooth shape.  In addition, it has a nice shallow arch bottom and soft chines.

By building the hull with the stems set further out than is standard, 12 " at each end, the entry and exit lines of the canoe are made longer and narrower.  This allows it to cut the bow wave more effectively, and to extend the waterline length in order to minimize the amount of corrective effort required.  I can also make the stems with a more modern, sharper bend, which keeps the foot of the stem in the water.

The Pleasure model has a low sheerline, 12 " center, so that paddling is not interfered with, especially if the crew chooses to use the sit and switch style common to racing.  I can also use the Cruiser depth of 14" center.  While the amount of rocker is low, it may be decreased further by pulling the gunnels inwards (more narrow).  This action forces the ends, the stems, of the canoe down.

Low seat height, about 8” keeps the center of gravity lower in the canoe.

A foot brace, particularly for the stern paddler, helps transmit energy to paddling.  Otherwise, each stroke has the effect of pulling the paddler forward off the seat.

A wood canvas constructed hull wants to “unbend” as the ribs try to return to their unbent state.  The hull requires stability that is supplied by evenly spaced thwarts.  Carry thwarts at the bow and stern help hold the gunnels at the decks.  Seats set upon risers can double as thwarts for the bow, as the seat is nearly equidistant between the end and the center.  The stern seat is too near the end to fill this function well, so a stern thwart should be there.  A center thwart is very useful for carrying the canoe.  The center is where the greatest amount of “unbending” force is located.  I would recommend slimly shaped thwarts, rather than foregoing the thwarts.

Weight in the canoe is a systemic consideration.  There is not just one place to save 10 lbs, but rather 10 places to save 1 lb.  Anytime that you give up weight, you give up structure, which is directly affects long-term durability.   Weight in a racing canoe is only really an issue for initial momentum changes, as in starting, or for transportation.  Once the canoe is moving, it is no longer of great concern.  In fact, greater weight  may actually aid in maintaining forward momentum between strokes.  In the end, the greatest amount of mass in the canoe/crew mix is due to the crew. 

 Speed in a canoe is a function of both the canoe itself, and the abilities of the crew.  The canoe needs to balance the potential of the hull shape (represented by max. waterline length); with the handicap of skin friction, (represented by immersed surface area).

The work of John Winters has shown that the ideal balance is achieved in a canoe that is 16’ 6” long with a beam of 34”. 

Other points to consider:

-the real advantage of long lean entries is that is will cut through the standing bow wave rather than trying to climb over it.

-smooth long waterlines are “cleaner” to water flow.   Very fine, straight lines which have a short transition around the midsection before becoming the stern act as a ”bump” to the water flow.

-returning the water in the Aft. section of the canoe is equally critical as initially parting it.

-A too narrow canoe will sit deeper in the water creating extra skin friction; it will also be tippier, taking concentration of the crew away from their paddling.

-A little rocker is actually desirable in lifting the ends to reduce skin friction.  This has been found to be true even in Olympic flatwater canoes and kayaks.

-The less energy the crew has to expend in steering, the more energy is available for forward speed.

-A continuous application of power results in a smoother motion of the canoe with less opportunity for loss of momentum.

Design and performance: help in choosing your canoe

Details of the "Standard Build"

Want to customize your canoe?  Check out the special features and options.

Prices and shipping information

Ordering

Care and maintenance of a Wood & Canvas canoe