I was recently given a 16' Old Town Guide canoe that is in perfect condition.  It has a seat at the front of the canoe, as well as the rear.  In the center, ttere is this flimsy piece of wood. see attached

 

What the heck is that wooden piece for?  What purpose does it serve?  Doesn't seem sturdy enough to sit on it. (I am not talking about the paddle)!!

 

Do they sell seats that can be placed in the center of the canoe that mount like the front/back seats?

I don't have extensive experience with canoes, but usually in an aluminum one there is a cross support in that position to keep the sides of the canoe from flexing. That looks like a jerry-rigged wooden cross support.

Possibly a place to rest it on your neck and shoulders when portaging

a thwart... you need it there.  The one pictured has been shaped to ride more comfortably behind your neck and across your shoulders when it is carried (as has been suggested).  Do a google search on "canoe thwart".

 

oe

Mr. Al Bundy is correct.  It is a spreader, that is also used for portaging.  The curve in the center allows the weight of the canoe to rest on your shoulders.   Not only does it rest on your shoulders but it helps to prevent it from shifting to the left or right, keeping the weight balanced on your shoulders.

 

OE is correct.  It is called a thwart.

 

I have the same on my paddlin' Old Town canoe.  I used it for mounting my rod holder.

 

Ha! wow I always thought using that to portage the canoe was a secondary use for the support. Learn something every day.

In addition to the stability offered, it's also called a yoke, with the curved part resting on your shoulders for portaging, as others have mentioned.

 

I don't know if they sell seats, but if you sit on one of the seats there are ways to trim (level) the boat by putting weight in the other end.

In addition to the stability offered, it's also called a yoke, with the curved part resting on your shoulders for portaging, as others have mentioned.

 

I don't know if they sell seats, but if you sit on one of the seats there are ways to trim (level) the boat by putting weight in the other end.

 

My paddlin' canoe is rigged so it is backward.  If you look at canoes, the distance from the seat to the bow is greater than the distance from the rear seat to the stern.  With two in the boat this is fine, but using it solo, it squats considerably at the stern, and the bow lifts clear of the water.  By paddling it from what is usually the bow seat, the canoe does not squat badly, nor does the bow rise out of the water. 

 

There is a difference in shape between the bow and the stern, but it is negligible, and certainly does not change the handling in any noticeable way.

Possibly a place to rest it on your neck and shoulders when portaging

I agree, my canoe has the same thing..I use it to rest it on my neck/shoulder when I carry it to the lake.

thanks for the feedback everyone!!

 

Now, if you were to remove that center piece, would that cause damage to the frame of the canoe?

Has anyone ever sat a cooler/chair in the middle of a canoe?  If so, how does it hold up?  Id rather sit in the center of the canoe rather than in the front/rear of it.