This is a fibergalss V bottom canoe. 38.5" wide that is now 38" wide.

So the wood is on the canoe. I took a width measurement and the hull is exactly 1/2" narrower than it was with the vinyl. Do you think I should spread it before I install the yoke or leave it as is?

 

 

 

I'd spread it, then install the yoke.  Once the yoke is installed, it should hold the sides to the original dimension.

Apparently the wood is stiffer than the plastic it replaced.  It shouldn't take much to spread the sides where the yoke is to be installed.

7 minutes ago, Fishing Rhino said:

I'd spread it, then install the yoke.  Once the yoke is installed, it should hold the sides to the original dimension.

Apparently the wood is stiffer than the plastic it replaced.  It shouldn't take much to spread the sides where the yoke is to be installed.

It is easy to spread. But, there will be tension on it. That's my concern. I'm mounting a thwart rather than a yoke. It will be flush against the inner whales. 

All set. I split the difference.