For the general hull design, there are three profiles that need to be optimized.
The first is the general shape of the boat when you look from the top. How long it will be, how wide will it be at different points along, and will it be symmetrical. A longer length compared to the width will allow the boat to be lighter, and to be better at going straight. Having a shorter length compared to the width will allow the boat to be more stable, and carry more weight. It is also important to keep in mind that the canoe will need to be long enough to fit minimum two people in it comfortably, with some gear in the middle of course. It also cant be too wide, or you would have to lean over to actually use your paddle! A boat that is narrower in the front half than the back half gives less drag, so it makes the boat a bit faster. It is, however, an issue if the boat will ever be canoed by a single person. Usually, when using a two person canoe on your own, the canoeist will sit backwards in the front seat, so that they are closer to the centre of gravity. This means when the single person is using the asymmetrical canoe, the front will be wider than the back, making the canoe even slower!
For this profile, I will be sticking with general canoe sizes, as this will ensure it is the appropriate size, and also allow me to buy a pre-made yoke for my canoe. I will also create a symmetrical canoe, so that I can use my canoe on my own, and also to make the design easier.
The second has to do with the rocker. Rocker is how much of a curve upwards the ends of your boat have compared to the middle. A typical canoe has a 2" rocker. Having a
