Hi all,

I'm looking for some help/advice regarding portage pads/yokes. In the past when I've been up I just had a simple wood yoke but now I'm taking a 17' Alumacraft up which I borrowed from my uncle. He gave me this clamp-style u-bar with pads on it but I'm unsure how it's supposed to attach to the canoe, or if it was actually meant for a different model canoe.

The central thwart on the alumacraft has a curvature so the bar can't slip over top of it for easy clamping. The only other thing I can think of is placing the bar slightly on the bow side of the thwart and getting some wood blocks and clamping to the gunnels. Would that work? I'm not sure how the balance would be when carrying, though.

The other possibility is buying block style pads with bolts and use the holes. The only issue here is the holes are staggered (see sketch in link). The holes are ~2.75" apart and 1.75" staggered forward/back. Anybody have recommendations on where I could buy these in MN (Twin Cities area is best)? I would build them but I don't have the time.

Photos and sketch here:
http://imgur.com/a/y3eFh

Regards,

Borg

Most likely a lot smarter people on this board but from my experience, what you have is a portage bar that is designed for a Grumman, round bar yoke. Your best bet would be to get pads that have the ability to clamp around the existing bar the Alumicraft has or pads specifically made to fit the off centered holes on the Alumicraft yoke. I would guess you would most likely be able to stop by an outfitter before you head in as many of them rent Alumicrafts and should have an extra pair laying around they could loan you. I don't know of anywhere that sells them but if you find some, let me know, because I am in the market for a pair.

I would not recommend clamping the bar to a different section of the canoe because it will definitely throw the balance off. A few years back, I experienced this when it was to late and we were already on the trail. It was hands down the worst portaging experience I have ever had.

If you are going to buy new block pads, just get ones that clamp instead of bolt. This is what I would do.

Thanks for the reply, Koselig. I have seen a few clamp-style block pads on craigslits. But, the problem I see is that, when clamped to that curved thwart, the pads would then be angled inward at a weird/uncomfortable angle. It's almost like I would need special blocks that clamp on the bar, but then are able to swivel or be set so there is no angle on the pads. What a frustrating design.

- Borg

Borg,

I think Bourquin Yoke Pads are one of the best yoke pads for any canoe. They are "CLAMP ON" and you can easily adjust them to fit you. They will angle in or out. I see them used on a lot of wooden yoles but I think they would work well on your 17 ft Alumnacraft.

You may want to give Bourquin a call and see how their [pads will do on an aluminum yoke. Maybe a bwca.com Alumnacraft paddler will chime in.

Bourquin Yoke Pads

I'm betting that you can rent portage pads like these from most outfitters once you get there. The bolts don't go through holes, there is one bolt on each side of the existing thwart with a bar across from bolt to bolt. They should work on what you have. Forget about the clamp on bar.

Superior Yoke Pads are another brand that is of excellent quality. The Deluxe version comes in 2 different bolt sizes to fit narrow and wider yokes.

Rutabaga's in Madison, WI and I believe Piragis's Ely, MN carry this brand.

Superior Portage Pads

Hey Koselig,
Nice screen name. Welcome to the forums!
TS