A few months ago I downloaded an app for my Android phone that is an amazing level. You can use it as a linear level (along a single axis) or as a multi directional level (360°). I figure that I could use it to adjust the trim in the canoe. It's easy to see and I bring my cell phone along for a camera anyways. Does anyone else use an app like this?

Just get in and paddle to test and adjust. If you are that worried about it you should just get a tiny string level. It’s only 2 inches long and 3/8” diameter, fits in your top pocket. It has a flat bottom and a top reading vial so you can read it. Why risk wrecking your cell phone?

The small string level is great and easy to stow in my life jacket. When I wet foot, I drag water into the canoe off my boots. That water pretty much wants to go where gravity dictates, and thus your trim. Pretty simple.

Levels make great levels. Don’t overthink it.

I was approaching the topic from more of a handy app to have on your phone, since most of us have one in our pocket much of the time. I use the app all the time because I seldom carry a level in my pocket. When my wife asks me if the picture she is hanging is level, when someone asks "does this look level to you?", when I'm doing a community outreach project at church and nobody remembered to bring a level, adjusting shelves, etc. It's free and you don't have to remember it. To me it's handy like a calculator is to some people.

I’ve used the app at times for other uses. For sailboats we use these clinometers. They can be handy for zeroing I’m on the right trim both side to side and fore and aft. But that’s a more dynamic situation rather than check once and leave it. For that you could also just glue a tiny bubble level to the canoe.

a very small level stays in my zipperpouch, padded seat on my prism. though i don't use it anymore, i know what level is with my 2 packs, it was a very handy tool a few years ago.

Northwoodsman: "I was approaching the topic from more of a handy app to have on your phone."

Most folks (myself included) must be misreading your original post, I didn't see that sentiment in anything you wrote.
How accurate is the app? Does it read out in degrees or rise per foot? Or does it display a traditional bubble image? My truck has a built in display option which shows inclination front to back and side to side at the same time. Makes it real handy when parking the camper.

I use the iPhone level for hanging pictures and things around the house all the time, but have never thought to help trim a boat. I guess I agree that trim is a more dynamic thing- changing with weather and water conditions and whatnot.
It might be fun to play with, but I think it probably more valuable to just make adjustments and see if you can tell any changes in how the boat handles. Degrees of tilt is a precise, objective measurement, but might not have much meaning if you subjectively can't tell any difference.

On the iphone, the app makes a sort of odd bubble display when it lays flat(ish) on its back. When on one of the edges of the phone with the screen close to vertical it becomes a more traditional level but doesn't really have a bubble. It shows degrees in both displays. It's the second screen in the compass app that comes with the phone. I bet there are lots of other choices in the app store.

FYI, my desk is really level!

I find I don't have to paddle very far to tell if my canoe it trimmed properly or not. No gadgets or water splashed on the floor required. If it feels like the bow pins and the rear end is loose move some weight to the rear. If the front end is wagging back and forth too much move some to the bow.

Trim is dynamic and I'll adjust it throughout the day depending on wind and current and how I'm paddling at the time. I think it's best to get to know it by feel.

Alan

Alan Gage: "I find I don't have to paddle very far to tell if my canoe it trimmed properly or not. No gadgets or water splashed on the floor required. If it feels like the bow pins and the rear end is loose move some weight to the rear. If the front end is wagging back and forth too much move some to the bow.


Trim is dynamic and I'll adjust it throughout the day depending on wind and current and how I'm paddling at the time. I think it's best to get to know it by feel.


Alan"

Oh come on,,,,,,,, that makes too much sense. :>) :>)

A level may come in handy, but trim adjustments for paddling conditions do not rely on the canoe being level. You will trim bow up or down according to wind/waves and paddling style for the conditions at the time and the canoe being paddled. I change my trim often and as needed. Sometimes getting quite a bit "off level" especially with a had quartering wind.

butthead

PS; Pretty much what Allen wrote. bh

I just eye ball it, seems to work for me. But then I ain't a enjuneer, rithmatic, or even a carpinture person.

I just wing it. If I am a little off I don't really care. I can always adjust things at the next portage. And as soon as I do the wind or current will change on the next lake so I don't normally bother.
The only thing that does bother me is if the canoe tilts slightly to one side or another. In that case I move a pack while paddling or ask my bow person to move one way or the other.

Alan Gage: "I find I don't have to paddle very far to tell if my canoe it trimmed properly or not. No gadgets or water splashed on the floor required. If it feels like the bow pins and the rear end is loose move some weight to the rear. If the front end is wagging back and forth too much move some to the bow.


Trim is dynamic and I'll adjust it throughout the day depending on wind and current and how I'm paddling at the time. I think it's best to get to know it by feel.


Alan"

Thank you. I hop in the boat and paddle. Sometimes I push a pack forward or pull it back. When it feels right, you feel it. Then, if I carried a phone, I pitch it in the lake.