BWCA Wenonah Prism Tractor Seat Rails Mods? Boundary Waters Gear Forum
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ORNonprophet
member (8)member
  
05/08/2019 01:42PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hello! Long time lurker, first post here!

Recently purchased a used Wenonah Prism. Long time flatwater kayaker and non-serious canoe paddler. First solo canoe. Getting used to paddling her and trying to get dialed in on seat and footbrace positioning, load management, etc. I've been using a lacrosse ball in the hull to get a better idea of trim while I'm paddling. It seems like even with the seat all the way back as far as it will go on the seat rails that I'm still a little bow-heavy. 6'3", 270lb paddler. If I add a one gallon jug of water to the stern area, it seems to balance the Prism very well with just me in it. Due to knee issues, kneeling is just not an option. I am curious about the height of the seat rails that the tractor seat slides on. We also have a Spirit II, and the seat rails in the Spirit are a few inches taller than the Prism--not surprising given their respective widths.

I'd like to have the option of adjusting the seat rails height in the Prism, and was wondering if anyone else had done this mod? I think I'd like to slide the seat rails back an inch of two to better trim for me and my loads, and, if the weather gets rough I'd like the option of lowering the seat rails until they are and inch or so off the hull floor so that I'm lowering my COG and hopefully increasing stability in rough weather.

Thoughts?
 
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jdmccurry
member (45)member
  
05/09/2019 05:03PM  
I have the Prism, are about the same size as you, and cannot knee due to knee problems. As a kayaker you will naturally feel awkward in the higher sitting position and will want to get closer to the deck. My advice is to not change the height. This boat is very stable with the seat set at factory height. The foot brace really helps stability in high wind/wave conditions as well as transferring power to the boat. The trim is something many people fuss over. For me the sliding seat corrects for most conditions and I often have a 65 lb. dog in the bow. I don't put her in the stern because she is squirmy and I need to anticipate her sudden moves. Most times I can keep up a high stroke count and not get turned in the wind. However, I do occasionally use the 5-gal water jug in the stern when day paddling with the pooch. When touring, I have 2 packs and will position them to get the trim adjusted to conditions.
 
mjmkjun
distinguished member(2885)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/10/2019 07:05AM  
I believe if you modified the sliding rail height your Prism would become very squirrelly due to being top heavy. Adding weight to stern seems a lot less hassle and is what most folks do. A strong & tough canvas bag filled with rocks is also a quick fix.
When loaded with packs and supplies, I find the Prism very stable in rough waters. I also have more of an edge fighting wind and chop when I switch to a double blade. (adjustable 250-270). In same conditions unloaded I bounce like a cork. Bag of rocks helps.
 
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