I was shopping last month for a replacement ash yoke for my Penobscot 17. A shop in Duluth had $100 yokes and a much cheaper yoke with a knot in it. A shop in Superior had a single yoke for approximately the same lower price. I was assured it was knot-free; it was not.

I reverted to doing what I knew all along was probably the better choice - buying one from Essex Industries. It arrived promptly and free of knots, at a lower cost after shipping than either of the Twin Ports alternatives. I bought a cane seat from these folks years ago that was of similar high quality.

Essex Industries

BTW:

“ Essex Industries is a division of Mountain Lake Services, a private, not-for-profit organization devoted to helping people with intellectual disabilities live full and abundant lives. It is one of the largest manufacturers of canoe seats and accessories. Since 1974, Essex Industries has been providing meaningful employment and job training to hundreds of individuals in an integrated work environment.”

gravelroad,
Thanks for sharing this. I didn't know about Essex and it sounds like great product from great people. I struggled to find a good yoke and thwarts a few years back.

I traced the ash yoke off of my Souris River and made a template, so now I just make yokes in the garage for like $5, since i have piles of wood. I used Red Elm for the last couple yokes. Bought a $19 trim router and a $19 jig saw at Harbor Freight earlier this year to cut them out and round the edges.

Can make a yoke in about 30 minutes. Seats are beyond my skill level right now though. Maybe this winter.

Second Essex, best price if your buying one.

I've also bought seats and parts from Essex.

campnfish: "Second Essex, best price if your buying one."

Be sure to call or email them if you have needs that you cannot find on the website. I am redoing an Old Town Camper and wanted smaller drops than was on the website, and Essex took care of me straight away. Had the hardware on my doorstep within 3 days of the phone call!

Great people… used to pick up material from them for canoe builders all over the country.