New wood on my canoe narrowed hull edge

Advice
#1
-- Last Updated: Jan-10-16 10:33 AM EST --

My canoe was 38.5" wide. I replaced the vinyl gunwhales with oak. The wood pulled the hull in a half inch at the center. It's at 38" wide now. Should I leave it as is and install the yoke or should I spread the hull the .5" before I cut it and install it?

#2

Doesn’t matter. NM

#3

Tension

– Last Updated: Jan-10-16 12:15 PM EST –

Does't matter leave it 38" or spread it? Or either way?
If I spread it there will be tension on it. That's my concern.

#4

Such a small amount
It should not create enough tension to bother anything. Hulls are often customized by owners and spread or pulled in by larger amounts.

#5

If the oak was well seasoned…
just leave it the way it is.

If not you’ll be in trouble when it shrinks



Jack L

#6

Wale

– Last Updated: Jan-10-16 4:40 PM EST –

I split the difference. 38.25" It looks fine, Not much tension. Oak was well seasoned. Thanks

#7

material
What’s the canoe made of? Royalex and wood are not great friends is the reason for asking.



Bill H.