Best Canoe Seats & Thwarts of 2026
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Canoe Seats & Thwarts are essential accessories for any canoe enthusiast. These products are designed to provide comfort and stability while paddling through the water. Canoe seats are available in various sizes and styles, including bench and bucket seats, and can be easily installed in any canoe. Thwarts, on the other hand, are crossbars that connect the sides of the canoe, providing additional support and rigidity. They come in various materials, including wood, aluminum, and plastic. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, Canoe Seats & Thwarts are a must-have for a smooth and comfortable ride on the water.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Canoe Seats & Thwarts
Spring Creek Manufacturing Canoe Center Seat
The Spring Creek Manufacturing Drop-In Canoe Center Seat is a lightweight and strong additional center seat for canoes. It is made of anodized aluminum and tear-resistant foam, and can hold up to 300lbs. The seat frame can expand from 34" to 40" to fit various canoe widths. It doesn't require drilling and can be assembled and removed quickly. It comes with 1 seat, 2 C clamps, 2 knobs, and 2 bolts. This seat is not a replacement bow or stern seat and won't work on Coleman canoes with exterior gunwale lips or Coleman Scanoes.
Crazy Creek Canoe Chair IV
The Crazy Creek Canoe Chair offers durable comfort for your outdoor adventures. Made with tough 600D Ripstop Polyester and a waterproof coating, it stands up well to wear and keeps you dry. Its unique wing design provides extra stability and comfort, so you can relax for hours without feeling uneasy. The chair also features a thick foam cushion that supports you comfortably during long fishing or camping trips. Plus, strategically placed drain holes prevent water from pooling on the seat, helping you stay dry and comfortable throughout your time on the water.
Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke
Introducing the Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke - the perfect accessory for your canoeing adventures. This lightweight and strong anodized aluminum seat/yoke is designed to provide comfort and convenience. Its open shoulder design eliminates the pain caused by traditional yoke bars pressing against the back of your neck, allowing you to paddle for longer periods without discomfort. The telescoping frame can be adjusted from 34" to 40" to fit different canoe widths, and with the included U-brackets, it can be easily mounted to the top of your canoe gunwale. The adjustable pads ensure a customized fit for various shoulder sizes, further enhancing your comfort. With a weight capacity of up to 300lbs, it can also serve as a third seat or a solo seat. Upgrade your canoeing experience with the Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke.
Mad River Stained Web Seat 34-Inch
The Mad River Web Seat offers a sturdy frame made from Northern White Ash, giving you a strong and reliable base for comfort while paddling. Its webbed seating area provides excellent support and breathability, helping you stay comfortable on long trips. The dark stained finish not only looks great but also adds a touch of style to your canoe. Plus, the seat is coated with a durable exterior varnish, protecting it from wear and weather, so it lasts through many adventures. At 34 inches long, it can also be trimmed to fit your specific canoe needs perfectly.
Shimeyao Canoe Seat Hardware Set
The Shimeyao Canoe Seat Kit offers a complete set of hardware and spacers, so you have everything needed to install your canoe seat securely without extra trips to the store. The parts are sized just right, with bolts and ash wood spacers designed for a stable and precise fit, improving your comfort and safety on the water. Made from sturdy ash wood and metal, this kit ensures durability and a natural look that lasts. Plus, you can easily adjust the pieces by cutting or sanding them to fit your specific canoe seat perfectly, making installation simple even if you’re new to DIY projects.
Mad River Canoe Natural Web Seat
The Mad River Canoe Natural Web Seat, also known as the Mad River Web Seat, is a high-quality canoe seat designed for comfort and durability. Made with a Northern White Ash seat frame and a webbed seating panel, this seat provides excellent support and stability while paddling. The natural finish adds a touch of elegance to your canoe, while the exterior varnish top coat ensures long-lasting durability. With an overall length of 41 inches, the seat can be easily trimmed to fit your specific canoe. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely paddle or an adventurous canoe trip, the Mad River Web Seat is a reliable and comfortable choice.
Mad River Canoe Stained Cane Seat
The Mad River Cane Seat features a sturdy frame made from Northern White Ash, ensuring strength and stability for your canoeing adventures. The cane seating panel offers breathability, keeping you comfortable during long trips on the water. Its dark stained finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also helps to protect the wood from wear and tear. Additionally, the exterior varnish top coat adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring that the seat can withstand the elements. You can also trim the overall length of 34 inches to fit your specific canoe needs, making it a versatile choice for any paddler.
Harmony Cane Seat (Natural finish, 32.5-Inch)
The Harmony Cane Seat offers a comfortable and durable canoe seat option. The seat is made of a cane seating panel and has an overall length of 34”. It has a natural finish with an exterior varnish top coat. The length can be trimmed to fit your canoe. This seat falls under the category of Canoe Seats & Thwarts.
HACURLIST Canoe Seat
The HACURLIST Canoe Seat is a high-quality seat designed for canoes. With its seat area dimensions of 13 in. x 10 in., it provides ample space for comfortable seating. The seat is available in a natural clear finish or stained, allowing you to choose the style that suits your preference. Some cutting may be required for installation, and the necessary hardware is not included. This canoe seat is perfect for enhancing your canoeing experience, providing you with a comfortable and convenient seating option. Whether you're paddling for leisure or engaging in a more adventurous journey, the HACURLIST Canoe Seat will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable time on the water.
JellyArch 34 Inch Canoe Seat 2 Pack
The JellyArch Canoe Seats come in a convenient two-pack, ensuring you always have a spare or can share with a paddling partner. Each seat measures about 34 by 10 inches, offering plenty of space for comfortable sitting during your canoe trips. Made from sturdy ash wood and water-resistant rattan, these seats provide a durable yet comfortable place to rest while on the water. Installation is simple and customizable; you can trim and drill the seats to fit your canoe perfectly without much hassle. This makes the JellyArch Canoe Seats a practical and comfortable choice for any canoe or kayak enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many thwarts should a canoe have?
A working canoe should have at least five thwarts. The center thwart or yoke is essential, while the others help increase hull stiffness and maintain the canoe's shape. By eliminating the four "unnecessary" thwarts, it's possible to reduce the weight of a typical canoe by around five pounds, which is beneficial during portages.
2. What size is a canoe thwart?
Most canoes can use a standard 36-inch long thwart, which can be trimmed to fit. There is also a 40-inch option available for rare occasions. Thwarts can be made of materials like ash, cherry, or walnut, offering durability and aesthetics to the canoe.
3. Can you sit on a canoe thwart?
While it is possible to sit on a canoe thwart, it may not always be the most comfortable option. It's important to choose the right type of thwart and avoid putting too much weight on it. If sitting on a thwart doesn't work well for you, there are alternative seating options such as canoe seats or portable seat cushions to consider.
4. Where should the heaviest person sit in a canoe?
To achieve proper weight distribution in a canoe with unevenly distributed weight, it is generally recommended for the heaviest person to sit in or near the rear of the canoe. Placing the heaviest person towards the back helps maintain better balance and prevents trim issues, ensuring the canoe sits level on the water.
5. Is it better to kneel or sit in a canoe?
While many canoeists prefer to stay seated, kneeling offers certain advantages. Kneeling helps lower the center of gravity and improves connection with the canoe, allowing better control and power in your strokes. It also helps you feel the way the canoe is moving and sitting, enhancing your overall paddling experience.
6. Where can you sit alone in a canoe?
When soloing a tandem canoe, it is recommended to sit backwards on the bow seat, making the stern the front of your canoe. Solo canoes typically have a seat close to or directly in the center of the boat. Sitting in this position helps maintain better balance and control, as the bow seat is closer to the center of the canoe compared to the stern seat.
During our canoe seats & thwart research, we found 16 canoe seats & thwart products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,196 customer reviews through our big data system to write the canoe seats & thwarts list. We found that most customers choose canoe seats & thwarts with an average price of $53.63.
The canoe seats & thwarts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of canoe seats & thwarts, including Spring Creek Manufacturing, Crazy Creek Products, Mad River, Shimeyao, DAM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 59 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.