Best Canoe Seats & Thwarts of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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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

Spring Creek Manufacturing Canoe Center Seat Cover #TOP 1
Spring Creek Manufacturing Canoe Center Seat
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke Cover #TOP 2
Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Harmony Cane Seat (Natural finish, 32.5-Inch) Cover #TOP 3
Harmony Cane Seat (Natural finish, 32.5-Inch)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Canoe Seats & Thwarts

#TOP 1

Spring Creek Manufacturing Canoe Center Seat

PS-404-16
Silver, Black
Spring Creek Manufacturing Canoe Center Seat Cover
Spring Creek Manufacturing Drop-In Canoe Center Seat (Standard For Canoes 34" - 40")

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong
Easy to assemble and remove
Expandable to fit various canoe widths
#TOP 2

Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke

PS-400
Dark Brown
Spring Creek Canoe Seat/Yoke Cover
Spring Creek Manufacturing Canoe Seat/Yoke (Dark Brown)

The Spring Creek Canoe Yoke features an innovative open-shoulder design that eliminates discomfort often caused by traditional yoke bars pressing against your neck. Its adjustable frame extends from 34 inches to 40 inches, accommodating various canoe widths. This yoke also includes U-brackets for easy attachment to your canoe, allowing you to flip the seat in seconds when needed. Additionally, the adjustable pads ensure a comfortable fit for different shoulder sizes, making it a versatile option for all users. This combination of features enhances your canoeing experience by providing comfort and convenience.

What We Like
Comfortable open-shoulder design
Adjustable for different widths
Quick removal and installation
Lightweight yet strong
#TOP 3

Harmony Cane Seat (Natural finish, 32.5-Inch)

Mad River
8023302
Natural finish
34-Inch
Harmony Cane Seat (Natural finish, 32.5-Inch) Cover
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.

What We Like
Durable and comfortable cane seat
Can be trimmed to fit your canoe
Natural finish with exterior varnish top coat
#TOP 4

Harmony Folding Ash Cane Canoe Chair

Mad River
8023299
Harmony Folding Ash Cane Canoe Chair Cover
Harmony Folding Ash Cane Canoe Chair

The Harmony Folding Ash Cane Canoe Chair features a straight grained Northern White Ash construction with a natural finish under exterior varnish. Its canoe seat and backrest provide comfortable seating, with a folding backrest that allows for easy storage. The seat measures 12”x14” (30.5cm x 36cm), while the backrest is 15”(38cm)H.

What We Like
Easy to store with the folding backrest.
Comfortable seating with the canoe seat and backrest.
Durable construction with straight grained Northern White Ash.
#TOP 5

Mad River Canoe Stained Cane Seat

Mad River
8063105
dark
34-Inch
Mad River Canoe Stained Cane Seat Cover
Mad River Canoe Stained Cane Seat, 34-Inch

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.

What We Like
Durable Northern White Ash frame
Comfortable cane seating
Attractive dark stained finish
Customizable length
#TOP 6

Mad River Canoe Natural Web Seat

Mad River
8063110
Natural
41-Inch
Mad River Canoe Natural Web Seat Cover
Mad River Canoe Natural Web Seat, 41-Inch

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.

What We Like
Comfortable
Durable
#TOP 7

HACURLIST Canoe Seat

CS34C
Beige
HACURLIST Canoe Seat Cover
TOOBOSS Kenco Old Town 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.

What We Like
High-quality
Comfortable seating
Customizable finish
#TOP 8

Uphilltool Detachable Paddle-Board Seat

Uphilltool
YDFKHY-000000-JHIN
Orange
45*48cm/17.7*18.8in
Uphilltool Detachable Paddle-Board Seat Cover
Detachable Universal Paddle-Board Seat with Back Support, Padded Kayak Seat Thicken Canoe Seat Kayak Replacement Part Seat Cushion for Kayak, Rowboats, Fishing Boats (Orange)

The Uphilltool Paddle-Board Seat is designed for comfort during long hours on the water. Made from high-quality EVA and PVC, this seat ensures durability while providing cushioned support for your back and bottom. The 304 stainless steel hooks are highly resistant to corrosion and can rotate 360 degrees, making installation and removal effortless. Additionally, the excellent sealing performance keeps the seat water and sweat-resistant, allowing you to relax without worrying about moisture. With its universal design, this seat fits most kayaks, canoes, and boats, making it suitable for everyone in the family.

What We Like
Durable materials
Comfortable cushioning
Corrosion-resistant hooks
Universal fit
#TOP 9

Mad River Canoe Stained Web Seat

Mad River
8063111
41-Inch
Mad River Canoe Stained Web Seat Cover
Mad River Canoe Stained Web Seat, 41-Inch

The Mad River Web Seat is designed for comfort and durability. Its frame is made from Northern White Ash, providing a sturdy and reliable base for your canoeing adventures. The webbed seating panel allows for breathability and flexibility, ensuring you stay comfortable during long trips. With a dark stained finish, this seat not only looks great but also features an exterior varnish top coat that enhances its durability against the elements. You can easily trim the seat to fit your canoe's specifications, making it a versatile choice for any paddler.

What We Like
Durable ash frame
Comfortable webbed design
Stylish dark finish
Varnish for weather resistance
Adjustable length
#TOP 10

Sea Eagle Wood/Web Seat Kit

Generic
SEATWEB2KT
Multicolor
Sea Eagle Wood/Web Seat Kit Cover
Sea Eagle Middle Wood/Web Seat Kit with Pins for Travel Canoe

The Sea Eagle Seat Kit enhances your canoeing experience with its sturdy wooden and web design. This middle seat kit is specifically crafted for travel canoes, providing you with a comfortable seating option during your adventures on the water. The inclusion of pins ensures that the seat is securely attached, giving you peace of mind as you paddle. This kit is perfect for those who value both comfort and stability, allowing you to enjoy long hours on the water without discomfort.

What We Like
Durable wooden construction
Comfortable web design
Secure pin attachment
Ideal for travel canoes
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our canoe seats & thwart research, we found 16 canoe seats & thwart products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,106 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 $52.59.

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, Mad River, HACURLIST, Uphilltool. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 53 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

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.