What a thwart is
A thwart is a crosswise bar that connects the gunwales, the top edges of a canoe’s left and right sides. It is a structural part of the boat: it helps the sides stay the right distance apart. Thwarts are usually made of wood, aluminum, or a composite or plastic material, and they are fastened to the gunwales with bolts or screws.
In boating generally, “thwart” can also refer to a rower’s seat that spans a boat. On a canoe, though, the word normally means a bar that is separate from the seats.
What a thwart does
- Holds the sides apart. Without crosspieces, the sides of an open canoe could pull inward or flex more than intended. Thwarts counter that.
- Adds rigidity. By tying the gunwales together, thwarts help the hull resist twisting and bending under load, during transport, and in rough water.
- Provides a handhold or tie-down point. Paddlers often use thwarts to lash dry bags or hang accessories such as a thwart bag for small items.
- Supports portaging. A center thwart, if designed for it, can serve as a carrying yoke (see below), which matters on a multi-day paddling trip with carries.
Where thwarts go
Placement varies by canoe design, length and purpose, so check your own boat rather than assuming a standard layout. Some general patterns:
- Many canoes have a thwart near the center, which may be a yoke, plus additional thwarts toward the bow and stern.
- Tandem canoes often have a thwart in front of the bow seat and behind the stern seat, or one near each seat, depending on the design.
- Longer canoes and tripping canoes often have more thwarts than short recreational boats.
- Solo canoes may have a center thwart or yoke and an adjustable kneeling thwart.
Thwarts are usually set at a height where they do not interfere with paddling or kneeling, and positioned so they do not hit your knees or shins when you move.
Thwart vs yoke vs seat
Thwart. A general crossbar between the gunwales. It is mostly structural.
Yoke. A center thwart shaped, or fitted with a pad, to rest on the shoulders while you carry the canoe upside down. Some yokes are a plain thwart with a curved profile, and others are deeper “deep dish” designs. A yoke is still a thwart in a structural sense.
Kneeling thwart. A thwart set lower and sometimes angled so that a paddler can kneel with their hips resting against it. Solo paddlers sometimes use this to improve control and comfort.
Seat. A seat is meant for a paddler to sit on. Seats may also add some stiffness, but their primary purpose is support.
For a fuller vocabulary of related parts, see our parts of a canoe guide.
Materials
- Wood (for example ash or similar hardwoods) is traditional and common on wooden and many composite canoes. It can be sanded and refinished.
- Aluminum thwarts are common on aluminum canoes and are also sold as replacements.
- Composite or plastic pieces may be used on molded boats.
Which one is right for a given boat depends on its construction, the gunwale material, and how the thwart is attached. Manufacturers and canoe outfitters generally sell parts matched to specific models.
Using thwarts for gear and carrying
Many paddlers tie dry bags or a water bottle to a thwart, or add a small bag that hangs from it. Keep loose lines away from where you might need to exit the boat quickly, and avoid anything that can snag a swimmer in an emergency.
For carrying, a center yoke is meant to be lifted and rested on the shoulders. If your canoe has only a plain, straight thwart in the middle, it may be uncomfortable to carry on your shoulders, and some owners add padding or choose a yoke designed for portaging.
Checking and replacing a thwart
- Look for cracks, rot, splits, or loose or corroded fasteners.
- If a thwart is loose, the gunwales may be flexing more than they should. Tighten or replace the hardware and check the gunwales as well.
- When replacing a thwart, match the length, width and mounting style to the original, or ask the manufacturer or an outfitter for the correct part. A thwart that is too long or short can distort the hull.
If you are working on an older boat, our guide to restoring a canoe covers broader repairs.
Common questions
What does “thwart” mean? As a verb it means to block or frustrate, but as a boat part it is a crosspiece. The nautical meaning comes from the idea of something placed across.
Why are canoes called divorce boats? It is a joke about tandem paddlers who disagree. It has nothing to do with the thwarts.
How many thwarts does a canoe have? It varies. Check your own boat or the manufacturer’s specifications.