ALLY Canoes

Bergans of Norway

About Ally Canoes

    ALLY, the foldable canoe, has an

interlocking framework of tubular aluminum

stays and ribs held together with spring

loaded shock-cords making the canoe easy

and quickly to assemble. At the bottom,

between the framework and the reinforced

PVC skin, there is a closed cell foam mat

that insulates, provides flotation, and

provides the added safety of a double

bottom. At the same time it provides

shock absorbency from impact from items

under water. The canoe’s flexibility allows

it to ride over waves rather than

crash into them. Its flexibility also makes

encounters with underwater rocks a much

less harrowing experience than when riding

in a canoe of fiberglass. The reinforced

skin is sewn and welded to achieve extra

strength. The anatomic seats position may

be adjusted to trim the canoe. The DR

(Down-River) models features a reinforced  

bottom which gives extra safety when

 paddling on rocky rivers.

 

 

Choosing the right canoe:

  Choosing a canoe is always a compromise. Some canoes are made for speed while others are meant to be stable. Stability is primarily a function of width and bottom shape, with some contribution from the length of the keel. A canoe with a long flat bottom will feel stable, and such a canoe will have good initial stability but a poor final stability. On the other hand, a canoe with a rounder bottom will have poor initial stability but good final stability. A canoe with a rounded bottom is therefore well suited for use in white water. Canoes with a rounded bottom are the fastest, but will totally lack the initial stability "feel", which is necessary for most people to feel safe. Canoes with outwardly slanted sides have improved stability, but can be a bit difficult to paddle. Canoes with "tumblehome" (pear shape) are easier to paddle, but  the final stability is worse. Straight side walls is therefore often a good compromise. The curved arch which the keel forms between the bow and stern is called "rocker". A straight keel line without any rocker gives good directional stability, but the canoe is correspondingly difficult to maneuver. A hull with extreme rocker will be easy to turn, but difficult to paddle straight with. A good alternative might therefore be a canoe with a partially straight keel line and a little rocker at the bow and stern. Good directional stability is now combined with acceptable maneuvering capability.

 

 

The new generation Ally folding canoes:

 

 

Design wise these canoes differs from previous Ally canoes in that the tubular aluminum ribs at

gunwale, bow, stern and keel can be connected to make a stiffer construction. The keel line is

straighter and bow and stern lower and the canoe therefore tracks straighter in windy conditions.

Together with a slightly "slimmer" "tumblehome" construction a better length/width ratio than on

previous models, this makes the ALLY easier to paddle and just as fast as some sort of canoe

made from fiberglass or plain hard plastic.