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 extrastrength. 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, butthe 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.
