C-Forum

Hi,

I have a Probe 14 setup for tandem. I ocassionally change it to a solo configuration by removing one of the saddles and moving the other one(along with thigh straps, foot braces, ...). When I bought this boat from a private party it came with a center thwart installed (not sure if this was factory or added on). For solo config though I have to remove the thwart to get the proper saddle placement.

My question is for any Probe 14 owners: Do these boats come from the factory with a center thwart? Am I asking for trouble by removing this thwart?

Thanks,
Kraig

Kraig;
The picture at the Mohawk site

http://www.mohawkcanoes.com/whitewater%20canoes.htm

doesn't show it with a center thwart, so I'm guessing it should be fine without it. I have a Probe 12 and it has two thwarts, none in the center. Be advised that you can severely change the whole shape on the boat by pulling the thwarts in when you want to switch it from a tandem to a solo and back again. The Mohawk folks used to make an adjustable thwart specifically for this, but I don't see it in the accessories page on the site, so maybe they've discontinued it. But you might get in contact with them; they could have some lying around or be willing to make you up a pair, they're pretty cool about that. Pulling the gunwales in makes the boat track better, be easier to paddle solo and be slightly faster as well. If you're interested and they won't make you a pair, let me know and I'll tell you how to do it. It's pretty easy if you have a vice and a drill.
Hope this helps;
Ric Taylor

A few years back, I purchased the Probe 14 prototype, direct from the factory - made of Fiberglass and Kevlar. It was set up at the factory with a long triple saddle, three sets of yakima footpegs, and three sets of D-rings for pairs of thigh straps - not the usual thigh retainers. There where only two thwarts, one anchoring the front of the triple saddle, and the other anchoring the rear. No center thwart necessary. What a boat! Fun for one! Fun for two! But, alas, it was in the middle of the last few dry years here in the Mid-Atlantic states, and the local Rock Garden Rappahannock River was very hard on the light but fragile layup. Repairs after every paddle. Finally sold it to a fellow paddler who lived where the water was bigger. You will be fine without the center thwart, as your royalex hull will take more abuse than my glass/kevlar hull did.