C-Forum

I recently bought a Paradigm that has a thwart right over the back rest of the saddle. It holds it in place quite firmly and helps provide a comfortable back rest. But I have noticed that it may also have the effect of allowing a stronger forward stroke because I can now lean back against it as I pull. The boat is faster than I had expected for a 10.5 ft. length, and I'm wondering if this is the reason.

Some people are afraid of mid-canoe thwarts due to fear of getting one's foot stock on them when falling out. That has happened to me (although not in this boat).

I'm outfitting another boat (Prodigy) and wondering whether I should put one in. Any thoughts out there?

Wouldn't worry about it. I have 2 thwarts holding my saddle down.
Just don't fall out

I've had them in every OC1 I've ever paddled, wouldn't have it any other way.

The saddle came unglued in the CU fly once but the thwarts kept it firmly in place for months, Blunts and Loops notwithstanding.