Canoe Trim Calculator

How it is calculated

The tool treats the bow load as a point weight at the bow end and the stern load as a point weight at the stern end, then finds the combined centre of gravity (CG): CGstern = Wbow × L ÷ (Wbow + Wstern), measured from the stern. The trim offset is CGstern − L ÷ 2. A positive offset means the CG is forward of the midpoint (bow-heavy), a negative one means aft of it (stern-heavy), and 0.00 is level. Use any one length unit and one weight unit; the offset comes out in the length unit. Length must be above zero and the total load above zero. Because the loads are placed at the very ends, real seating positions give smaller offsets.

Common mistakes

• Entering positions along the boat instead of weights; the fields take the total weight at each end, including gear.
• Forgetting that the tool puts both loads at the extreme ends, so the offset is larger than the true one for people sitting closer to the middle; use it to compare options, not as an exact figure.
• Mixing units, such as the length in metres and the weights in pounds. The offset is in the length unit, so keep the unit you used.
• Reading a negative offset as an error: it just means the load is stern-heavy, and the fix is to move weight forward.
• Leaving out gear stored in the middle of the boat; the tool only knows the two loads you enter, so add mid-boat weight to the nearer end.