oil-canning

[akfletcher]

Does oil-canning affect the performanace of a boat. What if any disadvantages are there to an oil canned boat.

[localpaddler]

I don't think it effects the noticable performance of a boat.

[rterry]

if the hull gets very oil canned, you may notice that it does not feel quite as loose when spinning because it does not get on plane as efficiently. if you have some serious oil canning put a thin foam sheet under the seat to pop the hull back to it original position

[scottyb]

Oil can severly affects performance, it can be mild to very bad. Think of it as your boat being like a sponge. If it flexes when it is not supposed to it absorbs energy and robs performance. It can also increase drag on the wetted surface which will slow you down as well. Oil canning is a bad sign a boat has been abused or is nearing the end of its life span. :eek:

A layer of closed cell foam, usually from a sleeping pad will aleaviate this in the area under the seat. Avoid the urge to jam too much foam under the seat as this may bow out the hull causing a reverse oil can. This also has the added benefit of some thermal insulation in cold weather and shock absorbsion which can be important for a creek boat.