Saddle Foam For Solo White Water Canoe

[Monsoon]

What can I use to cut down the foam on a saddle to fit me properly and comfortably? I though sand paper, but I want to make sure before I start attacking it. Thanks.

[Arthur Bowie]

I'll tell you, but first you have to tell me what you're working on!

[Monsoon]

I knew you'd answer. hahaha. As I was reading tonight I just got curious as to how its done. I decided on the Probe 13. It felt good to me and is only 7" shorter than the XL. I remember you telling me that the probe was an improvement on the XL. I think it will do well as long as I can make it comfy with proper outfitting.

[Monsoon]

Also...I bought a chunk of foam from a friend who had leftovers...and he really never cut into his other than with a knife to get it to wedge into a kayak. When I pick it up I am going to use it to practice on.

[Randy Dodson]

I use a dedicated electric carving knife to cut to rough dimension. After that I use a sureform to shape to the exact size and shape, surforms work like magic. It's like a dragon skin with a handle. After that you can smooth it down a little with sandpaper if needed.

[okieboater]

If you have access to a band saw, that will give you nice straight sides of the foam.... Then you can sand down to a perfect fit.

[Arthur Bowie]

Foam is easy stuff to work with, so lots of different tools will cut and shape.

I use a variety of hand saws for rough shape and big cuts, probably use a couple with pretty agressive teeth more than fine tooth saws. A little key hole, drywall saw is my favorite and is probably what those shin supports were cut with that you used.

Just as Randy does, the little sureform wood wooking rasps are good for final shaping. They come in at least two sizes, about 4 x 2 straight and 2 x2 curve.

The more difficult question that you haven't asked yet, is where to buy the 4 inch thick blocks of foam. I can't find the right reference just now, but I think the name is either JR or John Sweet Co. manufactures and sells in blocks big enough to make saddles, bulkheads, and anything else you might want.

[Monsoon]

Thanks fellas. I am going to try those things out on my practice foam. I don't have a band saw, but I have a few different hand saws that I think can do the same. They are just fine toothed.

Arthur....as for buying new foam, I imagine you can get some blocks from Mohawk. I will ask when I put my order in. Those ankle blocks are a god send. Are the places you mentioned usually where YOU get it? It seems as if it would be a lot of places.

[Arthur Bowie]

yes, last couple of times I bought foam was from John R Sweet. Since then the company has sold and is now at
http://sweetcomposites.com/

I have enough on hand right now to do my maintenance, or make toe blocks, but not enough to make a saddle.

Pack Rat in Fayetteville usually has some foam in stock, I've bought from NOC and NRS at different times also.

[Randy Dodson]

A good place to buy foam is at www.kayakoutfitting.com It's worth checking out their website.

For open boaters making their own saddles, you can click on the small print at the very very top of the page that reads outfitting tips. Then click on freestyle canoe. That will give you Craig Smerda's instructions for making a bulkhead style saddle / thigh hooks. I made a saddle using these instructions for one of my boats and don't intend to ever go back to thigh straps.

[Arthur Bowie]

that's a good one... thanks randy.