Entry Lines

By Nick Pritchard

What may seem to be a relatively subtle difference, entry lines have a large impact on the performance of a canoe. There are two basic entry line designs; sharp and blunt. There are then a large array of "mediums".

Sharp Entry Line

Sharp entry lines are just like they sound, they come to a fine point. This type of entry line provides you with good efficiency because it parts the water well. It also tracks better than a comparable boat with a blunt entry line. Sharp entry lines are most commonly found on touring boats made of a composite or wood. That is because it is difficult to get a sharp entry line when using plastic.

Blunt Entry Line

Blunt entry lines are often found on plastic boats as mentioned above. They are significantly more rounded than a sharp entry line. A blunt entry line is more maneuverable than a comparable boat with sharp entry lines because they do not "dig in" to the water as much. Blunt entry lines also provide you with more buoyancy in rough water because they do not cut through the waves like sharp lines do. Blunt entry lines are also more durable than sharp entry lines because they do not come to such a fine point. However, blunt entry lines are less efficient that sharp entry lines. Blunt entry lines are widely used on whitewater or river running boats.


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