Know the carrying capacity of your hull.
Depth also determines a canoe's ability to carry a load.
When loading rockered playboats and river-runners, maneuverability is more quickly lost. Flat-bottomed canoe hulls are least affected by loading, as they remain stable and slow. The canoe's width and its effect on speed is related to length. Beam can be greater with longer boats and not adversely affect speed. Sport boats tend to be wider to create stability and increase payload.