This feature is inherent in the breed and is ultimately responsible for the type's sparkling performance. To effect proper trim attitude, the solo paddler must be situated in the center of the canoe. The canoe must be narrow enough at this point for the canoeist to reach the water comfortably with the paddle and stroke efficiently. In other words, speed is a factor of length. I might mention that once you've tasted the effortless, driving speed of a fast canoe, you'll never be quite the same.
Speed is necessary for beating out a thunderstorm or reaching a distant campsite before dark.
A canoe that is too long can become unmanageable in conditions of heavy wind and sea. It may also be awkward to handle out of the water. The proper length for efficient, high performance touring is about sixteen feet, plus or minus six inches. A sport canoe would probably not have the intense tracking qualities of a pure touring boat. They are a joy to paddle and are convenient and lightweight.