I'm a short little lightweight guy, and my sit stick shows 9 1/4" from back band to center of gravity. So might want to make one for yourself.

But then, every boat builder ought to fix himself up with a sitting stick; it's great for locating everything between the bulkheads instantly and positively. It's one of the handier items I've provided myself with since getting into this nutty hobby.

Also, I quit installing backbands in my yaks after removing the one in my Outer Island a couple years ago. Don't miss 'em one little bit. Dang sure don't have one in my canoe. Just thought I'd throw that little tidbit in.

: I've used the sitting on a board on a dowel to find my body weight center,
: and it is 12 inches forward of my lower back. As a result, I've always
: positioned the backband (with me sitting against it) so it's 12 inches
: back from the COB, and I put the back of the cockpit 4 more inches back to
: help with layback rolls.