What feature of a canoe helps to balance the weight when carrying?

The yoke is the feature of a canoe that assists with balancing the weight when carrying. It is a crosspiece that typically extends across the canoe, providing a central carrying point that helps evenly distribute the weight on the shoulders of the person carrying it. This design allows for better control and balance as the canoe is lifted and transported, reducing the risk of tipping or losing stability during transit.

Other features of the canoe, while important for different functions, do not specifically contribute to weight distribution in the manner that the yoke does. For instance, a thwart serves as a cross brace that adds structural integrity to the canoe, while a keel helps with stability and tracking in the water but does not aid in carrying. The term "dorado" does not pertain to canoe anatomy, as it refers to a type of fish. Thus, while all the features listed have their purposes, the yoke is uniquely designed to enhance balance and ease of carrying.