Prospector Canoes

FAQ

What are some advantages of the Prospector design?

The Prospector design is a beloved classic and by far the most popular canoe we build. Known as "the workhorse of the Canadian north," this canoe was historically used for hauling goods on Canada's original superhighway systems: rivers.

Today, the lines of the Prospector lend themselves perfectly to recreational canoe trippers and expeditionists who want to spend extended time in the backcountry. The wide beam and depth of the Prospector hull afford a higher capacity and allow paddlers to bring everything they'll need for adventures on the water. The generous beam also makes the Prospector a stable and comfortable canoe.

The moderate rocker of the hull design makes the Prospector responsive enough to tackle moving water capably, while maintaining decent tracking ability on large lakes. Because the hull is symmetrical, the Prospector can be paddled solo or tandem. Ultimately, this versatility is the Prospector's greatest asset.

What are some disadvantages of the Prospector design?

The Prospector is a canoe that is designed to be paddled while loaded. Because of its depth, when a Prospector is paddled empty, it tends to sit high in the water, making it more susceptible to being blown around in the wind.

Counteract this by using ballast in your canoe when you're heading out without a load. If you will never or rarely be carrying much gear in your canoe, consider looking at the models in our Recreational Series instead.

Another potential disadvantage of the Prospector design is efficiency. Think of the Prospector like an all-terrain SUV — rugged, capable, and adventurous, but not designed to win a race. If you're looking for an efficient design that will allow you to cross large lakes with ease, consider the canoes in our Cruiser Series. The Cruisers are the sportscars of our line, with sleek lines, straight keels, and narrow beams that resist wind and water drag.

How long is a Prospector canoe?

Prospectors by Nova Craft Canoe are available in many lengths to suit your needs: 15', 16', 17', and 18'. The most recent addition to this category is the Prospector 14 Solo model, introduced in 2024.

How much does a Prospector canoe weigh?

Your choice of material will determine the weight, strength, and price of the canoe, so be sure to choose wisely. We make the Prospectors 15', 16', and 17' in every material we offer: from rugged SP3 plastic to our high-end Carbon-Aramid blend "Blue Steel". The 14' Solo and 18' sizes are available in our full range of composite materials.

Learn more about the materials we build here, or give us a call to discuss which material is right for you.

Why do so many canoe companies make Prospectors?

Today, many Canadian canoe manufacturers build a Prospector canoe. The original Prospector was pioneered by the legendary Chestnut Canoe Company in New Brunswick, Canada, who in turn based their design off of the canoes of voyageurs and First Nations peoples of the region. The Prospector is an icon of Canadian history, and its design is well suited to today's canoe tripper.

Many companies have interpreted its design, with varying degrees of faithfulness to the Chestnut classic. Nova Craft prides itself on a version of the Prospector that is faithful to the specifications of the Chestnut original. Paddle a few and see what you think!