Prospector 16′

The Chestnut Prospector has probably been described more often in text than any other canoe, it’s just that popular. Our version of this venerable craft is faithful to the original. Since 1984, we’ve gone out of our way to continue the tradition so future generations of paddlers can enjoy this icon of Canadian history.

The Workhorse of the Canadian north, our Prospector 16’ feels most at home loaded with gear on a remote wilderness lake or river. While it is best suited for river tripping, it remains versatile enough to be a good all round canoe. With experience, the self-righting aspects of the shallow arch hull will become apparent and confidence levels will soar. Whats more, it provides a very dry ride in big waves and whitewater. It is simply the best all round wilderness tripping canoe available.

Made in Canada.

Category:

AMBASSADOR TESTIMONIALS

KEVIN CALLAN

KEVIN CALLAN

THE HAPPY CAMPER

Nova Craft has been my choice of canoe since the beginning. My preference is their Prospector. It's the perfect choice if you're just going to have one boat. It has great carrying capacity, stability in white water and on big lakes, and can be easily paddled solo if needed.

See Kevin Callan's Bio Read More Here

WAYNE AND BRAD JENNINGS

WAYNE AND BRAD JENNINGS

EXPLORE THE BACKCOUNTRY

We’ve racked up over 2500km on this canoe. She’s taken us all over North America and survived everything we’ve thrown at her from wild rivers to bushwhack portages to pins. If we’re embarking on an expedition with unknown or varying water conditions you can be sure we’ll be paddling the Prospector.

See Wayne and Brad Jennings Bio

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Fiberglass: 64lb / 29kg
TuffStuff: 54lb / 24.5kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 60lb / 27.2kg
Aramid Lite: 44lb / 20kg
Blue Steel: 47lb / 21.3kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions
Length: 16′ / 488cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 15″ / 38.1cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 2.5″ / 6.4cm
Capacity: 1000lb / 454kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker
· Available with or without shoe keel in some materials. Weights listed above are for no-keel versions.

See Our Options Section

Send us a review: [email protected]


I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations on creating one of the most influential products for my business. I guide multi-day whitewater adventures in Alaska and have found the perfect tool to do so. The Prospector canoe is everything you want when playing in whitewater. Maneuverability is king when you are in challenging rapids and the age old problem has been maneuvering a loaded canoe. The prospector maintains maneuverability when fully loaded and in many ways maneuvers better when loaded. In addition it is capable of carrying so much gear that I find myself bringing everything I want to have for a week long adventure and having available space to carry half of the gear other boaters bring along. The Prospector has changed my perspective on whitewater canoeing from a difficult challenge to a true pleasure. Thank you for making such a great canoe.

Anthony Mustered
ACA Canoe Instructor
Wilderness guide
Swiftwater Rescue Professional
Alaska Dream Adventures


Totally in love with our Prospector 16 in the Blue Steel layup. A perfect blend of performance and she’s a show stopper visually. Nimble and quick, she’ll carry what you brought and keep you dry.

Dave Johnstone
thecanoecollector.com