Nova Craft - Prospector 16'

There's a reason the Prospector 16' has been called the workhorse of the Canadian north. Loaded with a week of gear and pointed down a remote river, this is the canoe that feels completely at home, and it has been proving that for generations of Canadian paddlers.

The shallow arch hull gives the P16 a self-righting characteristic that paddlers grow to trust deeply the more time they spend in it. It throws a dry ride in big waves and whitewater, tracks well on flatwater, and carries a full load without feeling sluggish or unpredictable. It's primarily a river tripper, but its versatility means it handles itself well in just about any conditions Canadian wilderness routes are likely to present.

*Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

*Adding options to your canoe will add to its overall weight.

 

Trim Systems

Standard aluminum gunwales are aircraft-grade, anodized, and essentially maintenance-free. They're tough, lightweight, and built to last well beyond a lifetime of paddling. If you're counting grams on the portage trail, Aluminum Lite gunwales offer a slimmer profile that shaves meaningful weight without sacrificing durability. Prefer the traditional look and feel of wood? Ash gunwales are quieter on the water, comfortable to handle in both heat and cold, and a natural choice for a canoe that spends its time moving quietly through wild country.

Aluminum Gunwales

Aluminum Lite Gunwales

Ash Gunwales

 

Materials

Fibreglass is the practical entry point: affordable, proven, and durable for paddlers who want a capable wilderness tripping canoe without the premium price. TuffStuff steps things up with a basalt and Innegra fibre construction that's noticeably lighter and tough enough for serious backcountry use. TuffStuff Expedition builds in even greater impact resistance for demanding expedition travel and whitewater. For portage-heavy routes, Aramid Lite delivers Nova Craft's lightest layup in a flatwater-focused hull. Blue Steel combines aramid and carbon fibre for a canoe that's both light and stiff, with a proven record on long northern expeditions.

• Fibreglass: 64 lb / 29 kg
• TuffStuff: 54 lb / 24.5 kg
• TuffStuff Expedition: 60 lb / 27.2 kg
• Aramid Lite: 44 lb / 20 kg
• Blue Steel: 47 lb / 21.3 kg
• Gunwale options: Aluminum, Aluminum Lite, or Ash
• Hull: Shallow arch, self-righting characteristics
• Best use: River tripping, wilderness canoe tripping, whitewater, open water
• Made in Canada: London, Ontario