Nova Craft Prospector 15 - Blue Steel

Ultra Lightweight Traditional Prospector

The Nova Craft Prospector 15 in a lightweight Blue Steel laminate construction is a perfect open canoe for paddlers wanting a boat that is easy to deal with both on and off the water. Perfect for solo lifting and loading easily from cars and taller vehicles thanks to its lightweight nature.

On the water the Prospector 15 as predictable handling making it perfect for use on a range of paddling from flat fresh water to mild white water. A moderate rocker make turning the Prospector 15 easy whether paddling solo or tandem. Thanks to the symmetrical hull this canoe is super versatile allowing regular tandem paddling, however should you want to paddle solo the paddler can sit on the front seat and paddle the canoe the other way. This allows the canoe to be better trimmed, distributing the weight more evenly for better on the water paddling. A shallow arch running left to right of the hull enables the Prospector 15 - Blue Steel to be heeled over which is required when experienced paddlers want top level control. High freeboard (sides) to this open canoe makes newer paddlers feel much more confident straight away as it gives a feeling of safety away from the water, while for more experienced paddlers it allows them to take on trickier water knowing they have added protection from water splashing into the Prospector 15.

To keep the lightweight nature of the Blue Steel Prospector 15 Nova Craft have opted to use light & durable Anodised Aluminium Gunwales. Internally Nova Craft have outfitted the Prospector with Ash wood, varnished bootlace seats which are brilliantly comfortable, making them superb for keeping everyone comfortable when on the water all day. A Deep-dish varnished ash wood carrying yoke is ideal for any portages and a pleasure to use. To match throughout the thwart & handles are also constructed from ash wood with a varnished finish. Ensuring that there is no obligation to have to outfit the Prospector 15, as no one really wanted to drill holes into a laminate canoe, Nova Craft have fitted buoyancy tanks in both the bow and the stern. These floatation tanks offer enough buoyancy for regular fresh water paddling uses.

The Blue Steel construction is where all the magic really happens. This laminate is made from a 50/50 Aramid & Carbon Fibre cloth with strips of Basalt and Innegra woven fabric that is placed in strategic areas. This make up offers a lightweight canoe like a Nova Craft Aramid Lite laminate boat, but being significantly stronger. The Carbon Fibre element to this cloth gives an amazing looking finish but also adds stiffness, this stiffness offers better on the water paddling performance that is more efficient which is ideal for those paddlers who are tripping. The clear coat finish means it is possible to still see the weave and ensures that if any repairs are ever needed using a clear gel coat means it would blend well and be far less visible.

While these canoes are strong and have some impact resistance they are most at home on flat waters or in the right hands on some mild grade moving waters. They like all laminate canoes do not like having impacts with rocks etc. However should an impact occur all is not lost Blue Steel canoes can be repaired with little fuss.

As with all Nova Craft Laminate Open Canoes it is possible to custom spec your dream canoe with all the optional extras you desire. We are able to assist in deciding on which custom outfitting would best work with options like External Skid Plates, Kneeling Thwarts, Custom Colours, Wooden Gunwales Etc. For custom canoe ETAs and pricing quote contact us on 01603 747139 or drop us an email.