Swift Canoes Prospector 16

A Brilliantly Lightweight Tandem Family Open Canoe

The Swift Canoes Prospector 16 possibly the most popular Swift canoe in their brilliant range. The Prospector shape is one of the oldest shapes on canoe and is well loved by all, while all manufacturers will have a Prospector 16 in their range Swift have made their canoe stand out from the crowd. Swift cleaned the lines and brought the widest point of the canoe up higher on the side, then tucking the tumble home in to the top of the freeboard giving a really great on the water feel. This also allows for the bow paddler to feel a lot more comfortable either in a seat or kneeling position feeling like they do not have to reach way over the sides. A very rounded chine area from end to end allows for a very controllable canoe in both wind and waves, while still giving a consistent feeling stability. Filling in the hollows at the bow and stern of the canoes entry and exit lines allows for a smoother, better feel as it cuts through the water.

This canoe is ideal for a range of paddlers from entry level to experts. Whether you are looking for a canoe for 2 person tandem day paddling and or tripping, as well as a canoe that can do solo paddling or even a canoe for the family to go out in, the Prospector 16 can really do it all.

While Swift offer a range of materials the most popular is their Kevlar Fusion, this is because it offers the best strength to weight ratio of any laminate material. Constructed with a urethane resin system for top durability and longevity along with a thin layer of exterior gel coat. The hull is made up of an exterior layer of polyester as well as S-Glass and kevlar cloth layers sandwiching a durable foam cored ribbing system. The laminate fused together with a high impact and flexible urethane acrylate resin system injected during high pressure infusion process produces an optimal dispersion and laminate consistency. Based on a laminate material construction Kevlar Fusion is a popular material as it offers great abrasion and impact resistance. Swift Canoes have also developed a UV shield that they are now using on all their hulls for even better protection. This shield helps to reduce the impact of UV on Swift laminates and also reduces the overall canoe weight slightly. The UV shield also adds some scratch resistance to the hull, while scratches will initially still be visible, after some 303 aerospace protectant being applied to the hull scratches are much less visible, if visible at all, with deeper scratches being protected again. Scratches are far less of a concern on a Swift Canoe due to them being impregnated with the resin meaning the laminate material of a Swift hull is never exposed like other brands laminates. Don't forget as with any laminate boat, a single application of this protectant will only last for a couple of trips. These canoes are stunning in their construction and can be finished in some wonderful colours giving the best vibrant exterior look.

A brilliant lightweight trim is crucial when paddlers are looking for a lightweight canoe and Swift canoes do not disappoint with their Carbon Kevlar Trim. Using their unique process enables them to infuse the canoe hull and gunwales together as one part making a bond between the hull and trim. This stunning looking trim is maintenance free meaning this super lightweight canoe is a pleasure to use

To finish the outfitting of the Swift Canoes Prospector 16 they use a lovely Cherry wood for both the yoke and thwart as well as the structure for their contoured seat in the bow and the stern. This is ideal for giving not only a top level of comfort when sitting or kneeling but also giving a brilliant classic overall look.

Versa Bow Seat: Swift Canoes are always looking for ways in which to improve their canoes, on the water performance and comfort. The Versa Bow Seat has been designed to allow a tandem canoe to be solo 'd much more easily, when reverse paddling this symmetrical hulled canoe. Paddlers often paddle from the front seat facing the rear seat when soloing to trim the canoe for a better solo paddle experience. Swift have extended the depth of the front/bow seat by a full webbing strap, which moves the paddler slightly closer to that trim sweet spot solo paddlers look for. To add to this Swift have also rolled the rear edge of the seat just like the traditional front edge of the seat to take the weight and pressure out of the underside of the paddlers legs. When traditionally tandem paddling using the Versa seat there is no real change, other than a slightly more comfortable seat for larger posteriors.

Prospector 16 Combi - 3 Seats: The combi version of the Prospector 16 replaces the cherry wood carrying yoke with a cherry wood centre seat. This is ideal if you are a family of 3 looking to take a child out on the water with you. It also gives you a more versatile for paddling solo, where some paddlers like to take the bow seat and paddle the canoe backwards to get a better trim a centre seat gives a better trim in certain conditions for a lovely on the water feel.

Swift Canoes are one of the leading manufacturers in lightweight laminate canoes and can also offer as massive range of bespoke custom outfitting options, so you really can make your dream canoe. For some of the options in materials, trims and optional extra outfitting's take a look out our ' Materials & Trim' or 'Custom Options' Tabs. We import and advertise the top selling Swift Canoe models, specs and colours based on UK paddling, however we are always more than happy to help if there is a custom model, material, trim, colour or outfitting option you require for your dream canoe.

Please Note: Custom option lightweight Swift Canoes generally have a longer lead time and it is best to Contact Us to enquire about spec, price and current lead times. For more UK stock options check out the Swift Canoes Range.