Spring 2015
Volume 7
TUFFSTUFF IS HERE!! For decades Royalex was the go-to material for canoeists looking for durability and when the news came that it was discontinued, canoe manufacturers began searching for alternatives to make robust boats suitable for some whitewater. A few plastic options came to our attention but they proved to be impractical or incompatible with current manufacturing techniques. After a while it became apparent that a new approach was going to be needed and that’s when the “thinking outside the box” began in earnest. Our research led us to a new composite material being used in many different fields including whitewater squirt boats, helmets, paddles, surfboards and even hockey sticks. Of course being Canadian, this piqued our interest, and so began our examination of Basalt/Innegra cloth. We hired a materials testing lab to do some comparisons of Royalex to Basalt/Innegra and it quickly became obvious that we were on the right path. Basalt fibre is made of melted basalt rock and Innegra is a fibre consisting mostly of polypropylene. Neither material on its own would be the solution we were after, but when they are woven together into a cloth, the result is simply amazing! When the first test sample pieces started coming out of our composites department we could tell right away we were onto something special. Our initial in-house strength tests had one composite expert with decades in the industry exclaim in amazement, “Man, that’s tough stuff!” We decided to move forward and make a few canoes out of Basalt/Innegra and TuffStuff was born! Beyond strength, TuffStuff canoes offer other advantages over thermoformed plastic canoes. They are much stiffer, which leads to greatly improved performance and efficiency. Easy glide and faster response are evident after only a few paddle strokes. TuffStuff is also lighter than plastic boats with our Prospector 16’ coming in at 54 lbs in our standard TuffStuff layup. Our whitewater ready TuffStuff Expedition layup is only 59 lbs, making it easy to paddle and portage! As with all composite canoes, long-term durability will no doubt prove to be exceptional. We still regularly have fiberglass Nova Craft canoes made in the 70’s coming in for minor repairs. Plastic canoes with decades of use reach a point where repairs are no longer feasible. You can see our introductory TuffStuff video on our YouTube channel. The highlight of this video is a canoe getting impact-tested with a sledgehammer, and not showing any signs of damage. After that came our now famous Canoe Drop video where a TuffStuff Expedition Canoe sails off our 100’ warehouse roof and survives to be paddled right afterward. Most recently our friends from MEC in Calgary put up an amazing video ( YouTube search "MEC canoe testing" ) to show an incredibly rough day on the river with a Prospector 16. Check it out. We think you will agree, “That’s TuffStuff!”
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Spring 2015
CONTENTS 3
Having a Positive Attitude written by Kevin Callan
11
Recreational Series Canoes
4
Dateline: Rio Grande River, Big Bend National Park, Texas written by Wayne and Brad Jennings
12
Recreational, Whitewater & Outfitter Series Canoes
5
Solo on the Kesagami written by Jim Baird
13
Cruiser Series Canoes
6
The Blue Dot Movement written by Grant Linney
14
Materials, Accessories & Options, Glossary of Terms
8
Canoe Specifications
10
Prospector Series Canoes
15
Choosing the Right Canoe for You & Trim Systems
3 4 6
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I BUY A CANOE? Think of a canoe as a long term investment; you will probably go through a few computers, TVs, and even vehicles before you start to see the end of your canoe’s usefulness. The longevity of a canoe will help you create and reflect on lots of fond memories; from your first quick solo day-paddle, to a weekend adventure with your best friend, to a long expedition with a group of fellow paddlers. To choose the right canoe, please consider the following: 1. What type of paddling do you want to do? Will the canoe be used on flatwater, whitewater, or both? A great flatwater canoe will not be the best in big river rapids. Conversely a great whitewater canoe will not be the best choice for crossing lakes. A flatwater canoe should be more straight keeled to assist in tracking. It should also be shallower to reduce the effects of wind, be narrower and have finer entry lines for speed. A good whitewater canoe needs to have some rocker to facilitate quick turns. They will also be deeper and will usually have fuller ends for a drier ride. If you are looking to paddle on both flatwater and whitewater you will need a canoe with good multi-purpose characteristics. 2. What will the typical trip duration be? Will you only be out for an hour or two at the cottage or are you going to go downriver for two weeks? A typical cottage canoe can be small because it will probably only hold the paddlers and a small amount of gear. An expedition canoe will have to have a larger volume to hold all your food, tents, and packs for your entire time in the interior.
5
3. How many people will be using the canoe at one time? You need to make sure there is enough room in the canoe for everyone. A family canoe that needs to carry four people will obviously need to be bigger than one used for solo paddling. Don’t forget to include pets into the equation. Big dogs that like to move around a lot can easily be equal to one human passenger. 4. How light does it need to be for portaging and car-topping? If you plan on doing a lot of portaging you need to consider the weight of your canoe. You also need to remember that while you may not portage, you still may need to put your boat on top of your vehicle from time to time. Make sure you can lift it comfortably and safely. 5. What material is best for your needs? Composite canoes are lighter and offer better glide through the water whereas plastic boats are tougher and are more appropriate where severe impacts may occur. Whitewater canoes will need to be made of more durable materials to cope with impacts. Flatwater canoes can be made of lighter materials for portaging from lake to lake. 6. What is your budget? As a general rule, lighter canoes are more expensive. While you may have decided that you need a high end boat, the practical matter of expense must be considered.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
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HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE written by Kevin Callan The Callans ready to head out from Killarney It was our sixth day of twelve on the canoe trip. My wife, nine-year old daughter and new dog were paddling around Killarney Provincial Park. We were just coming into the more popular section, the one with the most challenging portage. A three kilometer trail was leading us from Great Mountain Lake to David Lake. Thankfully, most of it was downhill. It still took us a good three-and-a-half hours to complete. We met other paddlers en route, making the time go by quicker. The first group was a youth camp. What a great group to meet on the trail. They were singing camp songs and generally having a good time while struggling along the steep portage. The mood of the second group we met had a somewhat different flavour. It was a bunch of young guys, dressed in army fatigues, big knifes, and carrying overloaded packs. It seemed to be a trip of “survival” rather then a good time out enjoying the wilderness. They were only a quarter the way along and had started to curse and throw gear down on the portage in disgust. One of them asked my daughter how much further to the end. She looked at me and whispered “Should I lie and say they’re almost there?” A positive attitude can go a long way while on a trip. My daughter has learned that over the years. After the Great Mountain portage it began to rain, and we couldn’t find an unoccupied campsite on David Lake until we reached the very opposite end of the lake. Camp was set up late, dinner was made in the dark, but Kyla was in good spirits the entire time. She was more worried about the group of guys we met on the portage and was hoping the youth
camp had come across them to help out. True to any real canoe trip, our last day would also end up not being completely flawless. We decided to take a short cut along a creek flowing into the second last lake - Freeland. A lengthy portage was another option but we heard rumors that as long as the water level was up, we’d be able to paddle straight through. It wasn’t, and we didn’t. I counted seven colossal beaver dams that needed to be lifted over, an endless wall of giant water plants to push through, and a mere trickle of water to drag ourselves along. We should have suffered on the portage.
It also started to downpour rain on our last portage of the trip, a short carry linking Freeland to George Lake. It was here, however, that the magic of a positive attitude, especially one
A positive attitude can go a long way while on a trip. My daughter has learned that over the years. molded during a long two week canoe trip, showed itself. We were off to the side of the trail having a late lunch. Kyla didn’t want the trip to end, so she insisted we stop. It was day 12 for us and we were in our comfort zone. Other paddlers that were just heading out, were dragging themselves across a mere 300 meter trail, complaining about the rain, the bugs, their overloaded packs. Kyla was complaining about going home. It’s true what they say. A canoe trip can transform you, make you a better person, even change your life. The key to making this happen, however, is having a positive attitude - and the best way to gain that is spending the proper amount of time out there. A weekend jaunt may get you through a bad week at work. A week of paddling may even help your anxiety level during moments of crisis. But a two week canoe trip, especially with the family, can give you that zen moment for the rest of your life. Seriously! To quote the famous paddler and film maker, Bill Mason - “The path of the paddle can be a means of getting things back to their original perspective.”
Kayla in command under a watchful eye
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Spring 2015
DATELINE: RIO GRANDE RIVER, BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS written by Wayne and Brad Jennings inflatable rafts that easily bounce and bump off boulders and canyon walls, negotiating rapids up to class IV. But during the dry season, a sturdy canoe is the only way to navigate the tight turns, narrow passages, rock gardens and class I to III rapids. For this trip, we’d need something tough and durable. The new Nova Craft TuffStuff Prospector Expedition was the obvious choice. Constructed of a strong, light-weight cloth weave made up of Basalt and Innegra, and covered in a durable gel coat with skid plates affixed to bow and stern, we were ready for whatever the river would throw our way. Over the next 7 days, this boat would prove it’s worth. A joy to paddle and steer (even with a heavy load), we easily covered a distance of 170 kms., As the 4X4 pickup truck from the outfitter negotiating at least a dozen rumbled off in a cloud of dust we found ourrapids daily – most easy class I selves alone, standing on a wide gravel bar and II, with a few technical alongside the Rio Grande River, wondering class II and III thrown in for a how we would possibly fit all our stuff into our little excitement! The high small boat. raked bow and stern rocker In addition to our usual selection of gear not only look great, but were consisting of a 115 litre canoe pack, a 30 litre very useful at keeping most of food barrel, a small dry duffle and two bulky the standing waves out of the Pelican cases for photo/video gear, the National boat. We encountered lots of Park Service required us to carry some extra tight wall shots, many hidden equipment on this expedition. Four containers boulders, a few undiscovered of fresh water totaling 13 gallons, a metal fire ledges and a half-dozen pan and a bulky chemical toilet must be stowed “walks” dragging the boat as well. Not only does this extra gear take a lot across shallow rock gardens. The TuffStuff of physical space, but it adds the equivalent handled and responded impeccably. Oh sure, weight of another adult person! we scratched her up real good, but to my But to our pleasant amazement the hull surprise our Nova Craft sustained no deep Our amazing journey took us 16 ft. Prospector canoe scratches, instead it through four spectacular canyons took on more of a was very accommodating. As we begin with vertical walls rising up to ‘scuffed’ appearance. our journey downOur amazing journey 1,800 ft. above the river. stream I ‘m amazed at took us through four how high this fully spectacular canyons Around every bend was a loaded canoe sits in with vertical walls different and unique landscape. rising up to 1,800 ft. the water, and that’s a good thing, because above the river. according to all the locals, there isn’t much Around every bend was a different and unique water here this time of year. landscape. We paddled stretches of vast floodDuring the wet season, the Rio Grande River plains where river cane and cottonwood trees running through Big Bend National Park in lined the banks. There were towering buttes southwest Texas can be a fast and treacherous rising to the sky and natural hot springs bubstretch of water, run almost exclusively in bling up from the ground, and always, off in the
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
The canyons of the Rio Grande distance one or more majestic mountain ranges here in the Chihuahuan Desert. The winding Rio Grande, or as the Mexicans call it, the Rio Bravo, creates the international border with the United States on one shore and Mexico on the other. Though camping is not permitted on the Mexican side, you are allowed to stop for emergencies, portages, to line your boat and to scout rapids. It was kind of a surreal feeling, knowing you could simply pull ashore on the Mexican side in one of the many isolated canyons and exclaim, “Hey, let’s have lunch in Mexico today!” Wayne and Brad Jennings are a very enthusiastic father and son paddling team. See more of there exploits at www.explorethebackcountry.com.
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Page 5
SOLO ON THE KESAGAMI written by Jim Baird Big rapids of the Kesagami
Everything I read on paddling the Kesagami trip, I stop over at Lake Temagami for a couple River makes it sound really tough and dangernights of camping with friends, and proceed to ous. Anything on paddling the James Bay dump burning hot oil over my left hand while coast? Well, that just sounds suicidal. A couple frying fish. The blisters on my fingers are months in advance, I look for friends to join me grotesque and infection is a concern. No way on my latest (and potentially harrowing) will I cancel my trip though. Two days later, I adventure, but when no one takes the bait, I drive north from Temagami toward the Arctic decide to paddle the Watershed. river and coast alone. I decide to lead my There are not too many places shuttle driver on a wild If tackling the river with a group isn’t goose chase as I try to to camp in this country so I’ll tough enough, I worry find an alternate put-in stop early for the night if I see off the two-track Road that a solo trek is surely ludicrous, es2 northeast of a good spot. pecially when I learn Cochrane. I think cutthe whitewater secting a few kilometers tion of the Kesagami drops 200m in 35 kilomeoff my route will rest my burnt fingers, but ters. My brother asks me where I'm planning to I'm wrong. Two bug infested, trail-less bushcome up with expert class solo whitewater whacks later and all my stuff is finally at the skills, and he’s right – I haven't done much Kesagami River. Now things are going well. advanced level solo paddling. I try not to worry There are not too many places to camp in this about it. country so I’ll stop early for the night if I see a On my way to Cochrane, Ontario, to start my good spot.
Not long after massive Lake Kesagami grants me passage, I'm into the whitewater section and the blazing hot weather turns to four days of non-stop rain. The notoriously boggy portages during this particularly wet year are at their peak of horribleness. The water level is high and the river very pushy. Eddies above waterfalls are small, and I learn that it's not so easy to land a boat in a chest-deep eddy while paddling solo. Seven days later I make it out of the whitewater. It was exhilarating. The rapids are mostly short and technical but I dealt with some big standing waves too. The real dangerous part? Many of the rapids are shortly followed by a waterfall. The day after I finish the whitewater section, I paddle 50km traveling with the swift current . Soon I’m greeted by a seal at James Bay. I think I'm ready to deal with the tides but I soon realize I’m out of my element. Finally, after being stranded out on the massive flats and having to pick up and portage back to the mosquito-infested shores, I realize what’s up. High tide is the exact time when the tide starts to recede, therefore high tide means get to shore! No way I’m going to camp on the flats with the next high tide rolling in well after dark. The next day I learn it's faster and safer to stay closer to shore and push off the bottom; you have to go a long way out to where it’s deep enough in order to sink a full paddle blade. I push off the bottom for 18km on my second last day. It's sweltering out. The hottest place in the entire province today. Finally I make it to the Moose River, but I’m out of drinking water, and the brackish Moose does not quench my thirst. Bittersweet, I see Moosonee in the distance. I made it, I tell myself, I made it. Jim Baird Adventurer www.canoebeyond.com
Stuck on Hudson Bay waiting for the tide
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Page 6
Spring 2015
THE BLUE DOT MOVEMENT written by Grant Linney Canada is the second thus lack the oversight and monitoring to largest nation on earth, ensure the environmental health and home to 20% of the wellbeing of nearby communities. One in two globe’s fresh water, Canadians live in regions with unsafe levels 20% of its wilderness, of air pollution and, at any given moment, and an incredible there are more than one thousand boil water diversity of landscapes advisories across the nation. It is entirely extending to three possible that our current generation of oceans. When we sing children may have shorter lives than their of our “true north strong parents. and free”, images of There are 110 nations in the world whose natural bounty and beauty invariably come to citizens have the right to breathe clean air, mind. They are a key part of our national drink clean water and live in a healthy identity. It seems that Canadians consistently environment. Canada is not one of them. Two express deep pride in national organizations, our natural heritage Ecojustice (formerly the as well as active Sierra Legal Defense Large industrial projects are concern about any Fund) and the David too often approved without environmental Suzuki Foundation, problems that have now taken up the adequate and publicly threaten the people challenge of rectifying transparent environmental and places we love. this oversight. Their However, there coast-to-coast-to-coast assessments; they thus lack is a growing gap campaign is known as the oversight and monitoring between what we the Blue Dot Movesay we value and ment, named for the to ensure the environmental what is actually unique way that the health and wellbeing happening. Canada Earth is seen from currently ranks space. The five-year of nearby communities. second last out of 25 goal of this initiative is OECD (Organization an amendment to the for Economic Cooperation and Development) Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that countries in terms of environmental performwill guarantee every Canadian’s right to a ance. Large industrial projects are too often healthy environment. approved without adequate and publicly But, “first things first.” In order to build a transparent environmental assessments; they strong national base and to shift views on a
massive scale, the Blue Dot Movement seeks to first engage the grassroots. It wants people across the country to sign petitions urging their local municipalities to issue declarations of the right to a healthy environment. Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria, and Richmond have already passed such statements. On February 25, 2015, Hamilton became the twenty-third community in Canada as well as the very first one in Ontario to issue the declaration. Once enough municipalities have done so, the next step is for each province to include similar wording in an environmental bill of rights. Then, with at least seven of ten provinces representing at least 50% of the population onside, the movement’s attention will turn to the Charter. Would you like to add your voice to this great nationwide initiative? Go to www.bluedot.ca/join-us
Grant Linney is a career outdoor and environmental educator. In 2012, he was presented with a national teaching award for “Outstanding Environmental Educator, K-12” from EECOM, The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. Grant is serving as a lead person for Hamilton’s Blue Dot Movement. Grant and his wife Nancy continue to enjoy their 17-foot spectra-kevlar Nova Craft Prospector canoe. Past trips have included the Spanish, Missanaibi, Dumoine and Petawawa Rivers as well as along the north shore of Lake Superior.
Nancy and Grant on the Petawawa
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Spring 2015
Activity
Falcon
R Q
Eagle
Q E
Tripper*
R Q
Haida*
R Q E
Cronje
R Q E
Trapper Solo
R S Q
Teddy Kids
R Q
Bob Special**
R Q
Pal
R Q
Muskoka*
R S Q
Prospector 15’*
R T W
Prospector 16’** R T W
Prospector 18’
T E W
OUTFITTER SERIES
Prospector 17’** T E W
Prospector 15’
R T W
Prospector 16’
R T W
Prospector 17’
T E W
WHITEWATER
PROSPECTOR
RECREATIONAL
CRUISER
SPECS
Moisie
T E W
Ocoee Solo Supernova Solo
W
T W
Length
Fibreglass* TuffStuff
16’ 488 cm 17’ 518 cm 16’ 488cm 17’ 518 cm 17’ 518 cm
~ ~ ~ ~ 64 lb 29.1kg 68 lb 30.8 kg ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ 53lb 24.1kg 57lb 25.9kg 55lb 25.0kg
Aramid Lite 46 lb 20.5 kg 48 lb 21.8 kg 45 lb 20.9kg 49 lb 22.3 kg 47 lb 21.4 kg
TuffStuff Blue Steel T-Formex T-Formex Expedition Plus ~ 47 lb ~ ~ ~ 21.4 kg ~ ~ ~ 48 lb ~ ~ ~ 21.8 kg ~ ~ 58lb 46 lb 60lb ~ 26.4kg 20.9kg 27.3kg ~ 62lb 50 lb 64lb ~ 28.2kg 22.7 kg 29.1kg ~ 60lb 47 lb 59lb ~ 27.3kg 21.4 kg 26.8kg ~
12’ 366cm 12’ 366cm 15’ 457cm 16’ 488cm 16’ 488cm
45lb 20.5kg 45lb 20.5kg 58lb 26.4kg ~ ~ 66lb 30.0kg
34lb 15.5kg 34lb 15.5kg 45lb 20.5kg 49lb 22.3kg 50lb 22.7kg
29lb 13.2kg 29lb 13.2kg 40lb 18.2kg 44lb 20kg 46lb 20.9kg
36lb 16.4kg 37lb 16.5kg 49lb 22.2kg 54lb 24.5kg 54lb 24.5kg
30lb 13.6kg 30lb 13.6kg 42lb 19.1kg 46lb 20.9kg 46lb 20.9kg
39lb 17.7kg 39lb 17.7kg 58lb 26.4kg 58lb 26.4kg ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
15’ 457cm 16’ 488cm 17’ 518cm 18’ 548cm
65lb 29.5kg 69lb 31.4kg 72lb 32.7kg ~ ~
50lb 22.7kg 54lb 24.5kg 58lb 26.4kg ~ ~
42lb 19.1kg 45lb 20.5kg 48lb 21.8kg ~ ~
56lb 25.5kg 59lb 27kg 63lb 28.6kg ~ ~
45lb 20.5kg 48lb 21.8kg 52lb 23.6kg ~ ~
60lb 27.3kg 64lb 29.1kg 68lb 30.8kg 70lb 31.8kg
70lb 31.8kg 74lb 33.6kg 80lb 36.4kg 84lb 38.2kg
15’ 457cm 15.6” 472cm 17” 518cm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
16’ 6” 506cm 11’ 3” 344cm 14’ 10” 452cm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ 50lb 22.7kg
~ ~ ~ ~ 44lb 20kg
67lb 30.5kg 38lb 17.3kg 52lb 23.6kg
77lb 35kg 44lb 20kg 58lb 26.4kg
Actual weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary. *Composites – Shoe keel only. ** Composites – Specify with or without shoe keel (no keel +2 to 3lb). Specifications subject to change without notice.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
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Page 9
SP3
WIDTH
BOW DEPTH
CENTER DEPTH
STERN DEPTH
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
34” 86.4cm 34” 86.4cm 35” 88.9cm 36” 91.5cm 35” 88.9cm
20.5” 52cm 20” 50cm 22” 55.9cm 22” 55.9cm 21” 53.5cm
14” 35.5cm 14” 35.5cm 14” 35.5cm 14” 35.5cm 13” 33cm
18.5” 47cm 18.5” 47cm 22” 55.9cm 22” 55.9cm 21” 53.5cm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
34” 86.4cm 34” 86.4cm 35” 88.9cm 34” 86.4cm 35” 88.9cm
18” 45.7cm 18” 45.7cm 21” 53.4cm 20” 50.8cm 21” 53.5cm
13” 33cm 13” 33cm 14” 35.5cm 13” 33cm 14” 35.5cm
18” 45.7cm 18” 45.7cm 21” 53.4cm 20” 50.8cm 21” 53.5cm
ROCKER
minimal minimal minimal minimal minimal
ACTIVITY
CAPACITY
800lb 364kg 1000lb 455kg 1000lb 455kg 1200lb 545kg 1000lb 455kg
R RECREATION: Good all-round canoe for entry level or family paddlers. Safe, stable, comfortable.
S SPORT: Good for hunters, anglers and dog owners. Stable platform in an easy-to-paddle canoe.
Q QUIET WATER TOURING: minimal minimal minimal minimal minimal
490lb 223kg 490lb 223kg 800lb 364kg 800lb 364kg 900lb 409kg
Fast hull that paddles efficiently, turns easily and tracks well. Better suited to lakes and deep rivers.
T RIVER TRIPPING: High-volume, rugged hauler able to carry large loads in flatwater and whitewater.
E EXPEDITION: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
36” 91.4cm 36” 91.4cm 36” 91.4cm 36” 91.4cm
23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm
15” 38cm 15” 38cm 15” 38cm 15” 38cm
23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm
2.5” 6.4cm 2.5” 6.4cm 2.5” 6.4cm 2.5” 6.4cm
850lb 386kg 1000lb 455kg 1200lb 545kg 1400kg 636kg
75lbs 34kg 83lbs 38kg 99lbs 45kg
36” 91.4cm 35” 90cm 36” 91.5cm
23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm
14.5” 36cm 14.5” 36cm 14.5” 36cm
23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm 23” 58.5cm
2” 5cm 2” 5cm 2” 5cm
850lb 386kg 900lb 409kg 1200lb 544kg
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
34” 86.4cm 25” 63.5cm 32” 81.2cm
26” 66cm 21.5” 54.6cm 23” 54.4cm
15” 38cm 15.5” 39.4cm 15” 38cm
26” 66cm 21.5” 54.6cm 23” 54.4cm
4” 10cm 5.5” 14cm 2.5” 6.4cm
1100lb 500kg 500lb 227kg 850lb 386kg
Serious boats for long trips. High volume ends mean increased seaworthiness. Optional spray skirts keep you dry and warm.
W
WHITEWATER: Highly maneuverable, fast and robustly constructed. More rocker in keel and high volume ends to shed waves and keep you dry.
Photo by Kristian Olauson
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Spring 2015
PROSPECTOR SERIES Prospector 15’
Prospector 16’
The Prospector 15 is a scaled-down version of our larger Prospectors that's faithful to the original lines in every way. You get all the great handling features that make the Prospector a paddling legend in a package that's a bit smaller and more responsive. The P15 is an ideal choice for paddlers who want a tripping boat but don't need the extra volume. Its extra responsiveness also makes the P15 a fun tandem playboat.
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 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. What’s more, it provides a very dry ride in big waves and whitewater. It is simply the best all round wilderness tripping canoe available.
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
Prospector 17’
Prospector 18’
If you want a canoe that will handle a month's worth of supplies to head out on a wilderness adventure, this is the canoe for you. In the Prospector 17 you'll find all the great things that have made this canoe a paddling legend in places like the Yukon and the Canadian Arctic. With lots of volume to keep you and your gear dry in whitewater, it still tracks well with good hull speed on flatwater. Our durable materials and classic Prospector lines make the P17 the ultimate wilderness extended tripping canoe.
The cargo capacity of the Prospector 18 model can only be described as massive. The Prospector lines produce a canoe that feels deceptively light and responsive, but there's tons of space to pack in a load of supplies for any expedition with room left over to toss in the kitchen sink. The P18 is a big boat with straighter tracking than our shorter Prospectors. It's perfect for the wilderness traveler intent on expedition style adventures or a large family wanting to travel in one canoe.
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
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RECREATIONAL SERIES Teddy 12’
Bob Special 15’
This original Chestnut Canoe Company design with Nova Craft innovation offers a craft that is perfect for children. Kids will love to be able to take it out on their own and enjoy spending time on the water in a canoe that they can manage easily. Outfitting your children with the right equipment is as essential to water safety as supervision. Ensure that the kids will be safe on the water with this stable and easy-to-use canoe. The Teddy is all about comfort with safety in mind for the kids. It will carry them and all the gear they'll need for a small journey as it requires minimal effort to keep it gliding on the water. The featherweight of this craft also allows them to move it in and out of the water with ease. The Teddy will allow kids to have fun in their exploration of the outdoors without the frustration of complicated, technical and never-ending instruction. Keep quiet and watch them learn!
The Chestnut Canoe Company responded to the need for a lightweight canoe well suited to solo tripping and casual tandem paddling by introducing the versatile Bob Special. While the canoe was very stable due to its larger than normal width, the hull shape was optimized for performance resulting in a canoe that was remarkably fast. Our version is based on the Chestnut original with some improvements to increase speed and sea worthiness. It is ideally suited as a tandem day-tripper yet large enough for a weekend canoe trip. It really shines when paddled solo by a competent paddler. The Bob has a unique blend of characteristics that produce a canoe novice paddlers can enjoy yet experts can savour.
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
Muskoka 15’ 10”
PAL 16’
The Muskoka is a traditional canoe designed to provide comfort and safety for anyone looking for a canoe suitable for light recreational use. Easy weekend trips or poking around the lakes and rivers near a cottage are where this canoe will excell. The Muskoka has enough carrying capacity for a young family, yet it provides enough stability to make an outing with kids and dogs enjoyable. The traditional lines of this canoe make it a joy to paddle, but those same lines make the Muskoka a pleasure to contemplate resting on your dock as you sit in your chair and enjoy a favourite beverage while the sun sets.
During its long history of building canoes, the Chestnut Canoe Company produced a range of models they called Pleasure canoes. One model proved to have such universal appeal that it became the definition of a general-purpose craft. This model began life as the Ajax but it grew to be so popular that it was renamed PAL to reflect the affection owners felt while using it. Nova Craft has painstakingly reproduced the lines of the original PAL to provide today’s paddlers with the opportunity to own one of the best general-purpose traditional canoes ever made. The PAL is a new addition to our line up and it's a great choice for paddlers who want a canoe that does it all well. Nicely suited for flatwater trips or short outings for sightseeing or fishing, the PAL handles rough water well and feels comfortable in windy conditions. Indeed, it’s a pleasure to paddle either tandem or solo. Once you paddle one you’ll know why owners call it “My PAL”.
• flat bottom • slight rocker • symmetrical • with keel
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
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Spring 2015
RECREATIONAL
WHITEWATER
Trapper 12’ Solo
Supernova 14’ 10” Solo
This Chestnut Canoe was originally built with the outdoorsman of the early 1900s in mind. Chestnut’s mission was to design a craft that would enable outdoorsmen to paddle small creeks as well as large lakes and be small enough to get through the then nonexistent portage trails at the same time. To meet these unique needs, The Chestnut Canoe Company brought something efficient yet maneuverable into production. For the modern canoeist, both the primary and secondary stability of The Trapper are reassuring, though its stability does not sacrifice its speed. It has lots of space, for everything from a day of fishing to a week of tripping in the back country. It is a great canoe to use for improving your “J” stroke and can also be used with a double blade paddle. The Trapper combines the enjoyment of a stable fishing platform with the benefits of a small and light craft for portaging into small productive lakes.
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
OUTFITTER SERIES SP3 Prospector 15’, 16’ and 17’
Shown is Prospector 16’
The Supernova was designed as the ideal solution for the paddler who loves to do solo wilderness river trips. While the Supernova hull characteristics do what you'd expect from a white water boat – like keep you dry and effortlessly surf a wave – where you really appreciate the canoe is the flat water sections in between the frothy stuff. The Supernova would be most appreciated by experienced paddlers who enjoy messing around in rapids. Even though it comes to life in the rough stuff, it retains enough of a quiet nature that it won't feel out of place for a casual paddle on the local pond. In the hands of a competent paddler the Supernova is an excellent dance partner.
Moisie 16’ 6”
One of the most outstanding wild rivers in Canada is the namesake for Nova Craft's new expedition canoe, the Moisie. It is an incredible tripping canoe for modern day explorers who want to tackle whitewater with big waves and deep holes. The symmetrical shape, deep hull, large volume ends and 4” of rocker makes for lots of manoeuvrability and a dry ride in the big stuff. At 34” wide the Moisie still has enough speed on the flat sections to get you to the next set of rapids with ease. The Moisie has plenty of carrying capacity for extended river expeditions. Surfing, sideslipping and ferrying in and out of rapids are all handled with ease. Whether you're just out to enjoy a day of play in whitewater or you're about to head out on a month long expedition, the Moisie is an amazing canoe that can make even a newcomer to paddling look like an expert.
Ocoee 11’ 3” The Outfitter models have the same performance characteristics as our famous Prospector models, but are made from a tough 3 layer polyethylene plastic that withstands hard knocks and extensive use. Because the material is nearly indestructible, it makes them attractive to owners who plan to subject them to hard use with little maintenance. While the Outfitters are our heaviest boats, they are also the most affordable canoes we produce. Outfitted with extra-durable plastic seats, these canoes are ideal for canoe liveries and rental shops since they will give many years of faithful service at an attractive price. For a family looking for a canoe they can leave knocking around at the cottage, they'll have a canoe that should last a lifetime. • shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
One of the most popular solo whitewater "playboat" canoes ever produced, the Ocoee is an extremely flexible boat suitable for creeking and general river running. It is a very predictable canoe yet is still able to accomplish dynamic and aggressive moves in the most challenging whitewater. Even though it is forgiving enough to accommodate beginners, it is an outstanding OC1 for slalom competitions. With practice the Ocoee is definitely a canoe that anyone can handle. The hard chines and flat bottom create a "carving edge" that taps into the power of the river making for tighter turns that let you snap it in and out of eddies with ease. The hull has a compound tumblehome on the sides that gives it remarkable secondary stability compared to other open playboat canoe designs. The pronounced rocker and flat bottom means the boat holds its momentum and angle, carves effortlessly, loves to surf and runs even big waves with unmatched dryness.
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CRUISER SERIES
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Falcon 16’
Cronje (Crone-yeh) 17’ • shallow arch • straight keel • asymmetrical
The Chestnut Canoe Company designed the Cronje to be a fast, reliable canoe for people who have a destination in mind. The design is rich in history and is a very able performer. Our reproduction of this venerable canoe retains both the paddling characteristics and the tradition of the original. The Cronje is ideally suited to paddlers who want to challenge big, open water by covering distance with ease. Fast lines and excellent tracking make it a joy to use. Cargo capacity isn't compromised for speed and the canoe handles well both with a load and empty. Its lower profile means less wind drag on the water and lower weight on the portage trail. The Cronje is most at home in landscapes with large open lakes like the famed Boundary Waters or Algonquin Park.
• shallow arch • fast entry lines • symmetrical • slight rocker
The Falcon 16 was designed for paddlers who have efficient flatwater performance in mind. Its asymmetrical hull features plumb stems, sharp entry lines, minimal rocker, and a narrow beam to get the most out of each forward stroke. Even though the Falcon is built for speed its shallow arch bottom provides a steady feel, especially when loaded for wilderness tripping. Its shallow depth allows for great reach over the sides and helps to minimize the effects of wind on the hull.
Eagle 17’
• shallow arch • straight keel • asymmetrical The Eagle 17 is the big brother to our Falcon 16 and shares all of its redeeming qualities. It features a higher volume asymmetrical design with plumb stems, fine entry lines, minimal rocker, and a narrow beam to maximize efficiency. A shallow arch bottom gives this quick canoe a steady feel especially carrying a generous compliment of camping gear into the interior. If effortless tracking and beautiful glide are what you are looking for in a large tripping canoe, the Eagle is a superb choice.
Tripper 16’
Haida 17’
The classic lines of this canoe hide the modern innovations incorporated into the hull design. While it still looks like a traditional canoe from every angle, it has an asymmetrical hull that improves speed. There is little rocker along the keel, which makes it easy to track yet provides maneuverability when you need it. This is a versatile family canoe that people can grow into. Beginners will find the stability reassuring and as paddlers become more advanced they will appreciate the faster hull and easy glide.
The Haida is the "big brother" of our Tripper model. It's asymmetrical and share all the same handling characteristics of the 16 foot canoe but it's a bit wider and a bit longer. That gives it extra carrying capacity without changing speed or handling. The added roominess and stability means it is an ideal canoe for families who want to enjoy some tripping with young children, whether it is just a weekend jaunt to a favourite park or a wilderness adventure lasting a couple of weeks. The Haida is novice friendly yet still has enough performance to appeal to experienced paddlers. Both the beginner and the expert will enjoy the Haida either for relaxation, like fishing or the adventures of a wilderness trip.
• shallow arch • straight keel with raised ends • asymmetrical
• flat bottom • straight keel with raised ends • asymmetrical
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
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MATERIALS Resin Infusion System Our unique, hightech Infusion System, adapted from the aerospace industry, offers distinct advantages over traditional boat building systems: • Eliminates human error • Drastically reduces the number of blemishes and imperfections • Dramatically improves production efficiency • Produces stronger, higher quality laminates • Reduces excess resin in the laminate • Has far less gas emissions (a plus for the environment) • Produces better, more consistent boats. Today, Nova Craft Canoe uses this unique process on every high-tech composite canoe we make. It costs us more to produce canoes this way but the quality speaks for itself. The bottom line: You get a superior, stronger lightweight canoe, made to exacting standards while we protect the environment.
Fiberglass
is a very affordable composite material with a proven track record of durability. Our fiberglass hulls are among the lightest and most rugged on the market today. We use woven fiberglass cloth, instead of chopped strand mat, to
make a truly superior hull. Most of our fiberglass models come with a shoe keel.
TuffStuff
is a cutting edge composite made of basalt and Innegra fibers. Basalt fibre is made of melted basalt rock and Innegra is a fibre consisting mostly of polypropylene. When they are woven together into a cloth and infused with our high impact vinylester resin system, the result is simply amazing! TuffStuff canoes are a great choice for paddlers looking for a light canoe for extended flatwater tripping with more than enough strength to handle lots of abuse in the back country.
Aramid Lite
The Aramid Lite is proven to have considerable longevity, increased structural strength and is lighter than our traditional Aramid material. The hull components are 100% Aramid cloth and a premium vinylester resin that is engineered for maximum elongation. The Aramid Lite remains unmatched in its weight class in terms of durability and will outlast the ompetition at a reasonable price.
TuffStuff Expedition
is a more robust heavier duty version of our standard TuffStuff construction. These canoes are an excellent choice for an expedition grade canoe for extended wilderness trips and whitewater use.
Stiff for great performance, incredible impact resistance and lightweight all in one canoe. You can see some of the severe abuse these canoes can take on our YouTube channel.
Blue Steel
Nova Craft’s exclusive BLUE STEEL is an advanced Aramid Carbon material combined with Spectra and applied through a unique infusion process. The result is a tough, rigid canoe that’s surprisingly light and easy to handle. The ideal lightweight option for expedition adventure.
SP3
canoe hulls are made by roto-molding three layers of superlinear polyethylene plastic. The two outer layers are solid and the middle layer is foam. These canoes are extremely strong and are an excellent choice for river use or general recreational use. These are the most affordable canoes we make. Our tough SP3 canoes are very popular for outfitters and rental stations.
T-Formex
is a multi-layer plastic material with a foam core manufactured into a sheet for thermoforming. Made for high-end durability, T-Formex is ideal for shallow rocky rivers and general whitewater scenarios. The major advantage to T-Formex canoes will be greater abrasion resistance compared to Royalex. Should be available in 2015.
SEATS & YOKES We could use less expensive materials, but why would we? Our philosophy has always been to give our customers the best materials available at the best possible price, and then guarantee the canoe for life, period. After all, quality endures much longer than the lure of a low price.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
Seats:
Because you’re going to be sitting on them for the better part of 15 years, you might as well be comfortable. Our exclusive nylon laced seats are beautiful to look at, tough as nails and best of all, they cradle you like your favorite chair. In fact, in almost every review written about our canoes, our seats are noted for their superb comfort and support.
Yokes:
Portaging your canoe shouldn’t be a pain in the neck. Our deluxe sculpted ash yokes fit comfortably on your shoulders and distributes weight evenly. We’ve even notched out a section for that little bone in the back of your neck. You’ll appreciate it whether your portage is 5 minutes or 5 miles. Photo by Laura E. Stanley
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CANOE COLOURS* CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANOE SP3 FOR YOU Whether you want a canoe for extreme sports, long trips or just paddling around the lake, selecting the best one for your lifestyle is an important decision. After all, we build them to last a lifetime. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to choose by following these three easy steps:
Red
Green
*Colours may not be exactly as shown.
Fibreglass, TuffStuff, Aramid Lite, TuffStuff Expedition, BlueSteel: Red
Green
Sand
DesertWhite
Ox Blood
Olive Green
Sunray
Blue Steel
Natural Photo by Kevin Callan
1 2
3
Read the ACTIVITY CHART on page 9
Match your selected activities with our models throughout the catalogue (what should you know before you buy a canoe, see page 2)
Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS chart on page 8 to choose your construction materials. Options and trims can be found below.
TRIM SYSTEMS Standard Trim: Low maintenance trim features Options: include aircraft-grade black anodized aluminum gunwales with aluminum reinforced ABS end decks standard on composite and T-Formex canoes. Reinforced vinyl gunwales with oversized rotomolded decks standard on Outfitter Series and T-Formex Plus canoes. Nylon laced ash seats, ash thwarts, carry handles and a balanced carrying yoke complete the package. Ash seats with black webbing are standard on Outfitter Series canoes.
Wood Trim:
We use only straight grained white ash gunwales fastened with stainless steel screws. Ash grained seats, ash thwarts, custom cut decks, contoured carrying handles and a hand rubbed oil finish complete the look.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
White Ash Gunwales, Oil Finish Ash Web Seat
Standard Trim
Kneeling Thwart Aramid Skid Plates Installed Additional Centre Seat Knee Pads Custom Colour Expedition Spray Deck Spray Deck Installation
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We dropped a canoe 100 feet from the top of a building and could still paddle it home,
“
that’s TuffStuff
”
With the demise of Royalex last year, Nova Craft has been working hard to find replacement materials for super strong, lightweight canoes. After consulting with a materials research lab and conducting extensive in house testing, we are proud to introduce our new TuffStuff composite canoes. Using Basalt and Innegra fibres in our proprietary layups, these canoes offer unsurpassed impact resistance in a hull that is both stiffer and lighter than Royalex.
View our YouTube channel to see the full story, we think you’ll agree “that’s TuffStuff ”
TuffStuff. New for 2015.
www.novacraft.com
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Nova Sports Equipment Ltd. 471 Nightingale Avenue, London, Ontario, N5W 4C4 (519) 455-6252 • Fax: (519) 455-8162 Email: info@novacraft.com • www.novacraft.com
1-866-88 CANOE
We endeavor to produce high quality products that give years of dependable service. For the original owner, if any defects in material or workmanship are found we will repair them or replace the canoe at our discretion. We will also provide ongoing repair services to our customers at a reasonable rate. In all cases, the owner is responsible for transporting the canoe to and from our factory.