Spring 2009
Vol. I, No.1
DIFFERENT STROKES Personalized canoes? You heard right! Our "Theme" canoes are creating a lot of buzz in the outdoor community. Designed with unique, eye-catching finishes like plaid, tie-dye and faux birch bark, these hot-looking boats promise to set a new style trend on the water this year. What's more, we recently partnered with London, Ontario's Fanshawe College to create a Graphic Design Project that resulted in some of the wildest looking canoes you've ever seen. Check them out on page 3, then contact your local Nova Craft dealer for details on creating your own personalized canoe. Our latest canoe, the 17' Cronje (pronounced Chrone-yeh) has wowed everyone who has tried it. With new orders pouring in, it's now in full production mode and is available in all composite materials plus Royalex-Lite. We've even created a special Centennial Edition Cronje (see page 12) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Quetico Park and Superior National Forest. And here's more great news: we've added a two-tone bottom gelcoat option on all composite canoes that paddlers will definitely appreciate. Not only does this add a cool 'designer' look to your canoe but the lighter tone on the bottom helps to hide those inevitable scratches to the finish.
Photo, Dave Hood
Photo, Dave Hood
Photo, Dave Hood
Photo, Peter Mather
Our Ambassadors Nova Craft sponsors noted paddlers like Kevin Callan, Rolf Kraiker and Peter Mather. As our roving ambassadors they help promote recreational, whitewater, expedition and other paddlesports by writing articles for magazines and blogs and by giving presentations on their exciting canoe adventures. Through them and other initiatives, Nova Craft supports the Paddlesport Industry Association's mandate of promoting the sport to a younger generation. Sure beats a daily diet of video games and television, right?
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CONTENTS 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
A few words from Tim Miller, President, Nova Craft Canoe Canoe Physics - Article by Rolf Kraiker Family Fun - Article by Peter Mather Reflections of a River Runner - Article by Kevin Callan Cruiser Series Canoes Prospector Series Canoes
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.
Recreational Series Canoes To choose the right canoe, please consider the following: Specialty Series Canoes Materials, Accessories & Options, Glossary of Terms Choosing the Right Canoe for You & Trim Systems Canoe Specifications
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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.
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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 (Royalex, Royalex-Lite and SP3) 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. Also see page 10. For a better understanding of boating terms and characteristics, please visit novacraft.com/canoepurchase.htm
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“GET CONNECTED - GO PADDLING!” A few words from Tim Miller, President, Nova Craft Canoe If I had only one sentence to express the essence of Nova Craft Canoe, it would be “Get connected—go paddling.” This seems obvious at first: get connected with nature, hop in a canoe and enjoy some quiet time on the water. On a closer look, however, that one sentence does more than describe the simple act of paddling and bonding with nature; it aptly describes the essence of Nova Craft and the company’s philosophy. When my partners and I purchased Nova Craft Canoe from Ken Fisher in 1986, Nova Craft was known for its marathon racing canoes, and targeted a niche market in the canoe racing community. We decided that to expand Nova Craft, it was essential to focus on the needs of recreational paddlers, where there exists more opportunity for marketing a wider variety of canoe models. As Nova Craft grew from those early years, we added more canoe models and materials, yet always stayed true to traditional designs. From the popular Prospector models made famous by the Chestnut Canoe Company, the Tripper and Haida models made by Ken Fisher to the always popular Bob Special, Nova Craft Canoe stays connected with the traditional canoe designs. Through the years we have had to learn new techniques and try new materials to stay abreast of the changes within the canoe cover story continued…
Attention Web Crawlers There's a lot happening in Nova Craft's world so we update our website content on a regular basis to keep you informed. Check out the "What's New" page for the latest on our video contest, instructions for photo submissions, theme graphic canoe designs, canoe furniture (you gotta see this!) plus links to some cool videos on YouTube and Facebook. Nova Craft owners can now register their canoe online and become a Nova Craft VIP. We will then keep you informed of all new products, news and special events. And hey, check back often as there are more exciting changes coming!
Tim Miller (foreground), President, Nova Craft Canoe
industry as new products, such as Kevlar and carbon fibre became available. We also continue to offer new concepts to an evolving customer base, such as the “Canoe Design Challenge”, a joint project with Fanshawe College here in London, Ontario. This example is just one of the many ways Nova Craft pushes the limits on design innovation and nurtures a connection with new generations of potential paddlers. Community is important to Nova Craft, and we try to maintain a profile not only in the the curves of a canoe. The students were given a specific profile for their designs, taken from measurements of a Bob Special, 15 ft. canoe. The presentations were evaluated out of 100 possible points in six different judging categories. Sixteen finalists went on to the second tier, and their presentations were judged based on best fit with Nova Craft’s ideals and with the target demographic. Of the three finalists, one design each was chosen to represent man, woman and the outdoors. They were all outstanding, and
paddling community, but also in our own hometown, through programs such as Paddle for Life, National Canoe Day and the Thames River Clean-up. We support fundraising efforts of local Friends of provincial parks groups and have helped out with local schools and outdoor clubs at their paddling-oriented events. We take great care to build lasting relationships with both suppliers and dealers, and we strive to create partnerships with both. When we become involved in a project, we build a connection that reaches from our staff here at Nova Craft to the individuals within our supplier and dealer companies. While my favourite paddling is on a wilderness river somewhere in northern Ontario or Quebec, paddling a canoe does not need to involve long drives and complicated trip planning. Adventures can be had on your hometown waterway, such as the Thames here in London, or other local reservoirs, streams and lakes. The important thing is to go paddling, to watch water glide away from the canoe, to connect with nature, and most of all to introduce young people to the wonders of nature and the joy of paddling. At Nova Craft we want to provide the perfect means for you to do this: with a canoe, traditionally Canadian, traditionally Nova Craft, and for you to find your own connection with nature. picking the ones with the best fit to Nova Craft Canoe proved to be a challenge. The three students with the winning designs each received a $500.00 bursary from Nova Craft Canoe. The three winning canoes will travel throughout the summer to be featured at various outdoor shows, including Canoecopia, the largest show in North America dedicated solely to paddlesports. See the full story at themedcanoe.com
Pictured below are the 3 winning entries in the Nova Craft sponsored Graphic Design Project undertaken by Fanshawe College students in London Ontario. Top left, Dana Dobbie, bottom, Jenna Gregory and Erik Ruetz.
Tradition With a Twist Last year, Roch Prévost, Nova Craft’s Sales and Marketing Manager, approached the Fanshawe College Art and Design instructor Robert Chilver with a proposal for the third-year graphic design class. The project soon took root and was incorporated into the Art and Design curriculum for this year. The challenge presented to the 74 students was to create a design for a canoe, aimed at the 25 to 35 year-old demographic, but not excluding teenagers. Each student had to create his or her design and then write a specification sheet aimed at selling the finished product. Each design had to be unique, and translatable onto
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CANOE PHYSICS By Rolf Kraiker Getting the most out of paddling a canoe is an exercise in understanding basic physics, specifically the use of levers. Improvement in paddling skills can be realized if you think of the application of force to the paddle and the Rolf Kraiker position of the paddle placement relative to the canoe using the principles of leverage. Paddler and paddle can in many ways be compared to the transmission and engine in a car - unfortunately many paddlers never learn how to "shift gears" and essentially leave their canoe in first gear all the time. The natural tendency when first learning how to paddle is to let the lower hand slip down the shaft of the paddle close to the blade. That provides more mechanical advantage for the arms and it seems to make it easier. But it reduces both the reach and the distance travelled by the blade of the paddle restricting the amount of power that can be applied. Sliding the lower hand up the shaft about the width of two spans of the hand has a similar effect to shifting to a higher
gear in the car. Once a canoe is moving it doesn't take as much effort, and the tighter hand position (sometimes called choking up) allows for a reduced stroke rate because the paddle stays in contact with the water longer. The other advantage to "choking up" on the paddle is that it allows the padder to extend leverage on the canoe. The center thwart on a canoe is the pivot point and can be thought of as the fulcrum in a lever. When attempting to make the canoe turn, it's easier when the paddle is placed in the water farther away from the thwart. Making the bow turn is easier the farther forward a paddle can be placed while turns at the stern are easier if the paddle extends farther towards the back of the canoe. When the paddle is held with the lower hand near the bottom of the shaft it reduces the work done by the paddler, but it also reduces the effect on the movement of the canoe - the two factors work against each other. In practice, more can be gained by proper
placement of the paddle relative to the canoe. A good example of this is the struggle that sometimes happens when rounding a corner and getting caught in a gust of headwind. The canoe will want to swing around because its normal to keep the stern a bit heavier. The wind will push the lighter bow around much like a weather vane swings in the wind. To force the bow of the canoe back into the wind, it's much easier if the paddle can be extended as far forward as possible when applying turning strokes. Doing this can mean getting the canoe back into position in two or three strokes instead of a struggle that may take five to ten strokes if it's managed at all. The easiest way to keep the canoe on track in a head wind is to shift weight in the canoe and make it a little bow heavy. While it might at first seem a bit more effort to slide the lower hand up the paddle shaft, once you figure out where to apply the forces it lets you paddle smart, not hard.
paddling partners. Many friends and acquaintances had a hard time adjusting to life on the river. Accustomed to regimented work schedules, they struggled to adjust to living on the land where your schedule is dictated by the river and the weather. Val was made for river travel, he easily slides into the rhythms of the river, and while he has his paddling peculiarities, his company, character, relaxed manner, and humour make him the best partner for trips. A few years ago, on a whitewater wilderness trip, Val was paddling with my best friend Colin. Now, Val has a bit of a reputation as a fidgeter. On canoe trips this fidgeting manifests itself as constant adjustments to his equipment. Thigh straps, rain gear, leg room … anything and everything needs tweaking, and these adjustments often occur at the most inopportune times. Val and Colin had just scouted the toughest
rapid on the river, a 15-foot, class IV drop. It would be the largest rapid either of them had ever run, and as they settled into their canoe Colin wanted to be sure Val was not going to drop his paddle to make any more adjustments. “Val you all set?” asked Colin grimly. “Yah” came the reply. “You sure? You can’t put that paddle down once we’re going!” “I’m all set,” Val replied tersely. Val squirmed a bit more, and he was ready to go. A few quick strokes and they swung the canoe out of the eddy, and positioned themselves above the drop. Just as the canoe reached the lip of the drop, Val laid his paddle down and began readjusting the Velcro exit on the sprayskirt. The last thing we heard as they disappeared into an angry white froth was Colin’s wail, “Valllllllll!” Ironically, they were the only canoe to run the rapid upright.
“Paddler and paddle can in many ways be compared to the transmission and engine in a car.”
FAMILY FUN By Peter Mather Like most Canadian paddlers, my father Val, learned to canoe in summer camps on the myriad of small lakes scattered across the province of Ontario. Two decades ago he moved our family to the paddling Peter Mather paradise of the Yukon Territory in Canada’s northwest corner. In the Yukon, our family took up paddling on the flat-water rivers, as a way to reach the best fishing and hunting spots. After graduating from University, I started doing extended wilderness river trips in northern Canada. I had trouble finding suitable
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REFLECTIONS OF A RIVER RUNNER By Kevin Callan My passion for canoeing began at the age of twelve. My father and I were at a remote fishing lodge in Algoma and spent a good part of the week trolling the main lake without much luck. The second-last day, Kevin Callan we decided to borrow one of the lodge’s beat-up aluminum canoes and portaged into a neighboring lake to try for speckled trout. We caught plenty of fish, but it was the idea of the canoe itself taking me to such a special place, a place that truly characterized remote wilderness, that I was hooked on. I’ve yet to look back. At the age of 43, I’ve never had a full-time job; and the jobs I have worked at all had something to do with paddling wilderness areas. It’s a dream come true. How I grew as a canoeist is interesting. During the early years I simply kept to canoe camping from campgrounds. I avoided such wilder things like river tripping like the plague. I’m not sure whether it was because I felt quite content paddling across calm water rather than being flushed through foam and froth like laundry in a rinse cycle. Or maybe I just had no interest in getting messed up with a group of over-enthusiastic river rats who just want to
play in the rapids all day. But in my late-teens I decided to see what all the fuss was about and headed downstream for my first time. The moment the current took hold of my bow and began dragging me along with it, I was completely hooked. River running is totally different from canoeing a chain of lakes. The river takes you on a journey, gently floating you on its back one minute and then thrashing like an unbridled horse the next. Like many before me, my first battle with rapids was the biggest blooper of my time spent
“You are now at the mercy of the river gods.” in a canoe. A friend had asked me to stand in for his regular bow partner for an annual canoe race on the local river. Neither of us knew enough about running wild rapids but we pushed off from the starting point just the same. Throughout the race we managed to grind over several gravel bars, thrust our way through meter high haystacks, and bounced our way down boulder gardens and miniature chutes
without flipping over once. We even traveled down the river backwards after our canoe hit a rock and spun us completely around. Thinking back, it was pure luck that we survived the whole ordeal, not to mention receive second prize. Thankfully, I’ve learned from my past misadventures. Those days are gone when I blindly rounded each bend in the river and just hoped to keep the canoe straight and upright. It’s now a ritual for me to scout every rapid before even thinking of attempting it. I constantly back paddle going towards any rapid, slowing my approach, watching for upstream Vs’ which indicate submerged rocks and head for downward Vs’ which indicate a clear path. I also keep in control by practicing effective strokes (draws, cross draws, prys, and ferry techniques) and by taking advantage of eddies so I can nestle in the calm of the storm before planning my next move. And when in doubt, I portage. And when I think I know what I’m doing, it’s usually a sign that I don’t, and immediately sign up for a refresher course. Trust me, to get a full perspective on river running, to receive a three-dimensional view of any rapid, don’t just believe in lady luck and sign up for some crazed canoe race. Head out with professionals who are humble about their skill. Only then will you truly understand the addictiveness each canoeist gets the moment your boat is at the brink of some run or being tossed around a thick wall of water, and suddenly realize there’s no turning back - you are now at the mercy of the river gods.
CRUISER SERIES Cronje (Chrone-yeh) 17’
The Chestnut Canoe Company designed the Cronje to be a fast, reliable canoe for people who have a destination in mind. While not as well known as some of the other models produced by Chestnut, it is rich in history and a very able performer. The canoe is named in honour of a famed Boer War Commandant General, P.A. Cronje, and the Nova Craft reproduction of this venerable canoe retains both the paddling characteristics and the tradition of the original.
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The Cronje is ideally suited to paddlers who want to challenge big, open water by covering distance with ease. It has fast lines and excellent tracking, making it a joy to use when there's little time to reach a favourite campsite before dark. 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
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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
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• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
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RECREATIONAL SERIES Bob Special 15’
PAL 16’
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.
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.
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
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 manoeuverability 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 shares 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
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• flat bottom • straight keel with raised ends • asymmetrical
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SPECIALTY SERIES Angler 15’
Supernova
While some paddlers dream of one day going down a remote arctic river, a lot of us just need a solid canoe suited to the simpler pleasures of life like fly fishing, nature photography, or just lazing around the lake. The Angler is one of our most popular choices for people wanting a nice stable canoe that's always predictable. Whoever said you should never stand in canoe - never tried an Angler. The Angler is all about safety and comfort. It will carry a surprising amount of gear and it takes little effort to keep it gliding in the direction you want.
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.
• flat bottom • straight keel • symmetrical • tumblehome
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
OUTFITTER SERIES SP3 Prospector 16’ Specifications
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
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Canoe
P16
P17
Length
15’6” 472 cm 80 lb 36 kg 35”
17’ 518 cm 88 lb 40 kg 36”
90 cm
91.5 cm
14.5” 35.5 cm 23” 58.5 cm 2” 5 cm 2” 5 cm 900 lb 409 kg
15” 38 cm 23” 58.5 cm 2” 5 cm 2” 5 cm 1200 lb 544 kg
Weight Beam D E P T H R O C K E R
Center Bow Bow Stern Capacity
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MATERIALS
Hull Material Choices
Unique Infusion System
Laminates
ABS
Laminates are a great choice for river, lake or pond. Royalex (expedition grade) and Royalex Lite In addition to their strength and light weight, they (Royalex industry standards), are ABS plastic Our unique, high-tech Infusion System, adapted glide smoother and faster on the water. laminates with a core of expanded closed cell foam. from the aerospace industry, offers distinct We custom order our Royalex sheets for each model advantages over traditional boat building systems: for extra hull strength and stiffness while keeping • Eliminates human error the weight down. These canoes are great for shallow rivers and whitewater and stand up under These hulls are infused with high impact vinylester • Drastically reduces the number of the most rugged conditions. The major advantage resin, sandwiched with fiberglass cloth between blemishes and imperfections to ABS canoes is their survivability in situations an outer layer of Cap (Chemically Activated • Dramatically improves production where an accident might leave a less robust canoe Polyester) cloth and an inner layer of Kevlar. efficiency unusable. When you’re on a remote wilderness trip and you need to rely on your boat to bring you back, • Produces stronger, higher quality ABS is still the most popular choice. laminates We combine Kevlar and Spectra with a high • Reduces excess resin in the impact-resistant vinylester resin in these infused laminate hulls for expedition quality, lightweight canoes that resist tearing and punctures far better than • Has far less gas emissions an all Kevlar canoe. (a plus for the environment)
Kevlar
Kevlar/Spectra
• And produces better, more consistent boats.
Blue Steel
Today, Nova Craft Canoe is the only boat builder using this unique process on every laminate 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.
Nova Craft’s exclusive BLUE STEEL is an advanced Kevlar 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.
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS 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.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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.
INFUSION: Process where materials are laid into
mold and placed under pressure using vacuum. Next resin is introduced and literally sucked through the laminate. This produces a product ABS: Family of thermoplastics or terpolymers based with a very high material-to-resin ratio. on Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene (ABS), KEVLAR: Aramid fibres that have twice the stiffness combined by a variety of methods. Possesses good of fibreglass, 25% higher tensile strength and impact strength, heat resistance, low temperature. 1/3 less weight. CAP: Chemically Activated Polyester woven cloth LAY UP: Process of placing layers of cloth in the mold. often used in combination with Kevlar and woven fibreglass. MAT: Fibrous material consisting of chopped or swirled filaments with a binder. Usually heavier CLOTH: Conventionally woven fibre material. and more brittle than cloth. GELCOAT: Colour pigmented polyester resin. First RESIN: Any polymer used to bond layers of cloth resin applied to mold. together.
GUNWALE: Component that finishes the edge of canoe. Typically ABS, Anodized Aluminum, Ash or Cherry.
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ROYALEX, ROYALEX LITE: A vulcanized plastic sheet combining layers of vinyl, ABS, and a foam core. Makes stiff, durable canoes which have very high
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.
impact resistance. Unsurpassed for expedition and whitewater use.
R-84: Is a thinner and lighter alloy used on ABS substrate. Not used on any Nova Craft Canoe models. SHOE KEEL: A wide, flat keel used on river canoes. SPECTRA: Polyethylene that has been drawn into a filament as fine as a spider web and then woven to make cloth. A little lighter than Kevlar but it’s greatest attribute is it’s incredible impact resistance. Best laminated under high vacuum to achieve a void free laminate.
TRIM: Gunwales, seats, end decks, yoke, thwart and hardware. VINYLESTERS: Developed to provide the ease of handling of polyester resin combined with the impact resistance and toughness of epoxy.
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CHOOSING CANOE COLOURS* THE RIGHT CANOE Royalex & Royalex Lite: 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:
1 2 3
Red
Green
Burgundy Blue
Fibreglass, Kevlar, Kevlar/Spectra, BlueSteel:
Red
Green
Sand
DesertWhite
Ox Blood
Olive Green
*Color may not be exactly as shown. Visit your dealer for color samples.
Read the ACTIVITY CHART on page 11
Match your selected activities with our models throughout the catalogue
Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS chart on page 11 to choose your construction materials. Options can be found on page 9. Also see trim options below. Photo, Kevin Callan
TRIM SYSTEMS Standard Trim:
Low maintenance trim features aircraft-grade black anodized aluminum gunwales with aluminum reinforced ABS end decks, standard on laminate & Royalex Lite hulls. Reinforced PVC vinyl gunwales with oversized rotomolded decks are standard with our Royalex Prospector models. Nylon laced ash seats, ash thwart, carrying handles and a balanced carrying yoke complete the package.
Wood Trim: We use only straight grained white
White Ash Gunwales, Oil Finish Ash Web Seat Sliding Bow Seat Kneeling Thwart Kevlar Skid Plates Installed
Standard Trim
Additional Centre Seat Knee Pads
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
Options:
Custom Colour Expedition Spray Deck Spray Deck Installation
1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8
C A N O E
Wood Trim
Spring 2009
Page 11
ACTIVITY CHART Activity
Bob Special 15’
PAL 16’
Angler 15’
Tripper 16’
Haida 17’
Cronje 17’
Prospector 15’
Prospector 16’
Prospector 17’
Prospector 18’
Supernova
Recreation Sport Quiet Water Touring River Tripping Expedition Whitewater
Activity
R Q
Length X
Fibreglass M W A E Kevlar T I E G Kevlar/Spectra R H Blue Steel I T A S Royalex Lite L * Royalex Beam D E P T H R O C K E R
Center Bow Bow Stern Capacity
R Q
R Q
R Q
SPECIALTY
R T W
R T W
T E W
T E W
An gle r
Ha ida
R S Q
PROSPECTOR
Pr os pe cto r1 5’ Pr os pe cto r1 6’ Pr os pe cto r1 7’ Pr os pe cto r1 8’ Su pe rn ov a
CRUISER
Tri pp er
Bo bS pe cia l PA L
RECREATIONAL
Cr on je
SPECIFICATIONS
R S
T W
15’
16’
16’
17’
17’
15’
16’
17’
18’
14’10”
15’
457 cm
488 cm
488 cm
518 cm
518 cm
457 cm
488 cm
518 cm
548 cm
452 cm
457 cm
60 lb
-
64 lb
68 lb
-
-
68 lb
72 lb
-
-
64 lb
27 kg
-
29 kg
31 kg
-
-
31 kg
33 kg
-
-
29 kg
50 lb
54 lb
54 lb
60 lb
54 lb
-
58 lb
62 lb
-
-
56 lb
23 kg
24 kg
24 kg
27 kg
24 kg
-
26 kg
28 kg
-
-
25 kg
45 lb
49 lb
50 lb
56 lb
50 lb
-
52 lb
58 lb
-
48 lb
52 lb
20 kg
22 kg
22 kg
25 kg
22 kg
-
23 kg
26 kg
-
22 kg
23 kg
42 lb
46 lb
46 lb
50 lb
47 lb
-
48 lb
52 lb
-
-
-
19 kg
21 kg
21 kg
22 kg
21 kg
-
21 kg
23 kg
-
-
-
58 lb
58 lb
60 lb
64 lb
59 lb
60 lb
64 lb
68 lb
74 lb
-
-
26 kg
26 kg
27 kg
29 kg
27 kg
27 kg
29 kg
31 kg
34 kg
-
-
-
-
70 lb
76 lb
-
70 lb
74 lb
80 lb
84 lb
58 lb
-
-
32 kg
35 kg
-
32 kg
34 kg
36 kg
38 kg
26 kg
-
35”
34”
35”
36”
35”
36”
36”
36”
36”
32”
33”/37”
90 cm
86 cm
90 cm
91.5 cm
90 cm
91.5 cm
91.5 cm
91.5 cm
91.5 cm
81 cm
84/94cm
13”
13”
14”
14”
13”
15”
15”
15”
15”
15”
13”
33 cm
33 cm
35.5 cm
35.5 cm
33 cm
38 cm
38 cm
38 cm
38 cm
38 cm
33 cm
21”
20”
22”
22”
21”
23”
23”
23”
23”
23”
19”
53.5 cm
51 cm
56 cm
56 cm
53.5 cm
58.5 cm
58.5cm
58.5cm
58.5cm
58.5cm
48 cm
-
-
-
-
21”
2”
2”
2”
2”
2.5”
-
-
-
-
-
53.5 cm
5 cm
5 cm
5 cm
5 cm
6.5 cm
-
-
-
-
-
-
2”
2”
2”
2”
2.5”
-
-
-
-
-
-
5 cm
5 cm
5 cm
5 cm
6.5 cm
-
800 lb
900 lb
1000 lb
1200 lb
1000 lb
850 lb
1000 lb
1200 lb
1400 lb
850 lb
900 lb
360 kg
409 kg
454 kg
544 kg
454 kg
385 kg
454 kg
544 kg
636 kg
385 kg
409 kg
*Actual weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.
X
Shoe keel boats only
No keel + 2-3 lbs.
CATEGORIES OF CANOES: RECREATION: Good all-round canoe for entry level or family paddlers. Safe, stable, comfortable.
SPORT: Good for hunters, anglers and dog owners. Stable platform in an easy-to-paddle canoe. QUIET WATER TOURING: Fast hull that paddles efficiently, turns easily and tracks well. Better suited to lakes and deep rivers. N O VA C R A F T. C O M
RIVER TRIPPING: High-volume, rugged hauler able to carry large loads in flatwater and whitewater. EXPEDITION: Serious boats for long trips. High volume ends mean increased seaworthiness. Optional spray skirts keep you dry and warm.
WHITEWATER: Highly maneuverable, fast and robustly constructed. More rocker in keel and high volume ends to shed waves and keep you dry. 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8
C A N O E
Spring 2009
Page 12
The Centennial Edition Cronje Spanning the border of Ontario and Minnesota, these parks create one of the largest expanses of public greenspace in the heart of North America. The Heart of the Continent Partnership (HOCP) is a Canadian/American coalition working together to protect and promote this international treasure. A hundred years ago, the Canadian Chestnut Canoe Company introduced the unique Cronje model into its growing line of quality canoes. This 17' cruiser is a flatwater canoe, with an easy glide, excellent tracking capability and lots of room for gear.
To commemorate the centennial of these two parks and the birth of the Cronje canoe, Nova Craft Canoe, in conjunction with the HOCP, is proud to introduce the Limited Edition Centennial Cronje, identified by its unique colour, ash and cherry trim and decks, and a laser-inscribed cherry medallion commemorating the centennial. One of these Limited Edition Centennial Cronje canoes will be presented to the HOCP, to help raise funds for the ongoing work in preservation of and education about our natural heritage. Nova Craft Canoe is making only fifty of these Limited Edition Centennial Cronje canoes to celebrate the centennial. To be a part of this historic event, contact Nova Craft Canoe or a certified Nova Craft dealer and ensure your Limited Edition Centennial Cronje canoe is crafted especially for you.
866-88 CANOE novacraft.com/hocp Photo: Rolf Kraiker
LIFETIME WA RRANTY
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.