Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

The brief was for an all round canoe with exceptional turning ability (bags of rocker) and stability when leaned. To be used on the flat and moving water, will handle enough camping kit for one as it will be predominantly
paddled solo.

The answer was the Wenonah Prospector 15'


A little wider than the 16' which when combined with the shorter length provides more rocker and an easier turn. It is the most nimble canoe I have paddled but tracks well. It proved to be better in the wind than people advised, this they said was due to the high ends, however I have not experienced this problem.

Prior to this I had a Nova Craft Prospector 15'. You would assume they would be very similar, however they are worlds apart. The NC would probably provide a drier white water experience but in my eyes was a little more tub like and isn't as pleasing on the eye as the Wenonah.



This is what the manufacturer says about it;


Compact and easy to handle. Great for recreational paddling, day-trips, and other low-key pursuits

This shorter Prospector delivers great performance in a smaller package. Like all Prospectors, high volume sides give confidence in most paddling situations. Whether getting a thrill while paddling whitewater, going out on a short trip or exploring local waters, this Prospector can do it all.

This particular Prospector may be better for tandem use than solo as it is slightly wider than the original. However a lone paddler can easily sit in the bow seat and face backwards for paddling ease.

An ideal boat to keep by the cabin, its short length will allow for easy navigation between rocks or trees when fishing or stalking local wildlife. A little extra volume has been added to the width to make it more buoyant to add stability for sporting endeavors.

Excellent all-around performance. Confident in whitewater, yet with good speed, glide and capacity.
Length: 15' (457.2 cm)
Gunwale Width:35.75" (90.805 cm)
Maximum Width: 37" (93.98 cm)
Waterline: 33" (83.82 cm)
Bow Depth: 24" (60.96 cm)
Center Depth: 14" (35.56 cm)
Stern Depth: 24" (60.96 cm)
Rocker: 2.5" (6.35 cm)

Royalex®: 59 lbs. (26.55 kg) w/ Standard Equipment

have to agree with lee on this one ( for once)
just had a full WW weekend with mine.
def a wetter ride than the nova, but easier to turn, lighter weight,( or not as robust or workman like-depends how you look at it) more sexy to look at - a personal view.
delt well with grade 3/4 though im sure the paddler had something to do with it but needed lots of sponging out. very happy with it.
at the risk of being controversial the nova prospector is like a landrover 110- a rock steady good quality all round solid dependable boat for family and solo trips of all kinds and the wenonah is like the discovery- a little more refined in abiliy but with a little less all round capability more suited to solo work
both lee and i have owned both boats.

Good comparison Andy, the Nova Craft is also harder wearing it will take more bumps and bangs than the Wenonah, I guess that is where the weight is saved.

The new 2008 models have a narrower beam than before, reduced down to 35".

Graeme

I'd best look after mine then, as it's now a collectors item. You should buy the mold Graeme, you'd make a fortune

A pinching of the beam will only serve to make this boat even better Okay on the flat it's a little slow but for everything else its a stand-out canoe probably the best all rounder out there.

(18-08-08 07:16 PM)LAS247 Wrote: [ -> ]Good comparison Andy, the Nova Craft is also harder wearing it will take more bumps and bangs than the Wenonah, I guess that is where the weight is saved.

having paddled mine on the ure and the tees last weekend i have put more dents in it than i would have done in the nova,
about 6 months worth