Nova Craft Canoes - Made in London, Ontario

The stainless steel bolt kits includes

4 x stainless bolts,

4 x lock nut,

4 x flat washer,

4 x flange washer,

4 x rubber cap

All bolts are available in 2.5", 4", and 6" lengths. 

Nova Craft’s Skid Plate Kit for ABS Canoes includes all of the essentials you’ll need to complete the job yourself.

The standard ash yoke is an uncontoured model, intended for canoes that will see infrequent portage use, or to be used with d yoke pads. They are 36" in length, making them the ideal piece for all makes and models of canoes.

The ash thwart has a standard length of 34", meaning that it will fit many different makes of canoes alongside Nova Craft models.

This seat follows our staple construction guide, built using a high-quality solid ash frame and 2" black nylon webbing. It is available in 3 sizes (see chart).

The vinyl gunnels are available in black and come in pairs. They are available in 14' 4" and 16' 4" lengths. For all gunnels, please specify the canoe model, hull material and length before ordering. 

These have a large gap and are for thick Hull Materials - Specify for either ABS (Rolaylex, T-Formex) or Polyethylene (SP3)

This kit includes components to install one seat. It is intended for use with vinyl, ash, or standard aluminum gunnels, and contains 4 x ash seat drops, 4 x stainless bolts 4 x lock nuts, 4 x flat washer, 4 x flange washer, and 4 x bolt caps. It is available in 5 sizes to fit various models.

The straight ash handle is a standard carrying handle. It is installed at the bow and stern, and trimmed with vinyl and aluminum.

The ash end decks are made straight from grain ash for use on hulls with wooden gunnels. They are unfinished.

The ABS end decks are constructed with thermoform plastic, making them perfect for use on canoes with aluminum or vinyl gunnels. They are available with or without the Nova Craft Canoes logo, and they come in 4 different sizes to fit various models.

The deluxe ash yoke is contoured for canoes that will see moderate portage use. It is Nova Craft's most popular yoke, with a standard length of 36". 

Nova Craft Prospector 14' Solo Canoe

New for 2024! Nova Crafts most multipurpose solo canoe model yet: a scaled down version of the popular Prospector design best suited for independent backcountry adventure. The Prospector 14′ Solo features a symmetrical hull with moderate rocker for responsive performance. More efficient on flatwater than its tandem counterparts, while maintaining the capacity you expect from a Prospector. The wooden bench seat can be ordered hung flat or angled depending on your preference. For backcountry tripping we recommend adding the removeable yoke option for ease of use on the portage trail

Lovingly made in London, Ontario.

Mike has a review and on water demo video in our blog

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight

Fiberglass 50 lbs. / 22.7 kg
TuffStuff 45 lbs.  / 20.4 kg
TuffStuff Expedition 48 lbs. / 21.8 kg
Aramid Lite 35 lbs. / 15.9 kg
Blue Steel 38 lbs. / 17.2 kg

Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Dimensions
Length: 14’ / 427cm
Width: 32″ / 81.3cm
Center Depth: 13.5″ / 34.3cm
End Depth: 21.5″ / 54.6cm
Rocker: 2.5″ / 6.4cm
Capacity: 550lb / 249kg

• Symmetrical Hull
• Shallow Arch Bottom
• Moderate Rocker

Our SP3 canoe models have the same performance characteristics as our famous Prospector models, but are made from a tough 3 layer polyethylene plastic called SP3 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 SP3 canoes are our heaviest boats, they are also the most affordable canoes we produce. 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.

The Prospector 15 SP3 is a scaled-down version of our larger Prospectors that’s faithful to the original lines. 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 SP3 P15 is an ideal choice for paddlers who want a tripping boat but don’t need the extra volume. Its extra responsiveness also makes it a fun tandem play boat.

Made in Canada

Weight

SP3: 85lb / 38.6kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Dimensions
Length: 14’10” / 452cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 14.5″ / 36.8cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 3″ / 7.6cm
Capacity: 850lb / 386kg

• Symmetrical Hull
• Shallow Arch Bottom
• Moderate Rocker

Nova Craft’s Skid Plate Kit for Composite Canoes. See important note below about catalyst in bold text. Also Please note that these kits have a shelf life so they should be installed as soon as they are purchased. 

DESCRIPTION

Installing skid plates is a relatively easy and cost effective way to extend the lifespan of your canoe. This product is suitable for canoes made from composite materials including Fiberglass, Aramid, Carbon Fibre, TuffStuff and Blue Steel.  Composite skid plates are 37.5″ long.  It is possible to colour match Nova Craft Canoe colours upon request.

KIT INCLUDES:

• Instruction Sheet
• Kevlar Skid Plate Felts – 1 pair
• Tinted Resin (specify colour)
• Sandpaper
• Mixing Bucket
• Stir Stick
• Latex Gloves

MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) is needed to use this kit. It is the catalyst that hardens the liquid resin. MEKP is a hazardous material and Nova Craft can’t ship it, so it is not included in the kit. It is easy to source locally at hardware stores and auto repair shops as Bondo Liquid Hardener (11mL .37 fl oz). 

 

 

The straight-grain white ash gunnels come in a set of 4, with 2 inner and 2 outer pieces. They are unfinished and available in lengths up to 18'. For all gunnels, please specify the canoe model, hull material and length before ordering. 

The anodized aluminum canoe gunnels come in pairs, and are available in 11'6",14' 4", 15' 4", 16' 4", and 17' 4" lengths. For all gunnels, please specify the canoe model, hull material and length before ordering.

These gunnels have a narrow gap for thin hull materials. This includes composite canoes (Fibreglass, Aramid, TuffStuff, BlueSteel)

 

The curved ash handle has a standard length of 12.5". It can be installed at the bow and stern of the canoe, and it is unfinished.

The Rotomolded vinyl end decks are intended for use on ABS or polyethylene hulls with vinyl gunnels.

The deep dish ash yoke is premium contoured, intended for canoes that will see frequent portage use. It is the deepest contour within Nova Craft's yoke models, and it features a neck notch. It has a standard length of 36", making it the ideal piece for many canoe makes and models.

The contoured ash kneeling thwart is designed for solo use of a tandem canoe. It has a standard length of 36", making it the ideal piece for many different canoe makes and models.

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.

Lovingly made in London, Ontario.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight

TuffStuff: 55lb / 24.9kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 59lb / 26.8kg
Aramid Lite: 46lb / 20.9kg
Blue Steel: 48lb / 21.8kg

Dimensions
Length: 17′ / 518cm
Width: 35″ / 88.9cm
Center Depth: 13” / 33cm
End Depth: 21″ / 53.5cm
Capacity: 1000lb / 454kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Slight Rocker
· Fast Entry Lines

Colour Options

• Red 
  
• Yellow
• Sand
• Ox Blood 
• Desert White
• Olive
• Green
• Blue
• Orange
• Moonlight Blue
• Natural
• Blue Steel

Haida 17' Canoe

The classic lines of this canoe hide the modern innovations incorporated into the hull design. While it looks like a traditional canoe from every angle, it has an asymmetrical hull that improves speed. The flat bottom hull provides excellent initial stability. The rocker is mostly straight along the keel raising noticeably just at the ends making it easy to track in a straight line while providing maneuverability when you need it. This is a versatile family canoe that people can grow into. Beginners will find its steadiness reassuring and as paddlers become more advanced they will appreciate the faster hull and easy glide. The Haida’s roominess and stability means it is an ideal canoe for families who want to enjoy some tripping with young children, whether for a weekend jaunt to a favourite park or a wilderness adventure lasting a couple of weeks.

Lovingly made in London, Ontario, Canada.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight:
F: 71lb / 32.2kg
TuffStuff: 56lb / 25.4kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 60lb / 27.2kg
Aramid Lite: 48lb / 21.8kg
Blue Steel: 50lb / 22.7kg

Dimensions:
Length: 17′ / 518cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 14″ / 35.6cm
End Depth: 22″ / 55.9cm
Capacity: 1200lb / 544kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

· Asymmetrical Hull
· Flat Bottom
· Straight keel with raised ends
· Shoe keel

Colour Options:

• Red
• Yellow
• Sand
• Ox Blood
• Desert White
• Olive
• Green
• Blue
• Orange
• Moonlight Blue
• Natural
• Blue Steel

 

 

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!

Made in Canada.

Weight 
Fibreglass: 46lb / 20.9kg
TuffStuff: 39lb / 17.7kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 43lb / 19.5kg
Aramid Lite: 31lb / 14.1kg
Blue Steel: 33lb / 15kg

Dimensions
Length: 12′ / 366cm
Width: 34″ / 86.4cm
Center Depth: 13” / 33cm
End Depth: 18″ / 45.7cm
Capacity: 490lb / 222kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Slight Rocker

Colour Options: 

• Red
• Yellow
• Sand
• Ox Blood
• Desert White
• Olive
• Green
• Blue
• Orange
• Moonlight Blue 
• Natural
• Blue Steel 

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 Prospector 18 is a big boat with straighter tracking than our shorter Prospectors. It’s perfect for the wilderness traveller intent on expedition-style adventures or a large family wanting to travel in one canoe.

Made in Canada. 

Weight:

TuffStuff: 68lb / 30.8kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 72lb / 32.7kg
Aramid Lite: 54lb / 24.5kg
Blue Steel: 60lb / 27.2kg

Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Dimensions:
Length: 18′ / 549cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 15″ / 38.1cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 2.5″ / 6.4cm
Capacity: 1400lb / 635kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker

Colour Options:

• Red
  
• Yellow 
  
• Sand
• Ox Blood 
• Desert White
• Olive
• Green
  
• Blue
• Orange
• Moonlight Blue
• Natural
• Blue Steel

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.

If you want a canoe that will handle a month’s worth of supplies to head out on a wilderness adventure, this canoe is for you. In the Prospector 17’ you’ll find all the great characteristics that have made this canoe a paddling legend in places like the Yukon and Canadian Arctic. With lots of volume to keep you and your gear dry in whitewater or waves 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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Fiberglass: 70lb / 31.8kg
TuffStuff: 60lb / 27.2kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 65lb / 29.5kg
Aramid Lite: 48lb / 21.8kg
Blue Steel: 52lb / 23.6kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions
Length: 17′ / 518cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 15″ / 38.1cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 2.5″ / 6.4cm
Capacity: 1200lb / 544kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker
· Available with or without shoe keel in some materials. Weights listed above are for no-keel versions.

See Our Options Section

Our Outfitter models have the same performance characteristics as our famous Prospector models, but are made from a tough 3 layer polyethylene plastic called SP3 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 Outfitter Series are our heaviest boats, they are also the most affordable canoes we produce. 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.

If you want a canoe that will handle a month’s worth of supplies to head out on a wilderness adventure, the Outfitter Series Prospector 17’ is the canoe is for you. You’ll find all the great characteristics that have made this canoe a paddling legend in places like the Yukon and Canadian Arctic. With lots of volume to keep you and your gear dry in whitewater or waves it still tracks well with good hull speed on flatwater. Our durable SP3 material and classic Prospector lines make this the ultimate wilderness extended tripping canoe.

Made in Canada.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
SP3: 99lb / 44.9kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Dimensions
Length: 16’10″ / 513cm
Width: 36.5″ / 92.7cm
Center Depth: 14″ / 35.6cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.5cm
Rocker: 3″ / 7.6cm
Capacity: 1200lb / 544kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker

Our Outfitter models have the same performance characteristics as our famous Prospector models, but are made from a tough 3 layer polyethylene plastic called SP3 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 Outfitter Series are our heaviest boats, they are also the most affordable canoes we produce. 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.

Our Outfitter Series Prospector 16’ 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.

Made in Canada.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
SP3: 85lb / 38.6kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Dimensions
Length: 15′ 4” / 476cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 14.5″ / 35.6cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 3″ / 7.6cm
Capacity: 900lb / 408kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker

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 16’ 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. Whats more, it provides a very dry ride in big waves and whitewater. It is simply the best all round wilderness tripping canoe available.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Fiberglass: 66lb / 29.9kg
TuffStuff: 56lb / 25.4kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 62lb / 28.1kg
Aramid Lite: 45lb / 20.4kg
Blue Steel: 48lb / 21.8kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions
Length: 16′ / 488cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 15″ / 38.1cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 2.5″ / 6.4cm
Capacity: 1000lb / 454kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker
· Available with or without shoe keel in some materials. Weights listed above are for no-keel versions.

See Our Options Section

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 play boat.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Fiberglass: 62lb / 28.1kg
TuffStuff: 54lb / 24.5kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 58lb / 26.3kg
Aramid Lite: 42lb / 19.1kg
Blue Steel: 45lb / 20.4kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions
Length: 15′ / 457cm
Width: 36″ / 91.4cm
Center Depth: 15″ / 38.1cm
End Depth: 23″ / 58.4cm
Rocker: 2.5″ / 6.4cm
Capacity: 850lb / 386kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Moderate Rocker

· Available with or without a shoe keel in some materials. Weights listed above are for no-keel versions.

See Our Options Section

Our Fox 14 is an ideal choice for solo paddlers looking for independent adventures on flatwater lakes and lazy rivers.  Its shorter length and minimal rocker give this canoe a good balance of tracking and turning characteristics.  At 14’ the Fox is the perfect size for a relaxing evening paddle around the lake but still large enough to fit enough gear for a week-long trip into the backcountry. The narrow width makes this a faster, efficient design helping you cover distance with ease and its shallower depth catches less wind.  This narrower design also accommodates soloists who prefer cruising around using a kayak paddle.  Slight tumblehome on the sides helps for easier paddle strokes and the shallow arch bottom gives the paddler a stable feel but still allows for leaning the boat over to paddle Canadian-style.  Of course the Fox’s small size and light weight make it easy to get on and off the car by yourself. The Fox 14 will get solo paddlers into the tranquility of nature with a beautiful balance of ease and performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Fiberglass: 50lb / 22.7kg
TuffStuff: 42lb / 19.1kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 48lb / 21.8kg
Aramid Lite: 34lb / 15.4kg
Blue Steel: 37lb / 16.8kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions
Length: 14′ / 427cm
Width: 32″ / 81.3cm
Center Depth: 13″ / 33cm
End Depth: 19″ / 48.3cm
Rocker: Minimal
Capacity: 550lb / 249kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Slight Tumblehome

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.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Fiberglass: 45lb / 20.4kg
TuffStuff: 38lb / 17.2kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 42lb / 19.1kg
Aramid Lite: 30lb / 13.6kg
Blue Steel: 32lb / 14.5kg

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions 
Length: 12′ / 366cm
Width: 34″ / 86.4cm
Center Depth: 13” / 33cm
End Depth: 18″ / 45.7cm
Capacity: 490lb / 222kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Slight Rocker

See Our Options Section

PAL 16’

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 addlers to own one of the best general-purpose traditional canoes ever made. 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”.

Lovingly made in London, Ontario, Canada.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
TuffStuff: 52lb / 23.6kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 58lb / 26.3kg
Aramid Lite: 42lb / 19.05kg
Blue Steel: 47lb / 21.3kg

Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.
Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions
Length: 16’ / 488cm
Width: 34″ / 86.4cm
Center Depth: 13” / 33cm
End Depth: 20″ / 50.8cm
Rocker: Minimal
Capacity: 800lb / 363kg

· Symmetrical Hull
· Shallow Arch Bottom
· Slight Rocker with Raised Ends

See Our Options Section

BOB SPECIAL 15′

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.

Lovingly made in London, Ontario.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight 
Fiberglass: 58lb / 26.3kg
TuffStuff: 50lb / 22.7kg
TuffStuff Expedition: 56lb / 25.4kg
Aramid Lite: 40lb / 18.1kg
Blue Steel: 45lb / 20.4kg

Learn more about our materials here.

Dimensions 
Length: 15′ / 457cm
Width: 35″ / 88.9cm
Center Depth: 14” / 35.6cm
End Depth: 21″ / 53.3cm
Capacity: 800lb / 363kg
Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

· Symmetrical hull
· Shallow arch bottom
· Slight rocker with raised ends
· Available with or without a shoe keel in some materials. Weights listed above are for no-keel versions.

See Our Options Section