Nova Craft Canoes - Made in London, Ontario

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

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

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