Prospector, Workhorse of the North
The Prospector: Icon of Canadian Adventure
The Prospector canoe stands as a symbol of Canadian wilderness exploration. Known for its rugged design and capacity, the Prospector evokes images of remote journeys and untamed landscapes. This canoe is perfect for extended backcountry expeditions, carrying an impressive load of gear while handling wild rapids with ease. Despite its size, the Prospector remains lightweight and manageable during challenging portages. Since its creation, adventurers and explorers have relied on the Prospector for its durability and versatility in the harshest environments.
Price: € 3960
The Prospector: Workhorse of the North
The Prospector canoe, often referred to as the “workhorse of the North,” was originally crafted for trappers and prospectors navigating Canada’s vast rivers. Our Prospector is a faithful reproduction of the classic Chestnut design, featuring a flattened, shallow-arch hull with deepened ends to keep water out. With its significant depth and rocker, this canoe offers excellent maneuverability in whitewater and stability on rough lakes. Built for utility and adventure, the Prospector remains the go-to choice for those who need a canoe that can handle both heavy loads and tough waters.
Dimensions
Length: 490 cm
Width: 88 cm
Depth: 35 cm
Bow Height: 50 cm
Weight: 26 kg
Properties
Sides: Straight
Bottom: Shallow Arch
Rocker: Moderate
Capacity: 400 kg
Bill Mason and his Prospector
The Prospector has been made immortal by canoe legend Bill Mason. His 16 foot red Prospector canoe featured in all of his projects, his instructional films on canoeing, his books, The Path of the Paddle, The Song of the Paddle, and his last epic film, Waterwalker. Mason used it on month-long solo trips on the north shore of Lake Superior, on family trips in Algonquin Park and on trips down the Pukaskwa River. In 1989 it was donated to the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Bill Mason is one of the seminal figures of twentieth century canoeing but also an artist, filmmaker and conservationist. Even today, his films are a rich source for anyone wanting to learn or refine ones canoeing strokes and paddling techniques.
Photo features Lude kraak
Technology
Cedar and glass fabric-epoxy
Our Prospector is built with western red cedar and laminated with glass fabric and epoxy. The laminate ensures that the wood is sandwiched and never comes into contact with water. In addition, it provides extreme stiffness which makes the canoe very efficient to be paddled. The boat is finished with high or satin gloss spar varnish with an excellent UV-blocker.
Solid ash for the outfitting
The gunwales, seats, decks and the yoke are made of ash. Ash is hard, very flexible and relatively light. Because the ash parts of the canoe suffer the most they are coated with double boiled linseed oil to keep them flexible and in good shape. The outwales are screwed to make replacement easy. All screws and bolts are stainless steel.
Canoe maintenance
Our canoes are very strong and stiff. Normal wear will occur when used normally. We recommend checking the canoe regularly and retouch any scratches in the varnish. In the unlikely event the epoxy laminate gets damaged, it should be repaired within reasonable time to prevent water seeping into the wood. The gunwales should be oiled three to four times a year. Read more about maintenance.