DIFFERENTSTROKESPersonalized canoes? You heard right!

Our "Theme" canoes are creating a lot of buzzin the outdoor community. Designed with unique,eye-catching finishes like plaid, tie-dye and fauxbirch bark, these hot-looking boats promise to seta new style trend on the water this year. What'smore, we recently partnered with London,Ontario's Fanshawe College to create a GraphicDesign Project that resulted in some of the wildestlooking canoes you've ever seen. Check themout on page 3, then contact your local Nova Craftdealer for details on creating your ownpersonalized canoe.Our latest canoe, the 17' Cronje (pronounced

Chrone-yeh) has wowed everyone who has triedit. With new orders pouring in, it's now in fullproduction mode and is available in all compositematerials plus Royalex-Lite. We've even created aspecial Centennial Edition Cronje (see page 12) tocommemorate the 100th anniversary of QueticoPark and Superior National Forest.And here's more great news: we've added a

two-tone bottom gelcoat option on all compositecanoes that paddlers will definitely appreciate. Notonly does this add a cool 'designer' look to yourcanoe but the lighter tone on the bottom helps tohide those inevitable scratches to the finish.

Our Ambassadors

Nova Craft sponsors noted paddlers like KevinCallan, Rolf Kraiker and Peter Mather. As ourroving ambassadors they help promoterecreational, whitewater, expedition and otherpaddlesports by writing articles for magazines andblogs and by giving presentations on their excitingcanoe adventures. Through them and otherinitiatives, Nova Craft supports the PaddlesportIndustry Association's mandate of promoting thesport to a younger generation. Sure beatsa daily diet of video games and television, right?

Spring 2009 Vol. I, No.1

N O V A C R A F T . C O M1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

continued on page 3

Photo, Dave Hood

Photo, Dave Hood Photo, Peter Mather

Photo, Dave Hood

Page 2 Spring 2009

WHAT SHOULD I KNOWBEFORE I BUY A CANOE?Think of a canoe as a long term investment; you will probablygo through a few computers, TVs, and even vehicles before youstart to see the end of your canoe’s usefulness. The longevity ofa canoe will help you create and reflect on lots of fond memories;from your first quick solo day-paddle, to a weekend adventurewith your best friend, to a long expedition with a group of fellowpaddlers.

To choose the right canoe, please consider the following:

1. What type of paddling do you want to do?Will the canoe be used on flatwater, whitewater, or both? A greatflatwater canoe will not be the best in big river rapids. Converselya great whitewater canoe will not be the best choice for crossinglakes. A flatwater canoe should be more straight keeled to assistin tracking. It should also be shallower to reduce the effects ofwind, be narrower and have finer entry lines for speed. A goodwhitewater canoe needs to have some rocker to facilitate quickturns. They will also be deeper and will usually have fuller endsfor a drier ride. If you are looking to paddle on both flatwater andwhitewater you will need a canoe with good multi-purposecharacteristics.

2. What will the typical trip duration be?Will you only be out for an hour or two at the cottage or are yougoing to go downriver for two weeks? A typical cottage canoecan be small because it will probably only hold the paddlers anda small amount of gear. An expedition canoe will have to have alarger volume to hold all your food, tents, and packs for your entiretime in the interior.

3. How many people will be using the canoe at one time?You need to make sure there is enough room in the canoe foreveryone. A family canoe that needs to carry four people willobviously need to be bigger than one used for solo paddling.Don’t forget to include pets into the equation. Big dogs that liketo 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 theweight of your canoe. You also need to remember that whileyou may not portage, you still may need to put your boat ontop of your vehicle from time to time. Make sure you can lift itcomfortably and safely.

5. What material is best for your needs?Composite canoes are lighter and offer better glide through thewater whereas plastic boats (Royalex, Royalex-Lite and SP3) aretougher and are more appropriate where severe impacts mayoccur. Whitewater canoes will need to be made of more durablematerials to cope with impacts. Flatwater canoes can be made oflighter materials for portaging from lake to lake.

6. What is your budget?As a general rule, lighter canoes are more expensive. While youmay have decided that you need a high end boat, the practicalmatter of expense must be considered.

Also see page 10.

For a better understanding of boating terms and characteristics,please visit novacraft.com/canoepurchase.htm

4

4 5

8

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

CONTENTS3 A few words from Tim Miller, President, Nova Craft Canoe

4 Canoe Physics - Article by Rolf KraikerFamily Fun - Article by Peter Mather

5 Reflections of a River Runner - Article by Kevin CallanCruiser Series Canoes

6 Prospector Series Canoes

7 Recreational Series Canoes

8 Specialty Series Canoes

9 Materials, Accessories & Options, Glossary of Terms

10 Choosing the Right Canoe for You & Trim Systems

11 Canoe Specifications

If I had only one sentence to express theessence of Nova Craft Canoe, it would be “Getconnected—go paddling.” This seems obviousat first: get connected with nature, hop in acanoe and enjoy some quiet time on the water.On a closer look, however, that one sentencedoes more than describe the simple act ofpaddling and bonding with nature; it aptlydescribes the essence of Nova Craft and thecompany’s philosophy.When my partners and I purchased Nova

Craft Canoe from Ken Fisher in 1986, Nova Craftwas known for its marathon racing canoes,and targeted a niche market in the canoe racingcommunity. We decided that to expand NovaCraft, it was essential to focus on the needs ofrecreational paddlers, where there exists moreopportunity for marketing a wider variety ofcanoe models. As Nova Craft grew from thoseearly years, we added more canoe models andmaterials, yet always stayed true to traditionaldesigns. From the popular Prospector modelsmade famous by the Chestnut Canoe Company,the Tripper and Haida models made by KenFisher to the always popular Bob Special, NovaCraft Canoe stays connected with the traditionalcanoe designs.Through the years we have had to learn

new techniques and try new materials to stayabreast of the changes within the canoe

industry as new products, such as Kevlar andcarbon fibre became available. We also continueto offer new concepts to an evolving customerbase, such as the “Canoe Design Challenge”, ajoint project with Fanshawe College here inLondon, Ontario. This example is just one ofthe many ways Nova Craft pushes the limits ondesign innovation and nurtures a connectionwith new generations of potential paddlers.Community is important to Nova Craft, and

we try to maintain a profile not only in the

paddling community, but also in our ownhometown, through programs such as Paddle forLife, National Canoe Day and the Thames RiverClean-up. We support fundraising efforts of localFriends of provincial parks groups and havehelped out with local schools and outdoor clubsat their paddling-oriented events.We take great care to build lasting relationships

with both suppliers and dealers, and we striveto create partnerships with both. When webecome involved in a project, we build aconnection that reaches from our staff here atNova Craft to the individuals within our supplierand dealer companies.While my favourite paddling is on a

wilderness river somewhere in northern Ontarioor Quebec, paddling a canoe does not need toinvolve long drives and complicated tripplanning. Adventures can be had on yourhometown waterway, such as the Thames herein London, or other local reservoirs, streams andlakes. The important thing is to go paddling, towatch water glide away from the canoe, toconnect with nature, and most of all to introduceyoung people to the wonders of nature and thejoy of paddling. At Nova Craft we want toprovide the perfect means for you to do this:with a canoe, traditionally Canadian,traditionally Nova Craft, and for you to findyour own connection with nature.

Spring 2009 Page 3

“GET CONNECTED - GO PADDLING!”A few words from Tim Miller, President, Nova Craft Canoe

Tim Miller (foreground), President, Nova Craft Canoe

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

cover story continued…

Attention Web Crawlers

There's a lot happening in Nova Craft's world sowe update our website content on a regular basisto keep you informed. Check out the "What's New"page for the latest on our video contest,instructions for photo submissions, theme graphiccanoe designs, canoe furniture (you gotta see this!)plus links to some cool videos on YouTube andFacebook. Nova Craft owners can now registertheir canoe online and become a Nova Craft VIP.We will then keep you informed of all newproducts, news and special events. And hey,check back often as there are more excitingchanges coming!

Tradition With a Twist

Last year, Roch Prévost, Nova Craft’s Sales andMarketing Manager, approached the FanshaweCollege Art and Design instructor Robert Chilverwith a proposal for the third-year graphic designclass. The project soon took root and wasincorporated into the Art and Design curriculumfor this year. The challenge presented to the 74students was to create a design for a canoe, aimedat the 25 to 35 year-old demographic, but notexcluding teenagers. Each student had to createhis or her design and then write a specificationsheet aimed at selling the finished product. Eachdesign had to be unique, and translatable onto

the curves of a canoe. The students were givena specific profile for their designs, taken frommeasurements 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, andtheir presentations were judged based on best fitwith Nova Craft’s ideals and with the targetdemographic. Of the three finalists, one designeach was chosen to represent man, woman andthe outdoors. They were all outstanding, and

Pictured below are the 3 winning entries in the Nova Craft sponsored Graphic Design Project undertaken byFanshawe College students in London Ontario. Top left, Dana Dobbie, bottom, Jenna Gregory and Erik Ruetz.

picking the ones with the best fit to Nova CraftCanoe proved to be a challenge.The three students with the winning designs

each received a $500.00 bursary from Nova CraftCanoe. The three winning canoes will travelthroughout the summer to be featured at variousoutdoor shows, including Canoecopia, the largestshow in North America dedicated solely topaddlesports.

See the full story at themedcanoe.com

paddling partners. Many friends andacquaintances had a hard time adjusting to lifeon the river. Accustomed to regimented workschedules, they struggled to adjust to living onthe land where your schedule is dictated bythe river and the weather. Val was made forriver travel, he easily slides into the rhythmsof the river, and while he has his paddlingpeculiarities, his company, character, relaxedmanner, and humour make him the best partnerfor trips.A few years ago, on a whitewater wilderness

trip, Val was paddling with my best friendColin. Now, Val has a bit of a reputation as afidgeter. On canoe trips this fidgeting manifestsitself as constant adjustments to his equipment.Thigh straps, rain gear, leg room … anythingand everything needs tweaking, and theseadjustments often occur at the most inopportunetimes.Val and Colin had just scouted the toughest

rapid on the river, a 15-foot, class IV drop. Itwould be the largest rapid either of them hadever run, and as they settled into their canoeColin wanted to be sure Val was not going todrop 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 swungthe canoe out of the eddy, and positionedthemselves above the drop. Just as the canoereached the lip of the drop, Val laid his paddledown and began readjusting the Velcro exit onthe sprayskirt. The last thing we heard as theydisappeared into an angry white froth wasColin’s wail, “Valllllllll!”Ironically, they were the only canoe to run

the rapid upright.

Like mostCanadian paddlers,my father Val,learned to canoein summer campson the myriad ofsmall lakesscattered across theprovince of Ontario.Two decades agohe moved our familyto the paddlingparadise of theYukon Territory in

Canada’s northwest corner. In the Yukon, ourfamily took up paddling on the flat-water rivers,as a way to reach the best fishing and huntingspots.After graduating from University, I started

doing extended wilderness river trips innorthern Canada. I had trouble finding suitable

Peter Mather

FAMILY FUNBy Peter Mather

Page 4 Spring 2009

CANOE PHYSICSBy Rolf Kraiker

gear in the car. Once a canoe is moving it doesn'ttake as much effort, and the tighter hand position(sometimes called choking up) allows for areduced stroke rate because the paddle stays incontact with the waterlonger.The other advantage

to "choking up" on thepaddle is that it allowsthe padder to extendleverage on the canoe.The center thwart on acanoe is the pivot pointand can be thought ofas the fulcrum in a lever.When attempting tomake the canoe turn, it'seasier when the paddleis placed in the waterfarther away from thethwart. Making the bowturn is easier the farther forward a paddle can beplaced while turns at the stern are easier if thepaddle extends farther towards the back of thecanoe. When the paddle is held with the lowerhand near the bottom of the shaft it reduces thework done by the paddler, but it also reduces theeffect on the movement of the canoe - the twofactors work against each other. In practice, morecan 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 andgetting caught in a gust of headwind. The canoe

will want to swingaround because its nor-mal to keep the stern abit heavier. The windwill push the lighterbow around much like aweather vane swings inthe wind. To force thebow of the canoe backinto the wind, it's mucheasier if the paddle canbe extended as far for-ward as possible whenapplying turning strokes.Doing this can meangetting the canoe backinto position in two or

three strokes instead of a struggle that may takefive to ten strokes if it's managed at all. Theeasiest way to keep the canoe on track in a headwind is to shift weight in the canoe and make ita little bow heavy.While it might at first seem a bit more effort to

slide the lower hand up the paddle shaft, onceyou figure out where to apply the forces it lets youpaddle smart, not hard.

Getting the mostout of paddling acanoe is an exercisein understandingbasic physics,specifically the use oflevers. Improvementin paddling skills canbe realized if youthink of theapplication of force tothe paddle and theposition of thepaddle placement

relative to the canoe using the principles ofleverage. Paddler and paddle can in many waysbe compared to the transmission and engine ina car - unfortunately many paddlers never learnhow to "shift gears" and essentially leave theircanoe in first gear all the time.The natural tendency when first learning how

to paddle is to let the lower hand slip down theshaft of the paddle close to the blade. Thatprovides more mechanical advantage for thearms and it seems to make it easier. But it reducesboth the reach and the distance travelled by theblade of the paddle restricting the amount ofpower that can be applied. Sliding the lower handup the shaft about the width of two spans of thehand has a similar effect to shifting to a higher

Rolf Kraiker

“Paddler and paddlecan in many waysbe compared to thetransmission andengine in a car.”

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

play in the rapids all day. But in my late-teensI decided to see what all the fuss was aboutand headed downstream for my first time. Themoment the current took hold of my bow andbegan dragging me along with it, I wascompletely hooked.

River running is totally different fromcanoeing a chain of lakes. The river takes youon a journey, gently floating you on its back oneminute and then thrashing like an unbridledhorse the next.

Like many before me, my first battle withrapids was the biggest blooper of my time spent

in a canoe.A friend had asked me to stand in for his

regular bow partner for an annual canoe raceon the local river. Neither of us knew enoughabout running wild rapids but we pushed offfrom the starting point just the same.

Throughout the race we managed to grindover several gravel bars, thrust our way throughmeter high haystacks, and bounced our waydown boulder gardens and miniature chutes

without flipping over once. We even traveleddown the river backwards after our canoe hit arock and spun us completely around. Thinkingback, it was pure luck that we survived thewhole ordeal, not to mention receive second prize.

Thankfully, I’ve learned from my pastmisadventures. Those days are gone when Iblindly rounded each bend in the river and justhoped to keep the canoe straight and upright.It’s now a ritual for me to scout every rapidbefore even thinking of attempting it. I constantlyback paddle going towards any rapid, slowingmy approach, watching for upstream Vs’ whichindicate submerged rocks and head for downwardVs’ which indicate a clear path. I also keep incontrol by practicing effective strokes (draws,cross draws, prys, and ferry techniques) and bytaking advantage of eddies so I can nestle in thecalm of the storm before planning my next move.And when in doubt, I portage. And when I thinkI know what I’m doing, it’s usually a sign that Idon’t, and immediately sign up for a refreshercourse.

Trust me, to get a full perspective on riverrunning, to receive a three-dimensional viewof any rapid, don’t just believe in lady luck andsign up for some crazed canoe race. Head outwith professionals who are humble about theirskill. Only then will you truly understand theaddictiveness each canoeist gets the momentyour boat is at the brink of some run or beingtossed around a thick wall of water, and suddenlyrealize there’s no turning back - you are now atthe mercy of the river gods.

Spring 2009 Page 5

My passion forcanoeing began atthe age of twelve.My father andI were at a remotefishing lodge inAlgoma and spenta good part of theweek trolling themain lake withoutmuch luck. Thesecond-last day,we decided toborrow one of the

lodge’s beat-up aluminum canoes and portagedinto a neighboring lake to try for speckled trout.We caught plenty of fish, but it was the idea ofthe canoe itself taking me to such a specialplace, a place that truly characterized remotewilderness, that I was hooked on. I’ve yet tolook back. At the age of 43, I’ve never had afull-time job; and the jobs I have worked at allhad something to do with paddling wildernessareas. It’s a dream come true.

How I grew as a canoeist is interesting.During the early years I simply kept to canoecamping from campgrounds. I avoided suchwilder things like river tripping like the plague.I’m not sure whether it was because I felt quitecontent paddling across calm water rather thanbeing flushed through foam and froth likelaundry in a rinse cycle. Or maybe I just had nointerest in getting messed up with a group ofover-enthusiastic river rats who just want to

Kevin Callan

REFLECTIONS OF A RIVER RUNNERBy Kevin Callan

“You are nowat the mercy ofthe river gods.”

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

Cronje (Chrone-yeh) 17’

• shallow arch• fast entry lines• symmetrical• slight rocker

CRUISER SERIES

The Chestnut Canoe Company designed the Cronje to be a fast, reliablecanoe for people who have a destination in mind. While not as well knownas some of the other models produced by Chestnut, it is rich in history anda very able performer. The canoe is named in honour of a famed Boer WarCommandant General, P.A. Cronje, and the Nova Craft reproduction of thisvenerable canoe retains both the paddling characteristics and the traditionof the original.

The Cronje is ideally suited to paddlers who want to challenge big,open water by covering distance with ease. It has fast lines and excellenttracking, making it a joy to use when there's little time to reach a favouritecampsite before dark. Cargo capacity isn't compromised for speed and thecanoe handles well both with a load and empty. Its lower profile meansless wind drag on the water and lower weight on the portage trail. TheCronje is most at home in landscapes with large open lakes like the famedBoundary Waters or Algonquin Park.

Page 6 Spring 2009

PROSPECTOR SERIES

Prospector 15’

• shallow arch• moderate rocker• symmetrical

The Prospector 15 is a scaled-down version of our larger Prospectorsthat's faithful to the original lines in every way. You get all the greathandling features that make the Prospector a paddling legend in apackage 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 P15a fun tandem playboat.

Prospector 17’

• shallow arch• moderate rocker• symmetrical• avail. with orwithout shoe keel

If you want a canoe that will handle a month's worth of supplies tohead out on a wilderness adventure, this is the canoe for you. In theProspector 17 you'll find all the great things that have made this canoea 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 materialsand classic Prospector lines make the P17 the ultimate wildernessextended tripping canoe.

Prospector 16’

The Chestnut Prospector has probably been described more oftenin text than any other canoe, it's just that popular. Our version of thisvenerable craft is faithful to the original. Since 1984, we've gone out ofour way to continue the tradition so future generations of paddlers canenjoy 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 isbest suited for river tripping, it remains versatile enough to be a goodall round canoe. With experience, the self-righting aspects of the shallowarch hull will become apparent and confidence levels will soar. What’smore, it provides a very dry ride in big waves and whitewater. It is simplythe best all round wilderness tripping canoe available.

• shallow arch• moderate rocker• symmetrical• avail. with orwithout shoe keel

Prospector 18’

• shallow arch• moderate rocker• symmetrical

The cargo capacity of the Prospector 18 model can only be described asmassive. The Prospector lines produce a canoe that feels deceptively lightand responsive, but there's tons of space to pack in a load of supplies forany 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 expeditionstyle adventures or a large family wanting to travel in one canoe.

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

Spring 2009 Page 7

RECREATIONAL SERIES

Bob Special 15’

The Chestnut Canoe Company responded to the need for a lightweightcanoe well suited to solo tripping and casual tandem paddling byintroducing the versatile Bob Special. While the canoe was very stabledue to its larger than normal width, the hull shape was optimized forperformance resulting in a canoe that was remarkably fast. Our version isbased on the Chestnut original with some improvements to increasespeed 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 competentpaddler. The Bob has a unique blend of characteristics that produce acanoe novice paddlers can enjoy yet experts can savour.

Tripper 16’

• shallow arch• straight keel withraised ends

• asymmetrical

The classic lines of this canoe hide the modern innovationsincorporated into the hull design. While it still looks like a traditionalcanoe from every angle, it has an asymmetrical hull that improves speed.There is little rocker along the keel, which makes it easy to track yetprovides 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 advancedthey will appreciate the faster hull and easy glide.

PAL 16’

During its long history of building canoes, the Chestnut Canoe Companyproduced a range of models they called Pleasure canoes. One modelproved to have such universal appeal that it became the definition of ageneral-purpose craft. This model began life as the Ajax but it grew to beso popular that it was renamed PAL to reflect the affection owners feltwhile using it. Nova Craft has painstakingly reproduced the lines of theoriginal PAL to provide today’s paddlers with the opportunity to own oneof 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 flatwatertrips or short outings for sightseeing or fishing, the PAL handles roughwater well and feels comfortable in windy conditions. Indeed, it’s apleasure to paddle either tandem or solo. Once you paddle one you’llknow why owners call it my PAL.

• shallow arch• slight rockerwith raised ends

• symmetrical

Haida 17’

• flat bottom• straight keel withraised ends

• asymmetrical

The Haida is the "big brother" of our Tripper model. It shares all thesame handling characteristics of the 16 foot canoe but it's a bit wider and abit longer. That gives it extra carrying capacity without changing speed orhandling. The added roominess and stability means it is an ideal canoe forfamilies who want to enjoy some tripping with young children, whether itis just a weekend jaunt to a favourite park or a wilderness adventure lastinga 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 Haidaeither for relaxation, like fishing or the adventures of a wilderness trip.

• shallow arch• slight rockerwith raised ends

• symmetrical• avail. with or withoutshoe keel

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Page 8 Spring 2009

SPECIALTY SERIES

Angler 15’

• flat bottom• straight keel• symmetrical• tumblehome

While some paddlers dream of one day going down a remote arcticriver, a lot of us just need a solid canoe suited to the simpler pleasures oflife like fly fishing, nature photography, or just lazing around the lake. TheAngler is one of our most popular choices for people wanting a nice stablecanoe that's always predictable. Whoever said you should never stand incanoe - 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 directionyou want.

Supernova

The Supernova was designed as the ideal solution for the paddlerwho loves to do solo wilderness river trips. While the Supernova hullcharacteristics do what you'd expect from a white water boat – like keepyou dry and effortlessly surf a wave – where you really appreciate thecanoe 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 therough stuff, it retains enough of a quiet nature that it won't feel out ofplace for a casual paddle on the local pond. In the hands of a competentpaddler the Supernova is an excellent dance partner.

• shallow arch• moderate rocker• symmetrical

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

OUTFITTER SERIES SP3

The Outfitter models have the same performance characteristics as our famous Prospectormodels, but are made from a tough 3 layer polyethylene plastic that withstands hard knocksand extensive use. Because the material is nearly indestructible, it makes them attractive toowners who plan to subject them to hard use with little maintenance. While the Outfitters areour 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 familylooking for a canoe they can leave knocking around at the cottage, they'll have a canoe thatshould last a lifetime.

• shallow arch• moderate rocker• symmetrical

Prospector 16’

Length

Beam

Center

Bow

Bow

Stern

Capacity

DEPTH

ROCKER

15’6” 17’472 cm 518 cm

36 kg 40 kg80 lb 88 lb

35” 36”90 cm 91.5 cm14.5” 15”

35.5 cm 38 cm23” 23”

58.5 cm 58.5 cm2”

2” 2”

2”5 cm

5 cm 5 cm

5 cm

900 lb 1200 lb409 kg 544 kg

Weight

Canoe

Specifications

P16 P17

Spring 2009 Page 9

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

LaminatesLaminates are a great choice for river, lake or pond.In addition to their strength and light weight, theyglide smoother and faster on the water.

KevlarThese hulls are infused with high impact vinylesterresin, sandwiched with fiberglass cloth betweenan outer layer of Cap (Chemically ActivatedPolyester) cloth and an inner layer of Kevlar.

Kevlar/SpectraWe combine Kevlar and Spectra with a highimpact-resistant vinylester resin in these infusedhulls for expedition quality, lightweight canoes thatresist tearing and punctures far better thanan all Kevlar canoe.

Blue SteelNova Craft’s exclusiveBLUE STEEL is anadvanced Kevlar Carbonmaterial combined with Spectra and appliedthrough a unique infusion process. The result isa tough, rigid canoe that’s surprisingly light andeasy to handle. The ideal lightweight option forexpedition adventure.

ABSRoyalex (expedition grade) and Royalex Lite(Royalex industry standards), are ABS plasticlaminates with a core of expanded closed cell foam.We custom order our Royalex sheets for each modelfor extra hull strength and stiffness while keepingthe weight down. These canoes are great forshallow rivers and whitewater and stand up underthe most rugged conditions. The major advantageto ABS canoes is their survivability in situationswhere an accident might leave a less robust canoeunusable. When you’re on a remote wilderness tripand you need to rely on your boat to bring you back,ABS is still the most popular choice.

Unique Infusion System

Our unique, high-tech Infusion System, adaptedfrom the aerospace industry, offers distinctadvantages over traditional boat building systems:

• Eliminates human error

• Drastically reduces the number ofblemishes and imperfections

• Dramatically improves productionefficiency

• Produces stronger, higher qualitylaminates

• Reduces excess resin in thelaminate

• Has far less gas emissions(a plus for the environment)

• And produces better, moreconsistent boats.

Today, Nova Craft Canoe is the only boat builderusing this unique process on every laminatecanoe we make. It costs us more to producecanoes this way but the quality speaks for itself.The bottom line: You get a superior, strongerlightweight canoe, made to exacting standardswhile we protect the environment.

We could use less expensive materials, but whywould we? Our philosophy has always been togive our customers the best materials availableat the best possible price, andthen guarantee the canoe for life,period. After all, quality enduresmuch longer than the lure of alow price.

Hull Material Choices

Seats: Because you’re going to be sitting onthem for the better part of 15 years, you mightas well be comfortable. Our exclusive nylon lacedseats are beautiful to look at, tough as nails andbest of all, they cradle you like your favorite chair.In fact, in almost every review written aboutour canoes, our seats are noted for their superbcomfort and support.

Yokes: Portaging your canoe shouldn’t be a painin the neck. Our deluxe sculpted ash yokes fitcomfortably on your shoulders and distributesweight evenly. We’ve even notched out a sectionfor that little bone in the back of your neck. You’llappreciate it whether your portage is 5 minutes or5 miles.

GLOSSARY OF TERMSABS: Family of thermoplastics or terpolymers basedon Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene (ABS),combined by a variety of methods. Possesses goodimpact strength, heat resistance, low temperature.

CAP: Chemically Activated Polyester woven clothoften used in combination with Kevlar and wovenfibreglass.

CLOTH: Conventionally woven fibre material.

GELCOAT: Colour pigmented polyester resin. Firstresin applied to mold.

GUNWALE: Component that finishes the edge ofcanoe. Typically ABS, Anodized Aluminum, Ashor Cherry.

MATERIALS

ACCESSORIES & OPTIONSSeats & Yokes

INFUSION: Process where materials are laid intomold and placed under pressure using vacuum.Next resin is introduced and literally suckedthrough the laminate. This produces a productwith a very high material-to-resin ratio.

KEVLAR: Aramid fibres that have twice the stiffnessof fibreglass, 25% higher tensile strength and1/3 less weight.

LAY UP: Process of placing layers of cloth in the mold.

MAT: Fibrous material consisting of chopped orswirled filaments with a binder. Usually heavierand more brittle than cloth.

RESIN: Any polymer used to bond layers of clothtogether.

ROYALEX, ROYALEX LITE: A vulcanized plastic sheetcombining layers of vinyl, ABS, and a foam core.Makes stiff, durable canoes which have very high

impact resistance. Unsurpassed for expedition andwhitewater use.

R-84: Is a thinner and lighter alloy used on ABSsubstrate. 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 afilament as fine as a spider web and then wovento make cloth. A little lighter than Kevlar but it’sgreatest attribute is it’s incredible impact resist-ance. Best laminated under high vacuum toachieve a void free laminate.

TRIM: Gunwales, seats, end decks, yoke, thwartand hardware.

VINYLESTERS: Developed to provide the ease ofhandling of polyester resin combined with theimpact resistance and toughness of epoxy.

TRIM SYSTEMSStandard Trim: Low maintenance trim featuresaircraft-grade black anodized aluminum gunwaleswith aluminum reinforced ABS end decks,standard on laminate & Royalex Lite hulls.Reinforced PVC vinyl gunwales with oversizedrotomolded decks are standard with our RoyalexProspector models. Nylon laced ash seats, ashthwart, carrying handles and a balanced carryingyoke complete the package.

Wood Trim:We use only straight grained whiteash gunwales fastened with stainless steelscrews. Ash grained seats, ash thwarts, customcut decks, contoured carrying handles and a handrubbed oil finish complete the look.

Whether you want a canoe for extreme sports,long trips or just paddling around the lake,selecting the best one for your lifestyle is animportant decision. After all, we build them to lasta lifetime. That’s why we’ve made it easy for youto choose by following these three easy steps:

1 Read the ACTIVITY CHART on page 11

2 Match your selected activities with ourmodels throughout the catalogue

3 Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS chart onpage 11 to choose your constructionmaterials. Options can be found on page 9.Also see trim options below.

Options:White Ash Gunwales, Oil Finish

Ash Web Seat

Sliding Bow Seat

Kneeling Thwart

Kevlar Skid Plates Installed

Additional Centre Seat

Knee Pads

Custom Colour

Expedition Spray Deck

Spray Deck Installation

Page 10 Spring 2009

CHOOSINGTHE RIGHT CANOEFOR YOU

Royalex & Royalex Lite:

Red Green Burgundy Blue

Fibreglass, Kevlar, Kevlar/Spectra, BlueSteel:

Red Green Sand

DesertWhite Ox Blood Olive Green

CANOE COLOURS*

*Color may not be exactly as shown. Visit your dealer for color samples.

Standard Trim

Wood TrimN O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

Photo, Kevin Callan

Spring 2009 Page 11

N O V A C R A F T . C O M 1 - 8 6 6 - 8 8 C A N O E

CATEGORIES OF CANOES:

WHITEWATER: Highly maneuverable, fast and robustlyconstructed. More rocker in keel and high volume endsto shed waves and keep you dry.

SPECIALTYPROSPECTORCRUISERRECREATIONAL

Activity

Length

Beam

Center

Bow

Bow

Stern

Capacity

MATERIAL

DEPTH

ROCKER

WEIGHTS*

�� Bob Sp

ecial

Tripp

er

Haida

Cron

je�� Pr

ospe

ctor 1

6’

�� Pros

pecto

r 17’

Pros

pecto

r 18’

Supe

rnova

Angle

r

Pros

pecto

r 15’

PAL

Kevlar

FibreglassX

Kevlar/Spectra

Blue Steel

Royalex Lite

Royalex

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 cm60 lb - 64 lb 68 lb - - 68 lb 72 lb - - 64 lb27 kg - 29 kg 31 kg - - 31 kg 33 kg - - 29 kg50 lb 54 lb 54 lb 60 lb 54 lb - 58 lb 62 lb - - 56 lb23 kg 24 kg 24 kg 27 kg 24 kg - 26 kg 28 kg - - 25 kg45 lb 49 lb 50 lb 56 lb 50 lb - 52 lb 58 lb - 48 lb 52 lb20 kg 22 kg 22 kg 25 kg 22 kg - 23 kg 26 kg - 22 kg 23 kg42 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 84/94cm13” 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 cm21” 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 lb360 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. XShoe keel boats only ��No keel + 2-3 lbs.

R Q R Q R Q R QR QS R WT R WT T WE T WE T W R S

ACTIVITY CHART

RecreationSport

Quiet Water TouringRiver Tripping

Expedition

Whitewater

Activity Bob Special 15’ PAL 16’ Angler 15’ Tripper 16’ Haida 17’ Cronje 17’ Prospector 15’ Prospector 16’ Prospector 17’ Prospector 18’ Supernova

SPECIFICATIONS

RECREATION: Good all-round canoe for entry level orfamily 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 anddeep rivers.

RIVER TRIPPING: High-volume, rugged hauler able tocarry large loads in flatwater and whitewater.

EXPEDITION: Serious boats for long trips. High volume endsmean increased seaworthiness. Optional spray skirts keepyou dry and warm.

Spring 2009 Page 12

Nova Sports Equipment Ltd.471 Nightingale Avenue, London, Ontario, N5W 4C4

(519) 455-6252 • Fax: (519) 455-8162Email: info@novacraft.com • www.novacraft.com

1-866-88 CANOE

To commemorate the centennial of these two parks and thebirth of the Cronje canoe, Nova Craft Canoe, in conjunctionwith the HOCP, is proud to introduce the Limited EditionCentennial Cronje, identified by its unique colour, ash andcherry trim and decks, and a laser-inscribed cherrymedallion commemorating the centennial. One of theseLimited Edition Centennial Cronje canoes will be presentedto the HOCP, to help raise funds for the ongoing work inpreservation of and education about our natural heritage.

Nova Craft Canoe is making only fifty of these LimitedEdition Centennial Cronje canoes to celebrate the centennial.To be a part of this historic event, contact Nova Craft Canoeor a certified Nova Craft dealer and ensure your LimitedEdition Centennial Cronje canoe is crafted especially for you.

Spanning the border ofOntario and Minnesota, these

parks create one of the largest expanses ofpublic greenspace in the heart of North

America. The Heart of the ContinentPartnership (HOCP) is a Canadian/American coalition

working together to protect and promote this internationaltreasure. A hundred years ago, the Canadian Chestnut CanoeCompany introduced the unique Cronje model into itsgrowing line of quality canoes. This 17' cruiser is a flatwatercanoe, with an easy glide, excellent tracking capability andlots of room for gear.

866-88 CANOEnovacraft.com/hocp

Photo: Rolf Kraiker

The CentennialEdition Cronje

L I F E T IME WARRANTYWe endeavor to produce high qualityproducts that give years of dependableservice. For the original owner, if anydefects in material or workmanshipare found we will repair them orreplace the canoe at our discretion.We will also provide ongoing repair

services to our customers at areasonable rate. In all cases, the owneris responsible for transporting thecanoe to and from our factory.