Spring 2014
Volume 6
THE WINDS OF CHANGE
Thanksgiving Day indeed! Tim Miller. Well without a doubt the biggest news in the world of canoeing this year is the upcoming demise of Royalex production. Royalex is an ABS plastic sheet that has been a real mainstay in the canoe industry for 40 years or more. The combination of solid ABS sheets sandwiching a foam core has proven to be a near indestructible material for whitewater canoeing and expedition work. More recently improved fabricating techniques have been able to lower the weights and Royalex has gained a very strong foothold in the recreational and tripping market. Royalex was originally invented and manufactured by Uniroyal at their plant in Warsaw, IN where it has been produced ever since. While it is an exceptional material for canoes, it never really caught on in any other
large scale applications. A number of years ago the facility was bought by Spartech Plastics, a very large producer of plastic sheet goods. In early 2013, after Spartech had a few rough years following the recession, they were bought out by PolyOne an even larger player in the plastic industry. PolyOne immediately increased the price of Royalex by 23%. While this was onerous, most in the canoe industry breathed a sigh of relief that at least they were continuing production. However this relief was short-lived as PolyOne made an announcement at the end of July that in order to cut costs they were closing six plants including the Warsaw facility. Since the machinery to produce Royalex is in need of replacement and the market for Royalex is relatively small PolyOne has decided to cease
N O V A C R A F T. C O M 1-866-88 CANOE
production in April when they mothball the Warsaw plant. While Nova Craft and other canoe manufacturers have placed orders to carry through for this season, once that supply is used up, Royalex is done. Right now our orders are very strong so if you were thinking of a new Royalex canoe it would be best to act sooner rather than later. Nova Craft will remain a leader in the canoe industry since we have a strong composite program as well as rotational moulding to carry us through the transition looking for a replacement for Royalex. Experimental projects are in the works and just as we have found and implemented new products in the past we are confident we will do so again. Nothing like a good storm to get you paddling harder!
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CONTENTS 3
Once Around Algonquin - An Epic Canoe Journey written by Kevin Callan
9
Recreational Series Canoes
4
Family Bonds on the Wind written by Peter Mather
10
Recreational, Whitewater & Outfitter Series Canoes
5
Love Letter to my Canoe written by Leanne Allison
11
Cruiser Series Canoes
6
Paddles and Canoes written by Rolf Kraiker
13
Materials, Accessories & Options, Glossary of Terms
7
New Whitewater Canoes
14
Choosing the Right Canoe for You & Trim Systems
8
Prospector Series Canoes
15
Canoe Specifications
3 4 6
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I BUY A CANOE? Think of a canoe as a long term investment; you will probably go through a few computers, TVs, and even vehicles before you start to see the end of your canoe’s usefulness. The longevity of a canoe will help you create and reflect on lots of fond memories; from your first quick solo day-paddle, to a weekend adventure with your best friend, to a long expedition with a group of fellow paddlers. 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 great flatwater canoe will not be the best in big river rapids. Conversely a great whitewater canoe will not be the best choice for crossing lakes. A flatwater canoe should be more straight keeled to assist in tracking. It should also be shallower to reduce the effects of wind, be narrower and have finer entry lines for speed. A good whitewater canoe needs to have some rocker to facilitate quick turns. They will also be deeper and will usually have fuller ends for a drier ride. If you are looking to paddle on both flatwater and whitewater you will need a canoe with good multi-purpose characteristics. 2. What will the typical trip duration be? Will you only be out for an hour or two at the cottage or are you going to go downriver for two weeks? A typical cottage canoe can be small because it will probably only hold the paddlers and a small amount of gear. An expedition canoe will have to have a larger volume to hold all your food, tents, and packs for your entire time in the interior.
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3. How many people will be using the canoe at one time? You need to make sure there is enough room in the canoe for everyone. A family canoe that needs to carry four people will obviously need to be bigger than one used for solo paddling. Don’t forget to include pets into the equation. Big dogs that like to 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 the weight of your canoe. You also need to remember that while you may not portage, you still may need to put your boat on top of your vehicle from time to time. Make sure you can lift it comfortably and safely. 5. What material is best for your needs? Composite canoes are lighter and offer better glide through the water whereas plastic boats (Royalex, Royalex Plus and SP3) are tougher and are more appropriate where severe impacts may occur. Whitewater canoes will need to be made of more durable materials to cope with impacts. Flatwater canoes can be made of lighter materials for portaging from lake to lake. 6. What is your budget? As a general rule, lighter canoes are more expensive. While you may have decided that you need a high end boat, the practical matter of expense must be considered. Also see page 14. For a better understanding of boating terms and characteristics, please visit novacraft.com/canoepurchase.htm
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ONCE AROUND ALGONQUIN - AN EPIC CANOE JOURNEY written by Kevin Callan This past summer my regular canoe mate, Andy Baxter, and I took on Algonquin’s Meanest Link - a full circle of the park. It took 16 days, covered 350 kilometers (220 miles), 55 lakes, 6 rivers (3 that had to be paddled upstream), and 93 portages adding up to 68 kilometers (42 miles). It was one crazy trip; one I wouldn’t do again but an experience I’m glad I had. I lost 10 lbs., gained muscles I've never seen on my body before and had mosquito bites all over my genitalia. Doesn’t sound pleasant - and some of it wasn’t. The most prominent silly portion was going up the Big East River. Never again! Four days of walking up rapids 80% of the time - sometimes up to your waist. Andy, my poor canoe partner who took some holiday time to join me, was pissed at my route choice by day two. That’s way too early for a canoe partner, and good friend, to be pissed at you. His profanity was somewhat justified, however. This route around Algonquin Park is properly titled. The Meanest Link is exactly that mean. Problem was, my main focus of the trip was to promote more people to get out and paddle wilderness areas for long periods of time. I think the trip accomplished that. By the half way point Andy and I had gained over 10,000 people following our trip on line, all having the urge to be with us. What kept us going was the sheer magnitude of Algonquin. This is one big and beautiful park. By day 12 we were more relaxed, more in shape. The area we were paddling in also didn’t see many people. We were alone and truly enjoying the wilderness solitude. It reminded me so much of a quote I like from Robert Perkins film One Man in a Boat. Perkins looks out at a remote wilderness section and says “I feel like rolling it up in a ball and swallowing it so no one else can have it.” Ending the trip was just as consequential as starting it. We unknowingly chose the day of the big Huntsville bathtub races to finish. Helicopters buzzed overhead, speedboats and Jet-Skis
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churned up the water around us, and even a police boat pulled us over for a ride check. In the confusion Andy and I found ourselves in the centre of the bathtub race and had the organizer belittle us from the loudspeaker.
What kept us going was the sheer magnitude of Algonquin. This is one big and beautiful park. Hundreds of people lined the Huntsville docks, but only a handful were there to witness Andy and I complete our epic trip. Gord Baker from Algonquin Outfitters, and a couple of his staff, helped us unload and portage through the fans of the bathtub race. The ending was perfect for us, really. Rather then have banners hung and people cheering for us at the finish line, our accomplishments were overshadowed by a bunch of locals propelling themselves across the water with motorized bathtubs. How ironic. You’d think of course that we would be craving the company of other people, or at least a chance
to drink a beer and feast on a greasy burger and fries. The whole ordeal, however, was an absolute culture shock. Both Andy and I missed the wilderness and were having a very difficult time adjusting. There were definitely countless times during the trip where we wanted to give up on battling the bugs and long portages. But now we had this strange desire to paddle away from the comforts of Huntsville and do the foolish trip all over again. That was the proof I was looking for — that feeling of association with the natural world after spending a long period of time amongst it. It was the verification that the desire to immerse oneself in a wilderness setting overpowered the addiction to civilized comforts. To quote John Muir, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity…” Look for the video series of Kevin’s trip by going to his KCHappyCamper You Tube channel, and read the full account of the trip by going to his Explore Magazine blog at explore-mag.com. web site: kevincallan.com
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FAMILY BONDS ON THE WIND written by Peter Mather Last summer, my partner Terri and I, decided to take our kids on their first epic canoe trip. We were hoping to hook them on canoeing forever, so we went big and beautiful: A 30 day epic adventure on the Wind River in northern Yukon. The Wind is a tributary of the Peel River, and one of the classic wilderness rivers of Western Canada. It is real wilderness in a bottle, a land with little to no human footprint, and beauty that I can't describe.
Every morning, they are up early, packed and ready to go. They surprise and infect us with their enthusiasm. Of course, kids being kids, we probably could take them for a month long canoe trip on our backyard creek and they would have the trip of a lifetime. Kennedy, Ava and Maya are just into their teens. Like typical kids they love adventure, but aren't so keen on hard work, so we plan our trip accordingly. We spend the first three weeks in the mountains. The river is tucked into the last corner of Rocky Mountains, and it is basically Banff National Park without hotels and golf courses. We plan to have
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several rest days, so the kids don’t have to pack up camp and set up camp every day. We take numerous hikes so the kids can enjoy one of the most unique environments in the world. The kids seem less than inspired and restless. Terri and I are worried as we leave the mountains. Too soon, the mountains are in the rear view mirror. The quick, clean, and intimate waters of the Wind are replaced by the slow, brown, and wide waters of the Peel River. We have planned 6 long days on the Peel to cover the final 300 kilometers to our take out in Fort MacPherson. Most paddlers have a float plane pick them up on the Peel to avoid this ordeal. Planes can land on the Peel, because it is a lot like a lake. We're worried about the kids, how will they react after a less than inspired trip on the inspiring section. We really shouldn't have worried about the kids. They are in heaven on the Peel; they love the new found direction of our trip. Every morning, they are up early, packed and ready to go. They surprise and infect us with their enthusiasm. They paddle, play cards, swim, tell riddles, swim, and then swim some more. Their favorite part is floating or rafting our canoes together. “Can we raft? When can we raft again?” accompanied us down river. We wile away our afternoons, as Terri reads them the new river classic, “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” They are finally having the trip of a lifetime. They are just kids being kids.
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LOVE LETTER TO MY CANOE written by Leanne Allison I feel like I owe my canoe an apology. I’ve taken it for granted my entire life. I’m half way from 40 to 50 and I’m finally showing some gratitude. Finally showing some respect for what an incredible craft it is. If I try to imagine what my life would have been like without a canoe, I can’t. It would be like imagining Canada without the canoe. It’s impossible. One has shaped the other. My earliest adventure was in a canoe. I can still feel myself as an 11-year-old skinny-armed girl desperately trying to keep a loaded Grumman canoe straight from the stern as we hurtled down the Devil’s Elbow rapids on the North Saskatchewan river in Alberta. I can still remember being on the banks of that river brushing my teeth under a blanket of stars. I knew then and there that I’d found my nirvana. Rivers have been my happy place ever since. Zoom ahead a decade and it was a canoe that took me north to the Nahanni River where I had my first kiss with my future husband in a natural hot springs under northern lights. No canoe. No
first kiss like that. Maybe even no husband. Or one that, heaven forbid, didn’t like canoeing. Fast forward another decade or so and it was a canoe that propelled my family (husband, 2 year old son, and border collie) from our home in
In fact it wasn’t until that trip that we really started to appreciate how incredible the canoe is. Canmore to the shores of Hudson Bay as part of a longer journey to meet author Farley Mowat in Cape Breton. No canoe, no incredible family bonding, no meeting famous author. None of it. In fact it wasn’t until that trip that we really started to appreciate how incredible the canoe is. Up until then we’d only canoed on western rivers. The canoe worked well, but so did other crafts like
kayaks and rafts. But once we hit shield country we realized the canoe was king. No other craft can touch it. The canoe is the grand soloist. I came across this quote about love recently and now I realize that you could easily substitute the word love for canoeing and it would describe what canoe tripping has meant in my life perfectly. It goes like this: Love (canoeing) is a human act of becoming, a condition that is invented and modified moment by moment and day by day, by the will and the intelligence and the heart. From ‘Stoner’ by John Williams. Both love and canoeing, in this context are a bridge to something larger than ourselves. Can there be a greater gift? I don’t think so. So thank you canoe. Sorry it’s taken me so long to say it. www.necessaryjourneys.ca
Leanne Allison, Karsten Heuer and 2 year old son Zev on their cross Canada trip “Finding Farley”.
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PADDLES AND CANOES written by Rolf Kraiker I often get asked what’s the best canoe or the best paddle, its a tough question to answer because there really isn’t one right answer, it all depends on what the paddle or canoe will be used for. Take paddles for instance… There’s an endless debate about the merits of bent shaft vs. straight shaft paddles. Either can be just as effective, but the way they are used will be different. From a pure mechanical perspective, if you have two paddles with an equal amount of surface area on the blade and you apply the same amount of muscle power to each, the work output will be the same. That should be obvious, but there’s a difference in the way force needs to be applied. A straight shaft paddle will develop more power in the first half of a stroke while the bent shaft develops more power at the end of the stroke. Most people will probably find a bent shaft a bit easier to use for traveling along, the power is developed where it feels most natural along the path of the stroke. It takes a bit more
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technique to get the same output from a straight shaft paddle. So does that mean a bent shaft paddle is better? While they can feel easier to use, they do present some problems when using them effectively
There isn’t one canoe that will do everything well, but a canoe that will excel at one thing will have more limited use. for steering. A straight shaft provides better control for precise steering strokes or in changing water like river currents. A comparison might be between a saw and an ax, both cut wood but the tools are used in different ways and for different jobs. Some paddlers use both types of blades, other’s prefer one type and stick to that, it’s a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth it for a paddler to become proficient with both and make informed choices. Canoes evolved into hull shapes that reflected the regional geography of the various aboriginal natives who created them. Ocean going canoes of the west coast were very different than the ocean going canoes of the east coast. The sleek canoes of the Algonquin tribes were perfectly suited to the rivers
and lakes in what is now Ontario, but looked very different to the “crooked” canoes used by the Cree tribes in Northern Quebec that involved a lot of white water travel. That said, it wasn’t until recent years that more radical changes happened in canoe design. Early canoe shapes were closely tied to the construction materials used to build them. The curves of the hull followed the shape wood follows when bent over a form. With the introduction of composite materials like plastic and fibreglass, it was possible to introduce hull shapes that are more specialized. Some canoes are designed for speed, some for white water, some for large cargo loads. Canoes made with hull shapes along traditional lines are versatile, general purpose canoes that do a variety of things well, but generally don’t stand out at specific tasks. Many modern hull shapes are capable of greater speed with less effort while others excel at handling rough white water. A paddler can think of comparing the hull shapes to cars when deciding what they need, do they want a sports car, an off road truck, or a family minivan? There isn’t one canoe that will do everything well, but a canoe that will excel at one thing will have more limited use. As well a more general purpose canoe will have some compromise when the limits are being pushed.
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NEW WHITEWATER EXCITEMENT Moisie 16’ 6”
One of the most outstanding wild rivers in Canada is the namesake for Nova Craft's new expedition canoe, the Moisie. It is an incredible tripping canoe for modern day explorers who want to tackle whitewater with big waves and deep holes. The symmetrical shape, deep hull, large volume ends and 4” of rocker makes for lots of manoeuvrability and a dry ride in the big stuff. At 34” wide the Moisie still has enough speed on the flat sections to get you to the next set of rapids with ease. The Moisie has plenty of carrying capacity for extended river expeditions. Surfing, sideslipping and ferrying in and out of rapids are all handled with ease. Whether you're just out to enjoy a day of play in whitewater or you're about to head out on a month long expedition, the Moisie is an amazing canoe that can make even a newcomer to paddling look like an expert. Available in Royalex and Royalex Plus.
• shallow arch • pronounced rocker • symmetrical
Ocoee 11’ 3”
One of the most popular solo whitewater "playboat" canoes ever produced, the Ocoee is an extremely flexible boat suitable for creeking and general river running. It is a very predictable canoe yet is still able to accomplish dynamic and aggressive moves in the most challenging whitewater. Even though it is forgiving enough to accommodate beginners, it is an outstanding OC1 for slalom competitions. With practice the Ocoee is definitely a canoe that anyone can handle. The hard chines and flat bottom create a "carving edge" that taps into the power of the river making for tighter turns that let you snap it in and out of eddies with ease. The hull has a compound tumblehome on the sides that gives it remarkable secondary stability compared to other open playboat canoe designs. The pronounced rocker and flat bottom means the boat holds its momentum and angle, carves effortlessly, loves to surf and runs even big waves with unmatched dryness. Available in Royalex and Royalex Plus.
* Royalex Plus only available in Yellow
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• flat bottom • pronounced rocker • symmetrical
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Spring 2014
PROSPECTOR SERIES Prospector 15’
Prospector 16’
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 playboat.
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 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.
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
Prospector 17’
Prospector 18’
If you want a canoe that will handle a month's worth of supplies to head out on a wilderness adventure, this is the canoe for you. In the Prospector 17 you'll find all the great things that have made this canoe a 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 materials and classic Prospector lines make the P17 the ultimate wilderness extended tripping canoe.
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 P18 is a big boat with straighter tracking than our shorter Prospectors. It's perfect for the wilderness traveler intent on expedition style adventures or a large family wanting to travel in one canoe.
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
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• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
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RECREATIONAL SERIES Teddy 12’
Bob Special 15’
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!
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.
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel
Muskoka 15’ 10”
PAL 16’
The Muskoka is a traditional canoe designed to provide comfort and safety for anyone looking for a canoe suitable for light recreational use. Easy weekend trips or poking around the lakes and rivers near a cottage are where this canoe will excell. The Muskoka has enough carrying capacity for a young family, yet it provides enough stability to make an outing with kids and dogs enjoyable. The traditional lines of this canoe make it a joy to paddle, but those same lines make the Muskoka a pleasure to contemplate resting on your dock as you sit in your chair and enjoy a favourite beverage while the sun sets.
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 provide today’s paddlers with the opportunity to own one of 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 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”.
• flat bottom • slight rocker • symmetrical • with keel
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
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Spring 2014
RECREATIONAL
WHITEWATER
Trapper 12’ Solo
Supernova 14’ 10” Solo
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.
The Supernova was designed as the ideal solution for the paddler who loves to do solo wilderness river trips. While the Supernova hull characteristics do what you'd expect from a white water boat – like keep you dry and effortlessly surf a wave – where you really appreciate the canoe 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 the rough stuff, it retains enough of a quiet nature that it won't feel out of place for a casual paddle on the local pond. In the hands of a competent paddler the Supernova is an excellent dance partner.
• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
OUTFITTER SERIES SP3 Prospector 16’ and 17’ Specifications Shown is Prospector 16’ The Outfitter models have the same performance characteristics as our famous Prospector models, but are made from a tough 3 layer polyethylene plastic 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 Outfitters are our 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 family looking for a canoe they can leave knocking around at the cottage, they'll have a canoe that should last a lifetime.
• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical
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Canoe
P16
P17
Length
15’6” 472 cm 88 lb 40 kg 35”
17’ 518 cm 95 lb 43 kg 36”
90 cm
91.5 cm
14.5” 36 cm 23” 58.5 cm 2” 5 cm 2” 5 cm 900 lb 409 kg
14.5” 36 cm 23” 58.5 cm 2” 5 cm 2” 5 cm 1200 lb 544 kg
Weight Beam D E P T H
Center
R O C K E R
Bow
Bow
Stern Capacity
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CRUISER SERIES
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Falcon 16’
Cronje (Chrone-yeh) 17’ • shallow arch • straight keel • asymmetrical
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.
• shallow arch • fast entry lines • symmetrical • slight rocker
The Falcon 16 was designed for paddlers who have efficient flatwater performance in mind. Its asymmetrical hull features plumb stems, sharp entry lines, minimal rocker, and a narrow beam to get the most out of each forward stroke. Even though the Falcon is built for speed its shallow arch bottom provides a steady feel, especially when loaded for wilderness tripping. Its shallow depth allows for great reach over the sides and helps to minimize the effects of wind on the hull.
Eagle 17’
• shallow arch • straight keel • asymmetrical The Eagle 17 is the big brother to our Falcon 16 and shares all of its redeeming qualities. It features a higher volume asymmetrical design with plumb stems, fine entry lines, minimal rocker, and a narrow beam to maximize efficiency. A shallow arch bottom gives this quick canoe a steady feel especially carrying a generous compliment of camping gear into the interior. If effortless tracking and beautiful glide are what you are looking for in a large tripping canoe, the Eagle is a superb choice.
Tripper 16’
Haida 17’
The classic lines of this canoe hide the modern innovations incorporated into the hull design. While it still looks like a traditional canoe from every angle, it has an asymmetrical hull that improves speed. There is little rocker along the keel, which makes it easy to track yet provides maneuverability 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 advanced they will appreciate the faster hull and easy glide.
The Haida is the "big brother" of our Tripper model. It's asymmetrical and share all the same handling characteristics of the 16 foot canoe but it's a bit wider and a bit longer. That gives it extra carrying capacity without changing speed or handling. The added roominess and stability means it is an ideal canoe for families who want to enjoy some tripping with young children, whether it is just a weekend jaunt to a favourite park or a wilderness adventure lasting a 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 Haida either for relaxation, like fishing or the adventures of a wilderness trip.
• shallow arch • straight keel with raised ends • asymmetrical
• flat bottom • straight keel with raised ends • asymmetrical
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Lighter, stronger with higher endurance From short local trips on easy winding rivers to extreme expedition on raging torrents, Twaron supplies the power of aramid. “Nova Craft Canoe has been using aramid fabrics to build safer, stronger, lightweight canoes for more than three decades. We’ve found Twaron to be an excellent partner in helping us bring that power of aramid to our customers,” states Tim Miller, President of Nova Craft. Twaron is engineered with speed, strength and endurance in mind. Canoes and kayaks reinforced with Twaron are extremely rugged, and afford a built-in comfort zone for safe, reliable paddle sports performance. Navigate the waterways with the proven power of aramid… Twaron.
TEIJIN ARAMID USA, INC. 801-F Blacklawn Road Conyers, GA 30012 800-451-6586 usainfo@teijinaramid.com www.teijinaramid.com
Spring 2014
MATERIALS Unique Infusion System Our unique, hightech Infusion System, adapted from the aerospace industry, offers distinct advantages over traditional boat building systems:
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Fiberglass is a very affordable composite material
through a unique infusion process. The result is a tough, rigid canoe that’s surprisingly light and with a proven track record of durability. Our fibereasy to handle. The ideal lightweight option for glass hulls are among the lightest and most rugged expedition adventure. on the market today. We use woven fiberglass cloth, instead of chopped strand mat, to make a Royalex Plus (expedition grade) and Royalex truly superior hull. Most of our fiberglass models (Royalex industry standards), are ABS plastic come with a shoe keel. laminates with a core of expanded closed cell foam.
ABS
• Eliminates human error
Aramid These hulls are infused with high
• Drastically reduces the number of blemishes and imperfections
impact vinylester resin, sandwiched with fiberglass cloth between an outer layer of Cap (Chemically Activated Polyester) cloth and an inner layer of Aramid.
• Dramatically improves production efficiency • Produces stronger, higher quality laminates • Reduces excess resin in the laminate • Has far less gas emissions (a plus for the environment) • Produces better, more consistent boats. Today, Nova Craft Canoe uses this unique process on every hi-tech laminate canoe we make. It costs us more to produce canoes this way but the quality speaks for itself. The bottom line: You get a superior, stronger lightweight canoe, made to exacting standards while we protect the environment.
Laminates are a great choice for river, lake or pond. In addition to their strength and light weight, they glide smoother and faster on the water.
Aramid Lite
The Aramid Lite is proven to have considerable longevity, increased structural strength and is lighter than our traditional Aramid material. The hull components are 100% Aramid cloth and a premium vinylester resin that is engineered for maximum elongation. The Aramid Lite remains unmatched in its weight class in terms of durability and will outlast the competition at a reasonable price.
We custom order our Royalex sheets for each model for extra hull strength and stiffness while keeping the weight down. These canoes are great for shallow rivers and whitewater and stand up under the most rugged conditions. The major advantage to ABS canoes is their survivability in situations where an accident might leave a less robust canoe unusable. When you’re on a remote wilderness trip and you need to rely on your boat to bring you back, ABS is still the most popular choice.
Aramid/Spectra
We combine Aramid and Spectra with a high impact-resistant vinylester resin in these infused hulls for expedition quality, lightweight canoes that resist tearing and punctures far better than an all Aramid canoe.
Blue Steel
Nova Craft’s exclusive BLUE STEEL is an advanced Aramid Carbon material combined with Spectra and applied
SEATS & YOKES Seats:
Yokes:
We could use less expensive materials, but why would we? Our philosophy has always been to give our customers the best materials available at the best possible price, and then guarantee the canoe for life, period. After all, quality endures much longer than the lure of a low price.
Because you’re going to be sitting on them for the better part of 15 years, you might as well be comfortable. Our exclusive nylon laced seats are beautiful to look at, tough as nails and best of all, they cradle you like your favorite chair. In fact, in almost every review written about our canoes, our seats are noted for their superb comfort and support.
Portaging your canoe shouldn’t be a pain in the neck. Our deluxe sculpted ash yokes fit comfortably on your shoulders and distributes weight evenly. We’ve even notched out a section for that little bone in the back of your neck. You’ll appreciate it whether your portage is 5 minutes or 5 miles.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GUNWALE: Component that finishes the edge of
R-84: Is a thinner and lighter alloy used on ABS substrate. 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 a
canoe, Vinyl, Anodized Aluminum or Ash.
INFUSION: Process where materials are laid into mold and placed under pressure using vacuum. on Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene (ABS), Next resin is introduced to flow through the combined by a variety of methods. Possesses good laminate. This produces a product with a very high filament as fine as a spider web and then woven to make cloth. A little lighter than Aramid but it’s impact strength, heat resistance, low temperature. material-to-resin ratio. greatest attribute is it’s incredible impact resist® ® ARAMID: (Kevlar /Twaron ) Aramid fibres that have LAY UP: Process of placing layers of cloth in the mold. ance. Best laminated under high vacuum to twice the stiffness of fibreglass, 25% higher achieve a void free laminate. MAT: Fibrous material consisting of chopped or tensile strength and 1/3 less weight. swirled filaments with a binder. Usually heavier TRIM: Gunwales, seats, end decks, yoke, thwart CAP: Chemically Activated Polyester woven cloth and more brittle than cloth. and hardware. often used in combination with Aramid and RESIN: Any polymer used to bond layers of cloth VINYLESTERS: Developed to provide the ease of woven fibreglass. together. handling of polyester resin combined with the CLOTH: Conventionally woven fibre material. impact resistance and toughness of epoxy. ROYALEX PLUS, ROYALEX: A vulcanized plastic sheet ABS: Family of thermoplastics or terpolymers based
GELCOAT: Colour pigmented polyester resin. First resin applied to mold.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
combining layers of vinyl, ABS, and a foam core. Makes stiff, durable canoes which have very high impact resistance. Unsurpassed for expedition and whitewater use.
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Spring 2014
CANOE COLOURS* CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANOE Royalex & Royalex Plus: FOR YOU Whether you want a canoe for extreme sports, long trips or just paddling around the lake, selecting the best one for your lifestyle is an important decision. After all, we build them to last a lifetime. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to choose by following these three easy steps:
Red
Green
Burgundy
*Colours may not be exactly as shown.
Fibreglass, Aramid, Aramid Lite, Spectra, BlueSteel:
Red
Green
Sand
DesertWhite
Ox Blood
Olive Green
Sunray
Blue Steel
Natural Photo by Kevin Callan
1 2
3
Read the ACTIVITY CHART on page 15
Match your selected activities with our models throughout the catalogue (what should you know before you buy a canoe, see page 2)
Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS chart on page 15 to choose your construction materials. Options and trims can be found below.
TRIM SYSTEMS Standard Trim: Low maintenance trim features Options: aircraft-grade black anodized aluminum gunwales with aluminum reinforced ABS end decks, standard on laminate & Royalex hulls. Reinforced PVC vinyl gunwales with oversized rotomolded decks are standard with our Royalex Plus models. Nylon laced ash seats, ash thwart, carrying handles and a balanced carrying yoke complete the package.
Wood Trim: We use only straight grained white ash gunwales fastened with stainless steel screws. Ash grained seats, ash thwarts, custom cut decks, contoured carrying handles and a hand rubbed oil finish complete the look.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
White Ash Gunwales, Oil Finish Ash Web Seat
Standard Trim
Kneeling Thwart Aramid Skid Plates Installed Additional Centre Seat Knee Pads Custom Colour Expedition Spray Deck Spray Deck Installation
Wood Trim 8 6 6 - 8 8
C A N O E
Spring 2014
Page 15
17’
68 lb
60 lb
49 lb
56 lb
50 lb
64 lb
17’
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
54 lb 24.5 kg ~ ~ ~ ~
Haida
t
R Q E 518 cm 30.9 kg 27.3 kg 22.3 kg 25.5 kg 22.7 kg 29.1 kg
Cronje
R Q E 518 cm
Falcon
R Q 488 cm
Eagle
Q E
16’
17’ 518 cm
47 lb 50 lb 21.4 kg 22.7 kg 46 lb ~ 20.5 kg ~ 48 lb ~ 21.8 kg ~
47 lb 59 lb 21.4 kg 26.8 kg 47 lb ~ 21.4 kg ~ 48 lb ~ 21.8 kg ~
Ca pa cit y
60 lb
Bo w
46 lb
St er n
50 lb
Bo w
46 lb
Be am
54 lb
R Q 488 cm 29.1 kg 24.5 kg 20.9 kg 22.7 kg 20.9 kg 27.3 kg
Pl us
Bl ue St ee l Ro ya lex
64 lb
t
ROCKER
SP 3
Ar am id Lit e Sp ec tra
16’
Tripper
DEPTH Ro ya lex
Fib re gla ss t Ar am id
CRUISER
Le ng th
Ac tiv ity
WEIGHT & MATERIALS *
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
35” 88.9 cm 36” 91.5 cm 35” 88.9 cm 34” 86.4 cm 34” 86.4 cm
14” 35.5 cm 14” 35.5 cm 13” 33 cm 14” 35.5 cm 14” 35.5 cm
22” 55.9 cm 22” 55.9 cm 21” 53.5 cm 20.5” 52 cm 20” 50 cm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1000 lb 455 kg 1200 lb 545 kg 1000 lb 455 kg 800 lb 364 kg 1000 lb 455 kg
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
34” 86.4 cm 34” 86.4 cm 35” 88.9 cm 34” 86.4 cm 35” 88.9 cm
13” 33 cm 13” 33 cm 14” 35.5 cm 13” 33 cm 14” 35.5 cm
18” 45.7 cm 18” 45.7 cm 21” 53.4 cm 20” 50.8 cm 21” 53.5 cm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
490 lb 223 kg 490 lb 223 kg 800 lb 364 kg 800 lb 364 kg 900 lb 409 kg
70lb 31.8 kg 74 lb 33.6 kg 80 lb 36.4 kg 84 lb 38.2 kg
~ ~ 88 lb 40 kg 95 lb 43 kg ~ ~
36” 91.4 cm 36” 91.4 cm 36” 91.4 cm 36” 91.4 cm
15” 38 cm 15” 38 cm 15” 38 cm 15” 38 cm
23” 58.5 cm 23” 58.5 cm 23” 58.5 cm 23” 58.5 cm
2.5” 6.4 cm 2.5” 6.4 cm 2.5” 6.4 cm 2.5” 6.4 cm
2.5” 6.4 cm 2.5” 6.4 cm 2.5” 6.4 cm 2.5” 6.4 cm
850 lb 386 kg 1000 lb 455 kg 1200 lb 545 kg 1400 lb 636 kg
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
34” 86.4 cm 25” 63.5 cm 32” 81.2 cm
15” 26” 4” 4” 38 cm 66 cm 10 cm 10 cm 15.5” 21.5” 5.5” 5.5” 39.4 cm 54.6 cm 14 cm 14 cm 15” 23” 2.5” 2.5” 38 cm 54.4 cm 6.4 cm 6.4 cm
1100 lb 500 kg 500 lb 227 kg 850 lb 386 kg
Ce nte r
SPECS
RECREATIONAL 47 lb 38 lb 29 lb 34 lb 30 lb 39 lb R S Q 36612’cm 21.4 kg 17.3 kg 13.2 kg 15.5 kg 13.6 kg 17.7 kg
Trapper Solo
47 lb 38 lb 29 lb 34 lb 30 lb 39 lb R Q 36612’cm 21.4 kg 17.3 kg 13.2 kg 15.5 kg 13.6 kg 17.7 kg
Teddy Kids Bob Special
60 lb 50 lb 40 lb 45 lb 42 lb 58 lb R Q 45715’cm 27.3 kg 22.7 kg 18.2 kg 20.5 kg 19.1 kg 26.4 kg
tt
PAL
16’
~ 54 lb ~ 24.5 kg 68 lb 56 lb R S Q 48816’cm 30.9 kg 25.5 kg
44 lb 49 lb 20 kg 22.3 kg 46 lb 50 lb 20.9 kg 22.7 kg
46 lb 58 lb 20.9 kg 26.4 kg 46 lb ~ 20.9 kg ~
15’
~ ~ ~ ~ 16’ 72 lb 54 lb R T W 488 cm 32.7 kg 24.5 kg 17’ 73 lb 62 lb T E W 518 cm 33.2 kg 28.2 kg ~ ~ T E W 54818’cm ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ 45 lb 52 lb 20.5 kg 23.6 kg 48 lb 58 lb 21.8 kg 26.4 kg ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ 48 lb 21.8 kg 52 lb 23.6 kg ~ ~
16’ 6” T E W 506 cm
~ ~ ~ 67 lb 77 lb ~ ~ ~ 30.5 kg 35 kg ~ ~ ~ 38 lb 44 lb ~ ~ ~ 17.3 kg 20 kg 34 lb 48 lb 44 lb 52 lb 58 lb 15.5 kg 21.8 kg 20 kg 23.6 kg 26.4 kg
R Q 488 cm
Muskoka
t
PROSPECTOR Prospector 15’
R T W 457 cm
Prospector 16’tt Prospector 17’tt Prospector 18’
60lb 27.3 kg 64 lb 29.1 kg 68 lb 30.9 kg 70 lb 31.8 kg
WHITEWATER New Moisie New Ocoee Solo
W
Supernova Solo
T W
11’ 3” 344 cm 14’ 10” 452 cm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*Actual weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.
tShoe keel only composite.
ACTIVITY CHART Activity
Tripper
ttSpecify with or without a shoe keel (no keel +2-3lbs) only composite. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.
Haida
Cronje
Trapper
Teddy
BobSpecial
PAL
Muskoka
Prospector 15’ Prospector 16’ Prospector 17’ Prospector 18’
Moisie
Ocoee
Supernova
Recreation Sport Quiet Water Touring River Tripping Expedition Whitewater
CATEGORIES OF CANOES: RECREATION: Good all-round canoe for entry level or family
RIVER TRIPPING: High-volume, rugged hauler able to carry large loads in
paddlers. Safe, stable, comfortable.
flatwater and whitewater.
SPORT: Good for hunters, anglers and dog owners. Stable platform in an easy-to-paddle canoe.
EXPEDITION: Serious boats for long trips. High volume ends mean increased seaworthiness. Optional spray skirts keep you dry and warm.
QUIET WATER TOURING: Fast hull that paddles efficiently, turns
WHITEWATER: Highly maneuverable, fast and robustly constructed. More rocker in keel and high volume ends to shed waves and keep you dry.
easily and tracks well. Better suited to lakes and deep rivers.
N O VA C R A F T. C O M
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Page 16
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Nova Sports Equipment Ltd. 471 Nightingale Avenue, London, Ontario, N5W 4C4 (519) 455-6252 • Fax: (519) 455-8162 Email: info@novacraft.com • www.novacraft.com
1-866-88 CANOE
We endeavor to produce high quality products that give years of dependable service. For the original owner, if any defects in material or workmanship are found we will repair them or replace the canoe at our discretion. We will also provide ongoing repair services to our customers at a reasonable rate. In all cases, the owner is responsible for transporting the canoe to and from our factory.