Nova Craft Canoe Catalogue 2011 by Nova Craft Canoe

Spring 2011

Volume 3

NOVA CRAFT LOOKS AHEAD IN 2011 Now that Nova Craft Canoe is moving into our fifth decade, we continue to build traditional canoe designs using the latest technology to achieve an unparalleled level of quality. This year after listening to our community of dealers and paddlers we are adding a new model, a new lay up and a new colour to our extensive range of products. The latest design addition to the line is the Muskoka! The Muskoka is an excellent recreational canoe that would fit in perfectly at the family cottage. A fine canoe for fishing, nature photography or just a leisurely paddle around the lake, the Muskoka is an easy tracking canoe with a smooth glide. In 2011, the Muskoka will be available in all our composite layups from fiberglass to Blue Steel. For 2011 we have formed a partnership with Twaron® to produce our new Aramid Lite composite layup. Using multiple layers of Twaron® fabric, high strength vinylester resin and our unique resin infusion process, we have developed a strong lightweight laminate at a very attractive price. Excellent for tripping and portaging or just making it easy to get your canoe from the car to the lake for an afternoon outing. Twaron® was so impressed with our Aramid Lite layup, they commissioned us to create a unique Prospector 16 with the Twaron® logo embedded in the canoe using our unique graphics system. This canoe will be traveling around the world in 2011 to show off the capabilities of Twaron®. As well, the organization Jeux de la Francophonie Canadienne is hosting their celebratory games in Sudbury Ontario this summer. Nova Craft designed a customized canoe sporting the organization’s logo and colors as a promotional vehicle for the games. Nova Craft also licences Woolrich® canoes that are shipped to Woolrich distributors around the world. This celebrated partnership of two internationally recognized brands allows Nova Craft the privilege to work with Woolrich to promote a healthy lifestyle in the great outdoors. continued on page 5

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Spring 2011

CONTENTS 3

Natural Media Surround Us by Tim Miller Twaron® Debut

Recreational Series Canoes

Stop and Smell the Roses by David Lee

Solo & Cruiser Series Canoes National Canoe Day - June 26

Balancing Nature by Kevin Callan Cover Story Continued

Here’s to the Party Barge by James Raffan Outfitter Series SP3 Canoe

Wind River Wolves by Peter Mather

Materials, Accessories and Options, Glossary of Terms

New Muskoka Canoe for 2011 Art of Paddling - by Rolf Kraiker

Choosing the Right Canoe for You & Trim Systems

Prospector Series Canoes

Canoe Specifications

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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.

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-Lite 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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Spring 2011

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NATURAL MEDIA SURROUND US A few words from Tim Miller, President, Nova Craft Canoe Last August I enjoyed a shore lunch on an island on Georgian Bay. The northeast wind had risen to its mid-afternoon high, feeding the fire and the waves simultaneously. Crashing down on the rock, waves exploded in spray. Towering flames danced around the wind. All the elements were present in full force: fire, wind, water, rock. I sat as still as I could and connected with the intense energy of the natural elements. Who knew when I would get to see such a performance again? Half a year later, I can still connect with that experience. It gives me energy. The pictures and video I took don’t do it justice, but I can recall the experience in my mind. The original connection was that strong. Connections have weakened in this digital age. By way of social media, we’re used to making instantaneous, routine, frequent connections. We connect with friends, followers, and fellow professionals. Of course, these connections aren’t really connections at all. Nothing actually comes together. Social media let us talk about connections and look at pictures of things joining together. Great for sharing, but posts, tweets, and texts just aren’t authentic experiences. Authentic experience is what makes us who we are. Authentic experiences stay with us. Why, then, are we so drawn to the virtual worlds we’ve created in cyberspace? Why do

we spend most of our time there? Are we afraid to step outside and expose ourselves to something new? Or, are we just lazy? Too busy, maybe? After all, smart-phones make us reachable 24/7, draining us of our concentration and our ability to connect with something real. So many of us are disconnected from natural reality that diagnoses such as ‘nature deficit disorder’ are being defined. In the natural world, things come together easily. Things converge in ways you might not expect. What’s more, observing the connections within nature is what connects you with nature. Marvelling at the convergence of the elements, admiring a January rainbow, or listening to the wind play the pines makes you part of each experience. In turn, the experience becomes part of you. Not all connections in nature are purely elemental. People connect with each other more easily in the natural world. Ever notice how people talk more openly in the open air, while out for a stroll? How strangers greet one another when crossing paths outdoors, but not inside shopping malls? Perhaps the most important connection that can be made in the natural world is between you and yourself. When you step outside, the opportunities for challenge abound. I can remember a particular canoe trip. It was late fall, and a cold, hard rain started just after we

Tim Miller, President, Nova Craft Canoe

departed. Arriving at our first site, it was all me and my fellow campers could do to set up our flailing, wet tent. We went to bed cold and hungry. The rain didn’t stop for three days. The experience gave all of us a chance to prove our strength and perseverance. The natural world does share similarities with cyberworlds. The door to each is always open. Both have renewal cycles. However, the authenticity offered by the natural world is unparalleled. Any existing or yet-to-be created imitation will never match the strength and quality of the connections we form through natural media. So grab a paddle, jump in your canoe and really get connected. Oh yeah, take some kids with you when you go!

TWARON® DEBUTS IN PADDLESPORTS INDUSTRY Nova Craft Canoe Introduces Twaron® in 2011 Lineup Theme canoes are one of Nova Craft Canoe’s construction of composite canoes, and some signature innovations. Blue Ribbon, Lurking overseas canoe manufacturers use the Twaron Octopus, Dragon, and Blue Tartan are some of the brand. However, Twaron is new to canoe designs the canoe manufacturer has applied to manufacturing in North America. And now in their composite canoes. As these collaboration with names suggest, the graphics are Nova Craft Canoe, “The reduced footprint of attention-grabbing expressions of Teijin Aramid is identity. Nova Craft’s latest canoe Twaron processing makes introducing Twaron theme goes a bit further, however. the North American Twaron a green choice” to The new design symbolizes big canoe/kayak industry. news for the North American Teijin is dedicated to paddlesports industry. Going beneath the surface, research and development. Over five percent of it identifies the mysterious fibre the canoe is Teijin Aramid’s revenue goes back into R&D. Of made of: Twaron®. particular importance to the outdoor industry is Twaron is a lightweight fibre that is five times Teijin Aramid’s development of Twaron recycling stronger than steel. Belonging to the para-aramid processes. Used aramid is reclaimed and confamily of high-performance fibres, Twaron is an verted to recycled pulp for use in other specific aramid brand name. Aramid fibres are highly applications. In doing so, the company prevents cut-and impact-resistant, and chemically and the waste disposal of the used product and thermally stable. Simply put, Twaron is so reduces the consumption of raw materials. The energy-absorbent that it’s used to reinforce high reduced footprint of Twaron processing makes performance tires, friction and braking systems, Twaron a green choice for customers such as the armoured vehicles, and bulletproof vests. weavers who supply canoe manufacturers. Aramids have been used for years in the Nova Craft’s Roch Prévost met Teijin Aramid’s

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Michael Knight at the recent Outdoor Retailer Rendezvous trade show. One handshake and six weeks later, a Twaron-themed Prospector 16 weighed in at 45 pounds on-site at the Nova Craft production facility. The canoe was constructed using Twaron type 2200-1270 in a 4-harness satin weave (also known as a “crowfoot” weave). The canoe officially marks the debut of Twaron in the North American paddlesports industry. Nova Craft will henceforth use Twaron in 80 percent of their composite crafts. To promote awareness of the equivalence of Twaron and other aramid brands, Nova Craft’s 2011 line-up will be described using the generic term Aramid. Nova Craft Canoe’s penchant for canoe-design innovation and Teijin Aramid’s dedication to R&D makes this an exciting partnership. Already, the team is looking for the next high-performance canoe design. Experimentation is underway using another Teijin Aramid brand. Likely, a successor to Nova Craft’s last experimental hybrid material—Blue Steel—will be developed in the coming months. For the time being, Twaron is warmly welcomed to the North American paddlesports industry.

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Spring 2011

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BALANCING NATURE AND CIVILIZATION By Kevin Callan

Photo, David Lee

DON'T FORGET TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES By David Lee People often refer to the common saying about the importance of the journey, not the destination. It may aptly apply to our short time on this earth, but I often hear this same expression being applied to canoe David Lee trips. Hundreds of people head out on canoe trips everyday during the typical paddling season. Their reasons for heading out are probably as varied as the colours, shapes, and sizes of canoes as well. But I am pretty sure the main underlying reason among most eager paddlers is their desire to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives to enjoy the great outdoors. What's not to like about a refreshing swim in the lake after a hot day of paddling, or kicking back in the canoe to hook a few fish for supper, or even relax around a campfire with a mug of hot chocolate. The problem is sometimes we forget why we head out in the first place and with the same mindset, we push to paddle across the lake, finish the portage as fast as possible, and rush to secure a campsite. I am just as guilty of doing the same thing, but whether because I’m getting older or my attitude in life has changed, I find myself

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heeding the words of that common saying more and more in my canoe trips. I will agree that sometimes you have no choice due to route selection, lack of time, or unforeseen circumstances, but even then, all it takes is that initial change in focus to see palpable results. Ever since photography became an integral part of my canoe trips, I was forced to slow down and pay much more attention to everything that surrounds me 'on my journey'. The rewards have been nothing short of amazing, thanks to my new found approach to canoe tripping. Besides finding great opportunities to take photos, I also found myself enjoying my trips even more when I factored in ample time to focus more attention during my travels. I have found spa-like pools to soak in, hidden from the portage trail, marveled at dragonflies emerging from their nymph stage, hanging from my tarp, and even chanced upon a wolf kill when I paddled a more indirect route. Also, since I don’t know when I’ll ever head back to those areas I’ve paddled through, I know how much more important it is to really experience those places when I’m there. I can

say without doubt my life now feels immeasurably more enriched than if I had allowed myself to just continue on. When we allow ourselves to let go of time constraints and focus on the actual journey, we will find much more to see and experience. Do yourself a favour, drop your pack and head off the trail to gawk and hug that massive pine, paddle to that the overhang and climb atop for the view of the surrounding area, or crouch down and examine the delicate petals of that fragrant wildflower - you will be grateful. Natural wonders exist around every corner for us to experience and discover, we owe it to ourselves to value the importance of the journey and not the destination because ultimately we will always ‘get there’. If we lose sight of the journey, we will have missed the most important part of why we are out there. Let the canoe and paddle help you experience ‘the journey’ and see for yourself why it is so much more rewarding.

“If we lose sight of the journey, we will have missed the most important part of why we are out there.”

Interested in the Ramblings and Wanderings of a Passionate Paddler - see my blog @ www.passionatepaddler.blogspot.com

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In my experience, family canoe trips generally never go as planned. But, oddly enough, that’s why I love family canoe trips so much. Take our family trip down the upper Ottawa River this past season for example. First off, it Kevin Callan was by complete chance we paddled it. I had just come back from a work trip in the far north when my wife, Alana, announced she was able to gather an extra week of holidays. Her criteria for the unannounced time off was to take our five-year old daughter, Kyla, on a canoe trip; an easy route, with limited or no portages, and somewhere we had yet to travel. I had two days to figure it out. Obviously, it wasn’t an easy job. I’ve paddled most of the province of Ontario. However, I remembered a work mate had mentioned the upper Ottawa River, from the town of Mattawa to Driftwood Provincial Park. He said it was an ultimate easy and remote canoe trip. Admittedly, I ignored him at the time; basically because I couldn’t imagine a portage free route along a portion of a well known river like the Ottawa, where everyone in Canadian history once traveled, being a nice “get away from it all” paddle trip. Truth is, the only reason I chose the trip was that I couldn’t come up with another plan in time of our departure. Surprisingly, less than an hour into our trip I was totally enthralled with the upper Ottawa as a canoe route. The scenery was amazing, with the steep-walled corridor of Quebec’s Laurentian hills to the left and the surprisingly undeveloped Ontario forested shoreline to the right. The width of the river was three-quarters

of a kilometer at best. We only managed to see only two motor boats, both anchored where Edwards River flushes into the Ottawa on the Quebec side. The anglers were there practicing up for a bass tournament scheduled for the next day. They weren’t catching much and had a good laugh at their bad luck when we paddled a little further up the creek mouth and Kyla hooked into the largest smallmouth bass I’ve seen in my life. It was caught on her Barbie fishing rod and I ended up pulling the line in hand over hand while she reeled in the loose line. I plopped it back into the pool below the rapids and on cue Kyla looked over at the anglers in the boats and said “That’s how you do it, boys.” I’ve never been so proud. The encounter with the anglers helped mold the rest of our trip. Rather than travel down river as fast as we could and cover the distance needed each day, the decision was made to add on two more unscheduled days on the river and take a more lazy approach. The mood was set after that. Our trip was going to have a more Huck Fin flavor to it; a sluggish float down an historic river where we would soak in the sights and experience the characters we met along the way. It didn’t take us long to get into the habit of not being in a hurry to go anywhere. We had brunch drifting along the more shaded Quebec side of the river, soaking in complete solitude until we interrupted a group of nesting terns along a cluster of tiny islands. We really weren’t that close to the nesting area but the hyped-up birds launched, flocked up and then dove straight down at us. The first splatter of poopbombs hit the top of the packs, the second landed on Kyla’s lap (she wasn’t impressed), and the third assault struck the brim of my favorite canoe hat. Kyla and I fought back by unpacking our water guns but it did little. The fourth strike the terns got poor Alana on the head as well – unfortunately she wasn’t

wearing a hat. Deux-Rivieres, the only settlement along the route, the wild shorelines were replaced by a few cottages and the boat traffic doubled. Rather than gawking at wildlife, we watched people enjoying their time on the river. We stopped to talk to a group of anglers with a pimped-out bass boat participating in the bass tournament (Kyla informed them of her big catch the day before), a middle-aged couple in a leaky sailboat and a bunch of rowdy guys drinking beer on top their rental houseboat. We even pulled up on the Ontario docks of Hilltop Cottages and Campground to make an order of coffee and muffins at their Photo, Kevin Callan

Gingerbread House. If it was later in day we would have stayed here, renting one of their teepees for the night. Kyla would have loved that. That’s generally how the rest of the trip went. We would spend hours experiencing the natural world and then have a brief encounter with the modern one; enjoying both but never knowing what was going to happen next. We regretted ending our trip when we did. All of us were getting quite used to life on the river. Like all trips we started planning our next one the moment we were in the vehicle and heading for home; and, of course, like all family trips, the only part I can guarantee to happen as planned is that we paddle together again, somewhere and sometime next season.

cover story continued… By popular demand, Nova Craft composite canoes will be available in a radiant new shade, Sunray. The highly visible Sunray was chosen to reflect the happiness, freedom and wisdom that are a part of the adventure and beauty of the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset. Nova Craft continues to embrace our local community in 2011 by being involved as a corporate sponsor of Paddle for Life, National Canoe Day, the Canadian Canoe Museum, Thames River Clean Up. As well we are involved in two new programs geared towards youth fitness through www.paddlepass.com and www.paddlethepink.com. 2010 was a productive year, but in 2011 Nova Craft is looking towards the future. Feel free to

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contact Nova Craft through our interactive website, receive news updates online through our Facebook page and see instructional videos on Youtube. The Nova Craft distribution network spreads across the globe and places a high priority on being accessible by finding new opportunities to stay connected with our dealers and customers around the world. Staying in touch with our dealers and customers is something we believe is incredibly important for the future of Nova Craft Canoe and all our community.

Photo left to right: Nova Craft - Tim Miller, President, Woolrich Jerry Rinder, VP Sales & Marketing, Woolrich - Keith Myers, National Sales Manager, Nova Craft - Roch Prévost, Sales Manager

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Spring 2011

RECREATIONAL

WIND RIVER WOLVES By Peter Mather

Peter Mather

In the spring of 2004, I paddled the remote and wild Wind River in the far northern Yukon. The Wind is a known for its crystal clear water. Paddling on the Wind, you’ll quickly become mesmerized by the dancing colors and designs of the rocks that

make up the river’s bed. On this particular trip I was excited for another reason. Earlier this summer friends had paddled the Wind and come across a wolf pack with a fresh brood of young curious pups. Having only caught one or two fleeting glimpses of wolves in my 20 years of wilderness travel, I was very excited at the prospect of seeing a wolf pack. A week into our trip, we came to an enormous flood plain alongside the river. This was the area where we believed the wolves were denning; we pulled out of the river to set up camp on an undesirable beach of large round stones. Across the river, I heard the incessant whine of some sort of loud and angry duck. As I scanned the waterline looking for this, “duck” and I spot a small pitch-black wolf pup, no bigger than my daypack, and apparently very annoyed at our intrusion. He barked once more than bounded up and over the riverbank to disappear into the forest. That evening, as we sat down to dinner and relived our experience, we were interrupted by the howling of a pre-pubescent wolf pup.

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The pitch-black pup had returned with his sister - a dirty blonde female pup. Perched on the high riverbank, she serenades us with her stuttering howl. I let out a tentative howl to reply – inexperienced and my voice cracking I sound a lot like a wolf pup fighting puberty. Inquisitive and friendly, she draws closer and howls back, before the pitch black pup leads them away. As we leave the site I’m filled with the excitement of the encounter and the regret that I can’t stay longer. I commit myself to returning the following summer

my crackling immature howl, and remembers me from the previous year. Eventually, I’ve got to move on down river and make my way home. I haven’t seen her in a couple of days. Being a women, she is sensitive and a little fickle. I worry I’ve invaded her personal space and drove her away, although I hope that the pack has killed a moose or caribou in some distant valley, and that’s what has kept her away. I’ve delayed as long as I can, and as I push my canoe into the river, I’m saddened that I’ll have to leave without saying a goodbye. As my home for the last week disappears from view, I spot

Muskoka 15’ 10”

New for 2011 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.

• flat bottom • slight rocker • symmetrical • with keel

*** 345 days later, I pull into the same gravel bar. This time I’m on my own and I’ve got a week to spend at the site to search for the wolves and their den. I settle in, set up my tent, gather firewood, cook dinner, and open up the latest book in the Harry Potter saga. All the while watching and wondering if I’ll see the pack..... if I’ll see that curious blond wolf again. I don’t have to wait long to find out. A large black wolf trots along the high riverbank opposite camp. He’s moving quick, seemingly unaware of my presence. He doesn’t brake his gait, but turns his head slightly to look at me and continues on his path. He must be the grump from last summer! Later that evening, the curious blond wolf pokes her head into camp. She is full grown and much shyer. She won’t return my howls, but I’m thrilled to see her. Over the next week, I spend my days searching for their den. Every evening she pops her head into camp, perhaps returning from her own hunting excursions. I have no doubt she remembers

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THE ART OF PADDLING By Rolf Kraiker

her in the grass downstream. She has come to say goodbye in her own way. As I paddle by, she disappears into the forest and I wonder if she’ll miss me as much as I’ll miss her.

Photos, Peter Mather

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Making a canoe go where you want it to advantage as the paddle gets closer to the isn't as simple as one might think. I have some fulcrum. The reverse is true for the stern sessions scheduled at Canoecopia in Maidson paddler. The key aspect there is that as the Wisconsin intended to help understand the paddle moves from the center of the canoe principles better. Here are some thoughts that where the stroke starts to the stern of the canoe are suggestive of the content to be included in where the stroke ends, it is constantly gaining the presentations. mechanical advantage, that's the main reason In order to understand how to keep a canoe why canoes naturally tend to steer away from under control, you'd need to look at some of the the stern paddler's side. physics involved, specifically how levers work. Knowing that... you can think about some If you think of a of the things you canoe as a lever can do to change the and consider where dynamics of the paddle strokes get “There isn't just one right way to physics involved. applied as the Putting the strongest paddle a canoe. Every paddler force acting on the paddler in the bow leverage points, that will have unique ergonomics…” is one simple way of helps a lot. Paint an reducing steering effort imaginary dot in the required. The stern center of the canoe paddler can attempt to and visualize the movement of the paddles and keep the paddle more vertical, even try to get it consider how that will impact turning on the under the canoe during a good portion of the canoe. There are two axis that you need to stroke - by making the stroke stay closer to the consider... how far out from the keel line the direction of travel (the keel line of the canoe) force of the paddle gets exerted and how far less turning force is exerted. The bow paddler away from the center thwart forces get exerted. can include some turning influence on their As paddles move during a stroke, two things stroke, especially towards that latter portion of happen. The bow paddle moves away from the the stroke to compensate for the increase in keel line as it follows the curve of the gunnels turning influence being generated by the stern which adds turning leverage, but it also moves paddle. This can be done with either a slight towards the fulcrum of the canoe (the center bow J motion or by putting a little forward thwart) and that looses leverage. The slight sweep into the stroke. It also helps to think increase in mechanical gained by moving about turning leverages when considering outward from the direction of travel is more when to apply the most force. If the stroke is than offset by the decrease in mechanical strongest at the beginning of the stroke, the

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bow paddler has mechanical advantage in steering. If both bow and stern paddlers exert most of the power at the beginning of their respective strokes, less steering is needed. There isn't just one right way to paddle a canoe. Every paddler will have unique ergonomics and it's important to experiment, always looking for ways to make the canoe do more of what you want it to while at the same time trying to minimize the amount of effort required by the paddler. Paying attention to how the canoe performs and how much strain you feel on your muscles gives you the foundation needed for refining your technique.

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Spring 2011

PROSPECTOR SERIES

Spring 2011

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RECREATIONAL 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.

Bob Special 15’

PAL 16’

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.

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”.

• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical

• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel

• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel

• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical

Prospector 17’

Prospector 18’

Tripper 16’

Haida 17’

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.

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 shares 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

• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical • avail. with or without shoe keel

N O VA C R A F T. C O M

• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical

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N O VA C R A F T. C O M

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SOLO SERIES

Spring 2011

CRUISER SERIES

Spring 2011

Page 11

HERE’S TO THE PARTY BARGE By James Raffan

Rob Roy 13’

John MacGregor designed the Rob Roy with inspiration from Native American canoes. His goal was to create a craft that would enable him to paddle inland waterways and travel independently throughout Europe. To accomplish this he needed something efficient yet maneuverable while travelling solo with a double bladed paddle. The Rob Roy is an excellent choice for solo paddlers in need of a quick boat that will cruise at a good pace, while still handling well in windy and wavy conditions. Stability is not sacrificed for speed as both primary and secondary stability are quite reassuring. It has enough cargo space for everything from a day outing to a week of interior tripping. The Rob Roy combines the enjoyment of canoe tripping with the versatility of a kayak.

• shallow arch • slight rocker with raised ends • symmetrical

Supernova 14’ 10”

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.

Cronje (Chrone-yeh) 17’

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

NATIONAL CANOE DAY IS JUNE 26TH COME JOIN THE PARTY The next National Canoe Day is June 26 - mark your calendars now! Over 40 events across Canada celebrated National Canoe Day in 2010, alongside thousands of individuals and their families who participated by going for a paddle or a portage, attended an event, made a canoethemed craft or worked on their canoes that day. In 2007, the canoe was named one of the Seven Wonders of Canada via a CBC Radio feature in which over 1 million votes were cast. In celebration of this, the Canadian Canoe Museum founded National Canoe Day with the aim of increasing participation in paddlesports in Canada, engaging new paddlers and reaching across generational and cultural divides to introduce the canoe to those who haven't had the opportunity to experience this great national heritage. In the intervening years, National Canoe Day has grown to become countrywide event, with participants paddling across the country, from the midnight sun of the north to the urban rivers of the south. National Canoe Day is also celebrated internationally by groups in the USA, the UK, France, and beyond.

• shallow arch • moderate rocker • symmetrical

From the moment four years ago when 15-year old Angulalik Pedersen arrived at Upper Canada College from Kugluktuk, Nunavut he knew that some how, some way he would love to show his southern school friends his home on James Raffan the Arctic Ocean at the mouth of the Coppermine River. Working with people in the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and with his teachers at UCC, Angulalik hatched plan to do exactly that, by canoe. Guided by Black Feather Wilderness Adventures, the trip would involve six young people from Kugluktuk and six from Toronto. On paper, a perfectly symmetrical blend of northerners and southerners. For all of the southerners, it would be a first time above the Arctic Circle and for most of the

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C A N O E

canoes that were made into a makeshift pontoon boat, lovingly called “The Party Barge.” Two spruce poles and some lashings allowed the newest of new paddlers from the north to have a positive experience in the often wild rapids of the Coppermine River. The Coppermine is not really a beginners river, but this was the water that had to be paddled to make Angulalik’s dream come true. By lashing two big blue canoes together a totally safe and secure platform was created that allowed everyone on the trip to find a place, including Angulalik in the driver’s seat of the port pontoon, where everyone felt comfortable on the water. And a happy experience on the water made for memorable sharings in every other aspect of the journey as well. See the video at www.paddlerwithin.com

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

N O VA C R A F T. C O M

northerners it would be a first time on a canoe trip—in fact, the group from Kugluktuk would be the first community members ever to arrive in town via the river. The expedition would be named atanigi (a-tan-ih-hree) for the Inuinnaqtun word meaning “things coming together.” And that is exactly what happened on a journey that began in late June and ended happily on July 9th Nunavut Day to the cheers of many supporters in Angulalik’s home town. Things came together in many fascinating ways as the group paddled from the NWT/Nunavut border to the coast. Games from north and south were played around the Black Feather fire box, stories were shared on and off the water. Each of the southern paddlers was given an Inuinnaqtun spirit name to celebrate the coming together of the two cultures. But one of the most interesting “comings together” on this unusual cross-cultural expedition was two 18’ Nova Craft

N O VA C R A F T. C O M

Canoe

P16

P17

Length

15’6” 472 cm 80 lb 36 kg 35”

17’ 518 cm 88 lb 40 kg 36”

90 cm

91.5 cm

14.5” 35.5 cm 23” 58.5 cm 2” 5 cm 2” 5 cm 900 lb 409 kg

15” 38 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

Stern Capacity

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Spring 2011

MATERIALS Unique Infusion System Our unique, hightech Infusion System, adapted from the aerospace industry, offers distinct advantages over traditional boat building systems: • Eliminates human error • Drastically reduces the number of blemishes and imperfections • 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) • And produces better, more consistent boats. Today, Nova Craft Canoe is the only boat builder using this unique process on every 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.

Page 13

Fiberglass is a very affordable composite material with a proven track record of durability. Our fiberglass hulls are among the lightest and most rugged on the market today. We use woven fiberglass cloth, instead of chopped strand mat, to make a truly superior hull. Most of our fiberglass models only come with a shoe keel.

Aramid

These hulls are infused with high impact vinylester resin, sandwiched with fiberglass cloth between an outer layer of Cap (Chemically Activated Polyester) cloth and an inner layer of Aramid.

New! 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.

material combined with Spectra and applied through a unique infusion process. The result is a tough, rigid canoe that’s surprisingly light and easy to handle. The ideal lightweight option for expedition adventure.

ABS

Royalex (expedition grade) and Royalex Lite (Royalex industry standards), are ABS plastic laminates with a core of expanded closed cell foam. 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

ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS Seats & Yokes Seats:

Yokes: Portaging your canoe shouldn’t be a pain

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.

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

INFUSION: Process where materials are laid into

impact resistance. Unsurpassed for expedition and whitewater use.

mold and placed under pressure using vacuum. Next resin is introduced and literally sucked through the laminate. This produces a product ABS: Family of thermoplastics or terpolymers based with a very high material-to-resin ratio. on Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene (ABS), ARAMID: (Kevlar®/Twaron®) Aramid fibres that have combined by a variety of methods. Possesses good twice the stiffness of fibreglass, 25% higher tensile impact strength, heat resistance, low temperature. strength and 1/3 less weight. CAP: Chemically Activated Polyester woven cloth LAY UP: Process of placing layers of cloth in the mold. often used in combination with Aramid and woven fibreglass. MAT: Fibrous material consisting of chopped or swirled filaments with a binder. Usually heavier CLOTH: Conventionally woven fibre material. and more brittle than cloth. GELCOAT: Colour pigmented polyester resin. First RESIN: Any polymer used to bond layers of cloth resin applied to mold. together.

GUNWALE: Component that finishes the edge of canoe. Typically ABS, Anodized Aluminum or Ash.

N O VA C R A F T. C O M

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

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 filament as fine as a spider web and then woven to make cloth. A little lighter than Aramid but it’s greatest attribute is it’s incredible impact resistance. Best laminated under high vacuum to achieve a void free laminate.

TRIM: Gunwales, seats, end decks, yoke, thwart and hardware. VINYLESTERS: Developed to provide the ease of handling of polyester resin combined with the impact resistance and toughness of epoxy.

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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:

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Red

Green

Burgundy

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

Blue Steel

Olive Green

Length

8’

7’

ov Su

oy Ro

pe Pr

os Pr

r1 pe

cto os Pr

16’

17’

18’

13’

14’10”

488 cm

518 cm

548 cm

390 cm

452 cm

63 lb

60 lbX

64 lbX

68 lbX

72 lbX

45 lb

29 kg

27 kg

29 kg

31 kg

33 kg

20 kg

56 lb

50 lb

54 lb

60 lb

54 lb

58 lb

62 lb

38 lb

25 kg

23 kg

24 kg

27 kg

24 kg

26 kg

28 kg

17 kg

49 lb

39 lb

42 lb

47 lb

42 lb

45 lb

48 lb

30 lb

22 kg

17 kg

19 kg

21.5 kg

19 kg

21 kg

22 kg

14 kg

Center

50 lb

45 lb

49 lb

50 lb

56 lb

50 lb

52 lb

58 lb

35 lb

48 lb

23 kg

20 kg

22 kg

25 kg

22 kg

23 kg

26 kg

16 kg

22 kg -

46 lb

42 lb

46 lb

50 lb

47 lb

48 lb

52 lb

32 lb

21 kg

19 kg

21 kg

22 kg

21 kg

23 kg

14.5 kg

58 lb

60 lb

64 lb

59 lb

60 lb

64 lb

68 lb

74 lb

26 kg

27 kg

29 kg

27 kg

29 kg

31 kg

34 kg

70 lb

74 lb

80 lb

84 lb

58 lb

32 kg

34 kg

36 kg

38 kg

26 kg

35”

34”

35”

36”

35”

36”

29”

32”

90 cm

86 cm

90 cm

91.5 cm

90 cm

91.5 cm

73.6 cm

81 cm

13”

14”

13”

15”

12”

15”

33 cm

35.5 cm

33 cm

38 cm

30.5 cm

38 cm

21”

20”

22”

21”

23”

17”

23”

53.5 cm

51 cm

56 cm

53.5 cm

58.5 cm

58.5cm

43.2 cm

58.5cm

Bow Stern Capacity

1.5”

2”

1.5”

2.5”

3.8 cm

5 cm

3.8 cm

6.5 cm

1.5”

2”

1.5”

2.5”

3.8 cm

5 cm

3.8 cm

6.5 cm

900 lb

800 lb

900 lb

1000 lb

1200 lb

1000 lb

850 lb

1000 lb

1200 lb

1400 lb

400 lb

850 lb

410 kg

360 kg

409 kg

454 kg

544 kg

454 kg

385 kg

454 kg

544 kg

636 kg

181 kg

385 kg

*Actual weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

Shoe keel boats only

No keel + 2-3 lbs.

ACTIVITY CHART

TRIM SYSTEMS

Activity

aircraft-grade black anodized aluminum gunwales with aluminum reinforced ABS end decks, standard on laminate & Royalex Lite hulls. Reinforced PVC vinyl gunwales with oversized rotomolded decks are standard with our Royalex Prospector models. Nylon laced ash seats, ash thwart, carrying handles and a balanced carrying yoke complete the package. 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.

Muskoka

Bob Special

PAL

Tripper

Haida

Cronje

Prospector 15’

Prospector 16’

Prospector 17’

Prospector 18’

Rob Roy

Supernova

Recreation Sport

Standard Trim: Low maintenance trim features Options:

Quiet Water Touring River Tripping Expedition Whitewater

White Ash Gunwales, Oil Finish Ash Web Seat Kneeling Thwart Aramid Skid Plates Installed Additional Centre Seat

Standard Trim

CATEGORIES OF CANOES: RECREATION: Good all-round canoe for entry level or family

Knee Pads

paddlers. Safe, stable, comfortable.

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

Custom Colour

SPORT: Good for hunters, anglers and dog owners.

Expedition Spray Deck

Stable platform in an easy-to-paddle canoe.

Spray Deck Installation

QUIET WATER TOURING: Fast hull that paddles efficiently, turns easily and tracks well. Better suited to lakes and deep rivers.

N O VA C R A F T. C O M

je on Cr

15’ 457 cm

Beam

R O C K E R

ida

17’ 518 cm

* Royalex

Bow

Ha 17’ 518 cm

A S Royalex Lite

D E P T H

r 16’ 488 cm

Blue Steel

Photo, Kevin Callan

16’ 488 cm

R H

T W

15’

Spectra

R S Q R Q E R T W R T W T E W T E W R S Q

457 cm

Aramid Lite

E G

R Q

15’ 10”

Fibreglass

M W

Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS chart on page 15 to choose your construction materials. Options and trims can be found below.

R Q

SOLO

460 cm

A E Aramid

Match your selected activities with our models throughout the catalogue

R Q

Tri p

R S Q

cto

Sunray

Ox Blood

PA L

Activity DesertWhite

Sand

Green

Read the ACTIVITY CHART on page 15

Wood Trim:

PROSPECTOR cto

CRUISER

cia pe

a ok sk

Red

RECREATIONAL

cto

SPECIFICATIONS

5’

Fibreglass, Aramid, Aramid/Spectra, BlueSteel:

Page 15

CANOE COLOURS* CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANOE Royalex & Royalex Lite: FOR YOU

Spring 2011

6’

Page 14

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Wood Trim

N O VA C R A F T. C O M

EXPEDITION: Serious boats for long trips. High volume ends mean increased seaworthiness. Optional spray skirts keep you dry and warm. WHITEWATER: Highly maneuverable, fast and robustly constructed. More rocker in keel and high volume ends to shed waves and keep you dry.

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Spring 2011

Page 16

There's a paddler within every one of us… and a canoe as unique as you.

Yo u r s t o e x p l o r e paddlerwithin.com

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.