My Latest Canoe: SRC Prospector 17.5

One of the perks of working for a canoe manufacturer is that you can build your own canoe. So, when we put our Prospector 17.5 back into production, I jumped at the chance to build the first one for myself. The Prospector design, first built in wood-canvass by Chestnut Canoes, is the ultimate tripping hull. It turns well, handles big water wonderfully, and takes a good load.

My new Prospector 17.5 (Souris River's first one in years) atop my Suzuki Sidekick before its maiden voyage.

I built mine with wood handles and thwarts. It adds a bit of weight (and maintenance) but, I like the look against the black gunwales. I also installed a sliding front seat to accomodate the varied sizes of my bow paddlers.

My two boys helped with the construction, completing much of the assembly on their own.

I brought the boys to the shop, and they did much of the final assembly of the canoe.

Though I haven't put it on the scales, it weighs about 45 pounds. It was light enough for 12 year-old Dawson to carry it to the lake for its maiden voyage. My eldest, 15 year-old Lucas, can hoist it on his shoulders easily (not so with our Wenonah Champlain).

At 45 pounds (give or take) just about anyone can carry it.

Dawson (stern) and Lucas (bow) took it on its first paddle, on Nym Lake near Atikokan.

If you are interested in having your own Souris River Prospector 17.5 or any of our other models, check out the Souris River Canoes website.

Last update: 05-Aug-2010 11:36 AM
Web page by: Warren Paulson