Prospector 15

15'
Length
36"
Width (in)
42–62
Weight (lb)
$1,799
Base MSRP

Prospector 15 Options

  • Aramid Lite

    42 lb
    Kevlar/aramid Composite
  • Fiberglass

    62 lb
    Fiberglass Composite
  • TuffStuff Expedition

    58 lb
    Innegra Composite
  • Blue Steel

    45 lb
    Carbon Composite

    Prospector 15 Description

    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 play boat. Shown in Fiberglass.

    Prospector 15 Specs and Features

    • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
    • Seating Configuration: Tandem
    • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
    • Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
    • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
    • Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced

    Nova Craft Canoe
    Prospector 15 Reviews

    Read reviews for the Prospector 15 by Nova Craft Canoe as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

    Embed these reviews on your site

    5

    I purchased my Nova Craft…

    Submitted by: guest-paddler on 12/23/2020
    I purchased my Nova Craft Prospector 15 in May of 2020 in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. I live in North Carolina so finding the exact model I wanted was not an easy task. As with any major purchase I did a lot of research, talked to a lot of people, and watched a lot of Youtube videos. What I decided on was a Nova Craft Prospector 15 in the Blue Steel layup. At 66 years old and in decent but not perfect health weight was a factor high on my list. I'm just not as strong as I used to be let's face it. Also high on my list was durability/ruggedness of the hull material. I won't be doing much paddling in white water more challenging then a class II so felt like the Blue Steel would be strong enough and save me about 8-9 lbs. in boat weight. I opted for the skid plates and the ash wooden gunwales which add so much beauty and character to the boat. Both options did add a little more weight but I sure look good once I get that thing up on my shoulders. As the events of 2020 unfolded and the summer got hotter and hotter I found myself struggling through a terrible bout of cabin fever. Prior to Labor Day in early September I had only paddled the Prospector three or four times on short trips down a local river below the dam. Each trip I felt more and more secure and found the boat quite stable with just me and no gear. Finally at the end of September I loaded up my dry bags and gear and headed up to the mountains to a gorgeous lake for a much needed "get to know you better" trip with my new canoe. The lake I visited is just under 17 miles long end to end and my goal was to paddle the full length over an 11 day trip. I was not in a hurry and planned to troll and cast for walleye and trout as I paddled. I also planned to paddle up several of the creeks the run into the lake and give a go fly fishing and see if I couldn't put a trout or two in the frying pan. HOW DID THE PROSPECTOR PERFORM? She performed better then I could have ever imagined. Because I would not being doing any portaging I brought everything with me but the kitchen sink. Ballpark guess on the weight of my gear I would put at about 220 - 240 lbs. Heck I had nearly 100lbs with just my cooler filled with food and ice and my portable power station and 100 watt solar panel. But I'll tell you what all that weight did was make the boat ride a little lower in the water and make it even more stable. The Prospector 15 is a "tweener" in that it's not a fast boat, but definitely not a slow boat. The extra weight really didn't seem to slow me down much if any at all. I could go on and on but probably lost my audience a paragraph or two ago. I will summarize briefly. If you are looking for a canoe for solo or tandem paddling, a canoe for tripping on flat water or in rivers with whitewater up to a Class II, and a canoe that doesn't blink an eye carrying a lot of gear treat yourself to a Nova Craft Prospector in 15', 16' or 17'. I paddle mostly solo so the 15' is perfect for me. I hope everyone has a blessed Holidays and that 2021 sees the world get back to normal.
    5

    I have been paddling rivers…

    Submitted by: Trekminded on 7/25/2018

    I have been paddling rivers and flat water since the 60's, and have owned many different canoe brands and hull types since that time. My first really good boat was bought in the 80's - a 16 foot kevlar Nova Craft which was an amazing lake tripping/portaging boat, and after the weight of the fibreglass units, was a delightful change. For white water we have had several royalex hulls of different designs, both tandem and solo, for the various applications that we paddled. Because I am old, I was finding the my 80 pound Legend 15, which I normally paddle solo, a little to heavy to swing up and portage with, so shopped for something else. After a lot of footwork, and questions, and demo paddles, I ended up back with the nice folks at Nova Craft, and bought a Prospector 15, in the blue steel lay-up. What an amazing boat - quick and nibble on rivers, straight tracking and easy to paddle when loaded on lakes - and I can carry it anywhere like a purse. A bit of a wind catcher on big open water, as most prospectors are, but with proper gear and paddler placement that is easily rectified. Fortunately I have avoided any river pins or major rock collisions thus far, so not sure how the lay-up would match the flexibility of Royalex. The gel coat does scratch up fairly easily, but generally takes the bump and grind of river travel quite well. I do not normally offer reviews on products, but with the fit and finish of this boat, and the absolute joy of paddling it, I think it is a worthy exception. The staff at Nova Craft in London Ontario were most patient and helpful in making sure I was getting a product that really suited my needs. I still own other canoes, but this is my first choice off the rack, whether soloing or paddling tandem, river or lake. Such a great fun boat, and pretty too. Highly recommended.