Prospector 17 SP3

17'
Length
36"
Width (in)
99
Weight (lb)
$1,459
MSRP

Prospector 17 SP3 Description

Our 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 Outfitter Series are our heaviest boats, they are also the most affordable canoes we produce. 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.

If you want a canoe that will handle a month’s worth of supplies to head out on a wilderness adventure, the Outfitter Series Prospector 17’ is the canoe is for you. You’ll find all the great characteristics that have made this canoe a paddling legend in places like the Yukon and Canadian Arctic. With lots of volume to keep you and your gear dry in whitewater or waves it still tracks well with good hull speed on flatwater. Our durable SP3 material and classic Prospector lines make this the ultimate wilderness extended tripping canoe.

Prospector 17 SP3 Specs and Features

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

Nova Craft Canoe
Prospector 17 SP3 Reviews

Read reviews for the Prospector 17 SP3 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!

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3

Inexpensive, Light, Tough -…

Submitted by: mr_canoehead on 5/22/2020
Inexpensive, Light, Tough - you can only pick two! Novacraft went for cheap and tough and the outfitter series is all of that. This canoe is a workhorse, and nearly as heavy! I really like the design, and if you plan on dragging your canoe for miles and hitting every rock you can find, the poly material might be best. For non-outfitters with even a bit of skill, I think other materials offer much better performance. Tuff-Stuff looks to be nearly as rugged at almost half the weight and with better paddling properties . . . and it is repairable. A used Royalex prospector may be found that will again be better. SP3 is adequate, but why settle for adequate when you may have to be portaging this thing for decades!
4

My wife and I chose the Nova…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/4/2018

My wife and I chose the Nova Craft Prospector 17 sp3 canoe for day and overnight trips on class I and II rivers. For this purpose, the canoe is perfect. It is large enough to accommodate a lot of gear, but has enough rocker to be maneuverable in swifter water. The roughest water I have paddled the Prospector is in solid class II mountain streams, fully loaded with 3 days worth of gear. The boat handled well but you can expect to get pretty wet in large standing waves or drops. The hull material is tough as nails but heavy. My example oil cans amidships, and this is my only complaint. Nova Craft provides good quality seats, thwarts, and an EXCELLENT yoke. For the price, it is a good canoe for the purposes for which it is intended. If you have the money, do yourself a favor and step up from the Old Town Discovery series because this hull is vastly superior in both flat and moving water.