12'
Length
34"
Width (in)
30–45
Weight (lb)
$1,469
Base MSRP

Trapper Options

  • Aramid Lite

    30 lb
    Kevlar/aramid Composite
  • Fiberglass

    45 lb
    Fiberglass Composite
  • TuffStuff Expedition

    42 lb
    Innegra Composite
  • Blue Steel

    32 lb
    Carbon Composite

    Trapper Description

    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.

    Trapper Specs and Features

    • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
    • Seating Configuration: Solo, 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
    Trapper Reviews

    Read reviews for the Trapper 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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    5

    This is a great little canoe.…

    Submitted by: Grizzlyjiz on 3/24/2020
    This is a great little canoe. I'm in Omaha Nebraska which is not known for its canoeing. My typical paddle involves smaller reservoirs and streams and some large fast-flowing flatwater rivers. I'm a larger paddler 6'2" and 240lb. These canoe suites me very well. I purchased in the tuff stuff layup so it is easy to load and unload or just carry around to different sites close by. The small sizes allow me to portage over log jams in narrow creeks with very little difficulty. On open and windy water I am able to keep the canoe pointed in the right direction and it maintains great stability. I have had it out for some longer 20+ mile fast flatwater river trips and it does very well. Easy to maneuver and get in and out of eddies, the size makes it great to hop out anywhere along the bank for a break or lunch. So far I have not done any overnight trips but this would definitely hold enough gear for a night or two.
    5

    The Nova Craft Trapper (mine…

    Submitted by: Rubicrawler on 7/27/2015
    The Nova Craft Trapper (mine in Rx) is an absolute dream to paddle! Set to one side of the seat slightly healed and you couldn't ask for a nicer ride! It goes straight with little correction and a proper J stroke yet quickly maneuvers as you wish. I'd never dream a short fat canoe would paddle so well.
    I give it 5 stars!!
    4

    This boat is another Nova…

    Submitted by: wildernesswebb on 7/20/2015
    This boat is another Nova Craft offering originally built by Chestnut in wood & canvas. It is symmetrical and has a shallow arch bottom. Fit and finish is excellent, as most Nova Craft boats I've seen. The laced seats are the most comfortable on the market and I'm unsure why Nova Craft is the only one to use them? Mine is royalex, but lighter composite models are available.

    I was a bit dubious when talked into trying this little boat out. My prior experience with my XXL 6'2 frame in a 12 foot canoe was less than pleasurable. But, I gingerly climbed into the little boat and pushed off figuring it would be a submarine or a tub? It was neither, it is a pleasant little boat. The shallow arch hull emphasizes secondary more than initial stability. It turned predictably and didn't spin like a top as I thought it might at that length? It has just enough rocker to make for easy, predictable turning while not so little that the stems "Dig in" with a heavy load.

    As I gained confidence that my size would not sink the diminutive canoe, I began testing it's limits. I took it out into some significant boat wakes on the Chattanooga riverfront and it handled them like a champ. I could lean it almost to the gunwale and it felt reassuring.

    A few months later and I was in the boat again, this time having bought it. I've had it on both ponds and rivers now and it excels on both. Most folks look at the 12' x 32" specs and think it would have to paddle like a pool toy or spin like a top. But the narrow (for royalex) stems and shallow arch seem to overcome the width to length issues? You wont win any races in it, but you will enjoy paddling it if you don't plan to be doing any 20-30 mile per day slogs.

    Now, I've already explained that I'm a big, tall guy and it suits me for day tripping even in winter with extra gear. I would also have no problems doing an overnight in this in summertime. But, also, my much smaller wife also likes the boat. She's tried it sitting from the seat and using a double blade and kneeling with a single and she prefers to use a double blade in it. And the friend whom I bought it from is also a small guy and found it enjoyable. He too used a single blade. So "Size" doesn't seem to be a big issue on enjoyment or useability? I've had close to 400lbs (probably top end for the boat) with gear. My friend and wife as little as a 130lb load. While it would work with a double blade, I think kneeling with an Ottertail paddle is the perfect way to enjoy this little boat?

    If you are looking for a nice, small boat to toss in the back of your truck or sling over your shoulder for small rivers and ponds, I highly recommend it. It is a unique little boat that I think I will keep for a long time