This review is for the Scott…
This review is for the Scott (now Abitibi & Co) Prospector 17 in a Fiberglass Layup. The boat was purchased second hand in 2019 from a outdoor rental company and weighs a hefty 70+ pounds. It is the first canoe I have owned and all I can say is that it has helped to introduce me to the world of canoeing and appreciate the sport even more.
The canoe is in the classic prospector shape and you can read all about it online and in many other videos from experienced outdoorsmen and paddlers all over Canada. It is simply a great all around design for a canoe, great at all things but not the best in any particular category. My particular model does not have a yoke and instead is trimmed in aluminum with two thwarts across the canoe. The canoe also has a keel which helps the canoe to track straighter and faster in flatwater. However, it does make turning a little bit trickier especially with its 17 foot length. The small rocker and wide shape of the prospector design also helps the canoe to handle rough water relatively well.
I paddle the canoe almost always tandem however it definitely can be paddled solo as it has a symmetrical hull. It is also mostly used for day trips and fishing/exploring lakes and rivers. For those tasks, it exceeds all my expectations. Canoe tripping with this boat is possible although it would be difficult as it does not have a yoke as mentioned previously and is on the heavier side for a modern boat. It would be possible to do a route with little to no portages with it.
Overall, this boat is a good all around canoe for my needs which is fishing/day trips and has impressed me for the price/condition it was purchased in. As well, it has helped me to explore my love of canoeing and inspired me to paddle and explore more of the lakes and rivers in my beautiful country. Furthermore, this was definitely a great starter boat for me, and definitely the first of many that I will be owning in my lifetime.