I purchased a 16' fiberglass Prospector with the Ash gunwales and laced ash seats from Nova Craft approximately 3 years ago. the only modifications I have made are adding a sculpted ash carrying yoke (purchase from Nova Craft) and refinishing the gunwales with varnish, as the oil finish seemed to wear rapidly. The canoe is attractive in it's deep green and natural wood. The carrying capacity is truly amazing; I regularly paddle with 3 children aboard as well as myself, and have more than ample free-board left. The canoe also paddles well solo, turned around on the bow seat and using a j-stroke. A great, versatile, all-around canoe, only an '8' because of it's weight, which must be near to 80 lbs.
