Skip to content
Availability:
Estimated Arrival: Between Mar 18 and Mar 25. *ETA to the USA Only
Explore rivers, lakes, and coastlines with confidence.
The Prospector 16 is based on the classic Prospector hull, long known as the āworkhorse of the North.ā Its symmetrical shape and moderate rocker make it stable on rivers and streams while allowing quick, responsive turns in moving water. Itās a versatile canoe that performs well for recreational paddling, river trips, and wilderness travel.
For Questions or a Quote, Contact Dave: Ā 864.367.6161 Ā dave@lightasairboats.com
All Wenonah Canoes are handcrafted in their manufacturing facility on the banks of the Mississippi River in Southeast Minnesota. Each of their craftsmen pour dozens of hours of labor and decades of experience into each boat they deliver to their customers across the globe.
The original Prospector was a river-running boat known as the work horse of the North. This proven down river hull is our version of the classic design, and the closest thing to the original that money can buy.
It's a stable hull for rivers and streams - with ample rocker it's quick to turn. Because of the symmetrical shape of the hull, a solo paddler loaded with gear could make good progress by turning around in the bow seat and paddling it backward.
Features
Wenonah's Tuf-weaveĀ® material is an interwoven fabric made of 50% polyester and 50% fiberglass that out performs either material alone. The Tuf-weaveĀ® layup results in our most durable composite canoes.
Ā Tuf-weaveĀ® canoes offer improved impact resistance and are a great compromise between light weight, performance, and price.
Ā
Wenonah Canoe Components
Specifications
Dimensions
ā Length Ā Ā 16' 0" - (487.68cm)
ā Gunwale Width Ā Ā 38" - (96.52cm)
ā Maximum Width Ā Ā 40" - (101.6cm)
ā Waterline Width Ā Ā 38" - (96.52cm)
ā Stern Depth Ā Ā 17" - (43.18cm)
ā Center Depth Ā Ā 13" - (33.02cm)
ā Bow Depth Ā Ā 19" - (48.26cm)
ā Rocker Ā Ā 1.25" - (3.175cm)
Ratings
ā Efficiency Ā Ā 6.00
ā Maneuverability Ā Ā 8.00
ā Capacity Ā Ā 8.50
ā Stability Ā Ā 10.00
ā Seaworthy Ā Ā 8.00
Includes
ā Silver Aluminum Trim
ā Curved Web Seats (Not avail. for sliding seats)
ā Ash Yoke Natural Satin
ā Colored Gel-Coat Finish
ā Hung (Bucket seat not avail.)
ā spirit 2 is not yet finished
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flex-Core construction?
Flex-Core construction uses a structural foam core laminated between composite layers to create a canoe that is strong, rigid, and more rugged than ultra-light layups. The additional fabric layers help distribute stress throughout the hull, making it durable while still relatively lightweight.
How much does the Prospector 16 Flex-Core weigh?
The Flex-Core version typically weighs around 56 pounds, making it lighter than many plastic canoes while still offering excellent durability.
Is the Prospector 16 stable for beginners?
Yes. Its wide beam and rounded hull provide strong primary and secondary stability, making it comfortable and predictable for beginners as well as experienced paddlers.
Can the Prospector 16 be paddled solo?
Yes. Because of its symmetrical hull design, solo paddlers can sit in the bow seat facing backward to better balance the canoe when paddling alone.
What type of water is it best for?
The Prospector 16 excels on rivers, streams, and moving water, and it can handle light whitewater thanks to its rocker and maneuverability. It also performs well for recreational paddling on lakes.
How maneuverable is the Prospector 16?
With about 2.5 inches of rocker, the canoe turns quickly and responds well when navigating bends, currents, and obstacles in rivers.
How much gear can it carry?
The Prospector 16 has a large interior volume and can easily carry two paddlers plus gear for multi-day camping trips, making it a popular choice for wilderness travel.
Is it good for canoe camping?
Yes. Its high load capacity, stability, and maneuverability make it a reliable option for backcountry and expedition-style paddling trips.Ā
How durable is the Flex-Core version?
Flex-Core canoes are designed to be tough enough for regular paddling while remaining lighter than many recreational canoes, making them a strong balance between durability, weight, and performance.