Canoeing

The Chestnut Prospector is a design legend and the hōu Canoes take on an all time classic retains all the best characteristics of this all round boat. This canoe was originally designed as a trading vessel so had to paddle well on both open water such as lakes, and also to paddle well on moving/white water rivers. It had to paddle well unloaded but also had to be able to carry a good load on the return journey. Today we still want the same from our canoes, all be it for different reasons. This boat is a joy on lakes and rivers, and will give you a dry, predictable ride whether you are solo or loaded up for a multi day trip.

This classic design is all things to all paddlers, the ultimate all rounder.

With the boat being pitched at just over 15 and 1/2 feet in length it is considered as the ultimate do everything boat. The 15 is what you may want to consider for solo paddling, and the 16 will be better for tandem and tripping days.  If you are looking for a single all in one boat, the hōuCanoes Prospector is going to be the perfect choice.

We offer this boat in the standard spec however we can also arrange purchase of other specifications

Standard Spec.  All the hōu standard features, our most popular in range.

Low Cut Spec.  After listening to feedback from our ambassadors and the staff at Glenmore Lodge, we have produced the Prospector with a low cut.  In simple terms we have lowered the sides of the boat by about an inch.  Why? By doing this we have lowered the centre of gravity making the boat more stable.

Lodge Spec.  We do all the hard work for you on this one as this boat comes fully loaded and ready to go.  This is the standard spec boat but fitted out with Peak end airbags, sailing seat and mast foot, kneeling thwart and end grabs so all you have to do is grab your paddle and you are straight on the water.

Wood Trim.  There is something special about a wood finish on a classic design such as the Prospector, it reflects the heritage of the design as well as looking amazing.  If you are investing in one boat, this finish will be a must.

This is the bigger brother to the hōu-13, a touch longer and with a higher load carrying capability. A derivative from the great Peterborough Canoe Company, this boat was designed as the next boat up in a  ‘quiver’. It will carry a touch more load, track a little quicker and in reality be a touch more of a ‘multi tasking’ boat. As it’s a little longer and a little deeper than its smaller brother you will see a bit of a drier ride in the bouncy stuff and a touch more forward speed. Again this shape was designed as an all rounder so it will paddle well on the open water and flat river days too.

This boat is more of a ‘stretched baby Prospector’. The fine entry, shallow v hull provides good initial and secondary stability whilst a touch more length makes a noticeable difference to speed, especially when paddling solo. If you want a great all round solo boat that won't give you too much trouble on a windy day, and that allows you reasonable load capacity when you need it (be that for the dog, over night gear or a friend) then this is the boat for you. A fantastic 1 to 2 person boat.

Specifications

Simply put, hōu 15 will carry everything you need for a weekend away. You can take anything, and still enjoy the journey. Designed with a ‘modern’ canoe style this boat is maximised for efficient paddling and load carrying. A flatter, very slightly rounded, hull shape provides fantastic initial stability, which in turn provides a confidence that you will struggle to find in many canoes. At 15 feet it’s the ultimate length for an all rounder. This boat will help you down the lumpy bits of water and take care of you on the flat as well. A great modern style all rounder with good tracking and load carrying. Also a firm favourite with outdoor centres and coaches alike.

This is a modern style boat that does exactly what it says on the tin. Its just designed to work in whatever environment that you chose to take it. It will look great and perform on the water.

Specifications

Our smallest and what we think is the most fun boat in the range. The hōu 13 is based on a Peterborough Canoe Company design classic. The original design spec was a boat that would carry ‘smallish’ loads, be relatively light and easy to portage, but would track well and paddle easily on open water, lakes, rivers and low grade white water.

The main aim of the boat was to ‘look after the solo paddler’ and their kit, in the majority of conditions including white water.

The ‘baby Prospector’, fine entry on the bow and stern, classic re-curve, moderate tumble home and the classic open canoe look.  Complemented by a shallow v hull that gives good initial as well as great secondary stability and assists the solo paddling experience so well.

Specifications