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Review Detail

 
17' Prospector Kevlar/Duraflex
Boats & Boards
Overall rating 
 
5.0
Design 
 
5.0
Perfomance 
 
5.0
Quality 
 
5.0
Value / Money 
 
5.0

In my opinion this is the most kick-ass all around high performance canoe money can buy. A true work of art.

Review

Affiliated
No
About Me
Paddler for 30+ years. Many years racing whitewater slalom in both C-1 and kayak. 8 years experience as a raft guide on the Ottawa River. Currently trying to do as many canoe trips as possible with my family, on ocean, lakes and rivers in BC.
Pros / The Good
Very stable, predictable handling, even with three kids bouncing around. Inspires confidence in rough water, stays really dry. Huge capacity of 1100 pounds. Still quite nice to paddle solo. Tracks well, but also turns well due to the fair amount of rocker. I have the kevlar duraflex layup with aluminum gunwales and it is nice and stiff, but ridiculously strong - you can flip it over and walk on it no problem. Weight of around 68 pounds is quite manageable for most portages. Overall, this is just a great all around boat that will get you where you want to go, with all your gear, in pretty much any kind of water any other boat can go on. Crafstmanship of the Clipper boats is second to none.
Cons / The Bad
If you don't need the strength, the weight of the Duraflex layup can be a problem for portages over a kilometre; but you can just stop and rest for a bit! Or use wheels. Or go with the kevlar or ultralight layup. One drawback of the 17 foot versus 16 foot is that you can't paddle it backwards sitting on the bow seat, due to there being a thwart just behind the bow seat. And the 17 is a bit more boat than you might need for short day trips on calm water.
Recommend
Yes
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