View topic - Nova Craft Prospector 15 as a Tandem and Solo Tripper?

I can tell you my ultralight kevlar and carbon boats have been through class 1s and twos. Dragged over beaver dams, hit rocks underwater etc etc. They hold up. Tuffstuff isnt needed for flatwater.

Thanks again for your responses. The more I think about it, the more I'm really considering the aramid or blue steel layups. I'd like to have one canoe for years to come that can handle anything other than class 3s or higher, and can stay dry in rough water, and handle being dragged over dams etc. I know the tuff stuff can handle all that but I'm loving the sub 50lbs of the aramid and blue steel.

I would go that way 100%.
Staying dry is more the shape than material. And dragging over beaver dams the blue steel and aramids can handle.

Here is Jim Baird with his 15ft prospector in blue steel running rapids etc. It gives a great look at what it can handle without issue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hmBlQf ... IM&index=2

Thanks for this - what a beauty boat that is! Love the ash gunnels but I don't think I'd go for them with the extra weight and maintenance.
Blue steel seems like the absolute best option, but I'd love to hear about Aramid (it would save me about $600 over blue steel). Seems like the kevlar owners put those boats thru rapids no problem, but I do know that aramid and kevlar are two different things.
Has anyone used an aramid boat in class I's and II's?

Kevlar is a type of aramid.

Its kinda like gore tex vs other rain. Kevlar is a trademark of dupont but there are composites almost exactly the same.

Blue steel has innegra for extra durability. I probably wouldnt go that route. Ive taken my boats through class 2s.

The class of rapid isnt so important as your ability to avoid the obstacles in the rapid. If you get pinned the kevlar will be in trouble. If you keep it right side up you will be fine.

Yeah check out old videos of Bill Mason going through class 2 and 3 in a wooden boat

The key is not hitting anything.

agreed. a polite conversation about layups, pros and cons, stuff you've read via your research etc, should not be unwelcome and might clarify your choice. i hear you about finances, everyone is different, but if you can wait or suffer the price for the most desired layup you probably won't regret it over the long haul. a wisely chosen canoe, with the colour and trim you want is a beautiful thing and you will be reminded of that over the years. it is your recreation time and aesthetics are important IMO.