Swift Canoes Prospector 16

The Swift Prospector 16 is a traditional canoe steeped in history, possibly the most popular canoe in the Swift range. The Swift Prospector 16 has been designed to carry slightly less rocker than other Prospectors available, closer in shape to the original “Chestnut Prospector”. This allows it to glide and track better on flat water, without compromising on carrying capacity, making it perfect for larger paddlers and those looking to pack it with bags and equipment for multiple days out on the water.

The canoe is ideally suited for paddlers irrespective of skill or experience, from novices through to seasoned experienced paddlers. A canoe which is well suited to tandem use, be that just a day paddle, or multi day tripping. Alternatively, it can be used as a solo canoe for paddling or with options like the Combi a pedigree family canoe. With the moderate rocker and shallow arch to the hull, the Prospector 16 is well suited for faster flowing rivers where manoeuvrability and turning are required, please note that this does not reflect shallow white-water runs.

With the David Yost design, the Swift Prospector 16 has a higher freeboard (than other Prospectors) which combined with a beautiful tucked tumblehome in the top to allow for a more comfortable paddling position with less chance of catching the gunwale, and a more natural relaxed feel for the water. It also allows for experienced paddlers to really edge the canoe and utilise the rounded chimes, novices will appreciate the extra assist in wind and waves as it gives a consistent feeling of stability.

The UK specification for the Swift Canoes will be the most popular material, Kevlar Fusion. With an exceptional strength to weight ratio of any laminate, this Kevlar Fusion is constructed of a top layer of urethane resin with a thin exterior gel coat for increased durability and a stunning high gloss finish. The hull itself is made up of a layer of polyester, S-Glass and a Kevlar cloth sandwiching around a highly durable foam cored ribbing system. The laminate is fused together with a high-pressure infusion process, and the result is Kevlar Fusion has a high impact and abrasion resistance. Having a lightweight canoe without having lightweight trim would be a futile exercise, however due to the infusion process, Swift are able to utilise a unique bonding whereby the canoe hull and gunwale are fused together making it maintenance free and minimises the requirement for any “heavy” hardware to secure them together.

With the majority of the Prospector 16 having a light coloured “Champagne” base to the hull, it goes some way to minimise and hide light scratches and character marks which unfortunately happen to all canoes. Finished in Cherrywood for all of the interior woodwork, the seats are contoured ensuring increased comfort regardless of sitting or kneeling and giving a superb classic look. The yoke and thwart (on the combi) are also formed from a single piece of Cherry and the rich colour complements the high-quality finish seen across the entire canoe.

Prospector 16 Combi – 3 Seats: The Combi version of the Prospector 16 replaces the fixed cherrywood yoke with a centre seat positioned on the balance point, ideal for families looking to get out on the water with three people in a single canoe. However, it also gives increased versatility for solo paddling with an ideally placed position for optimum trim. Supplied in the UK with a removable carry Cherry Yoke, the Prospector 16 Combi can be easily portaged and lends itself as a jack of all trade’s boats, perfect for solo or tandem tripping.

The canoes listed on this website are in the standard UK specification, however Swift do offer a wide range of customisations, with everything from material constructions, outfitting choices, trim packages and custom-builds. If you would like to design your own super canoe from Swifts wide range of choice, we highly recommend contacting our specialist Swift stores; Manchester Canoes and Norfolk Canoes who will be more than happy to help and assist.

Features

• 2x Cherry contoured, webbed seats.
• Built-In buoyancy chambers at either end.
• Bow and stern cherry handles.
• Cherry central yoke (detachable yoke on the 16 Combi).
• Kevlar Fusion hull material.
• Black and Gold Carbon/Kevlar integral gunwales.
• Two-tone colour scheme.
• Prospector Combi has 3rd seat fitted and no fixed central yoke (removable yoke on UK Standard Spec).
  

Dimensions

• Length: 16'
• Gunwale Width: 33.5"
• Maxium Width: 35"
• Waterline Width: 32"
• Centre Depth: 13.5"
• Bow Height: 21"
• Stern Height: 21"
• Bow Rocker: 2"
• Stern Rocker: 2"
• Weight of a fitted-out Prospector 16 in Kevlar Fusion with Carbon/Kevlar Gunwales: 38lbs/17.3kg
• Weight of a fitted-out Prospector 16 Combi in Kevlar Fusion with Carbon/Kevlar Gunwales: 39lbs/17.7kg
• Optimum Load Range: 160kg-270KG (350 - 600 lbs)