The Chestnut Prospector is one of the most trusted canoe shapes in Canadian paddling history, and the Prospecteur 16 carries that lineage forward in Esquif's T-Formex construction. This is a canoe that earns its place in the water through versatility -- equally at home on a weekend day trip as it is on a week-long wilderness expedition.

The hull tracks well on flatwater, handles rapids with composure, and offers the kind of stable, predictable feel that builds confidence over time without ever feeling dull. At 65 lbs with 2.75 inches of rocker, it strikes a balance between maneuverability and efficiency that has made the Prospector shape a staple of Canadian canoe tripping for generations. T-Formex keeps it tough and low-maintenance through the kind of regular hard use that a canoe this capable tends to attract.

Frontenac Outfitters stocks these with a deep dish yoke and skid plates included. Custom orders are available -- call 613-376-6220 or email info@frontenacoutfitters.com for details. Note that standard production canoes do not include skid plates or float bags.

• Construction: T-Formex
• Length: 16' (4.9 m)
• Width: 35" (89 cm)
• Depth: 14" (35.6 cm)
• Rocker: 2.75" (7 cm)
• Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg)
• Gunwales: Vinyl
• Colours: Red, Green
• Seats: Webbed
• Standard equipment: Contoured ash yoke and thwart
• Note: Skid plates and float bags not included in standard build