Esquif Prospecteur 16 T-Formex Canoe
- 16.0 ft length
- Built for Recreation
Esquif Prospecteur 16 T-Formex Canoe
A Chestnut Prospector hull built for trips and rapids alike
The Prospecteur 16 carries the classic lines of the well-known Chestnut Prospector, giving it the versatility and capacity to handle day trips and week-long expeditions with the same confidence. A moderate 7 cm (2.75″) of rocker at bow and stern balances easy tracking on open water with the maneuverability you want when reading and running rapids.
- Length 4.9 m (16′), width 89 cm (35″), depth 35.6 cm (14″)
- 7 cm (2.75″) rocker at bow and stern for tracking plus maneuverability
- Chestnut Prospector lines tuned for day tripping through week-long adventures
T-Formex shrugs off rocks and remembers its shape
The hull is built from T-Formex, a laminated material combining an ABS foam core, ABS sheets, and a protective outer plastic skin for a rugged, abrasion-resistant shell. Its standout trait is structural memory: even after wrapping around a rock, the hull returns to its original shape with minimal distortion, making it a great choice for whitewater or simply a super tough everyday canoe.
- T-Formex laminate: ABS foam core, ABS sheets, protective outer skin
- Structural memory returns the hull to shape after impacts
- Built tough for whitewater and hard everyday use
Webbed seats and classic ash trim ready to paddle
The Prospecteur 16 comes outfitted with traditional webbed seats and a contoured ash yoke and thwart, so it is ready for tandem touring straight off the rack. At 29.5 kg (65 lbs) it stays portageable, and optional wood trim or touring outfit kits let you dress it up for longer expeditions.
- Webbed seats with contoured ash yoke and thwart
- 29.5 kg (65 lbs) for manageable portages
- Optional wood trim and tandem or solo outfit kits available
Stable, capacious, and forgiving for paddlers of every level
Stability, easy tracking, and good maneuverability in rapids are what make this canoe such a classic. The deep, full Prospector shape carries a heavy expedition load while staying predictable and forgiving, so the same boat that hauls gear for a week can teach a first-timer on flat water.
- Stable, forgiving hull suited to beginners and trippers
- High-volume Prospector shape carries large expedition loads
- Easy tracking with reliable maneuverability in moving water
What paddlers say
94% recommend · 480 reviews on Facebook.
Great company. Colton was very helpful in selecting a great paddle. Very knowledgeable.
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookGot my wife's first kayak here and the guys were super helpful and friendly. Immediately welcoming and inviting — I can't wait to go back and browse their large inventory of kayaks and gear. Thank y'all for making our experience awesome!
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookSo pleased with my Recon 120HD! Even though they're 2 hours away I had my kayak shipped to me. The packing was great and I received it undamaged. They were super helpful over the phone answering all my questions while I chose which kayak I wanted. Awesome company!
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookI bought my first kayak (I'm 61) thanks to Parker's education and patience. He spent two hours with me and even after the sale continued to patiently answer my many questions and offer advice. I was completely at ease and enjoyed the whole experience.
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookThe Mecca of anything kayaking and kayak fishing! I ordered a new kayak from their website and they had it ready and waiting when I got there. Very friendly and helpful staff, and the largest inventory of kayak accessories anywhere around.
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookBought a great Nova Craft canoe here — a 3–4 hour drive from home but well worth it. It took them about 5 minutes to load it and strap it on my car and I was gone.
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookYou guys rock — super fast shipping and my kayak got to my doorstep without a scratch. It was definitely packed with care! I'm already recommending you to all my kayak friends.
★★★★★ Recommended on FacebookFull specifications
- Length
- 4.9 m (16′)
- Width
- 89 cm (35″)
- Depth
- 35.6 cm (14″)
- Rocker
- 7 cm (2.75″)
- Weight
- 29.5 kg (65 pounds)
Everything you need to launch day one
About this canoe
The Esquif Prospecteur 16 carries the classic lines of the legendary Chestnut Prospector — a beautiful, versatile canoe built for day trips and week-long wilderness adventures alike. The rugged T-Formex hull handles whitewater with confidence and stands up to everyday hard use. Stability, easy tracking, and solid maneuverability in rapids are what make the Prospector shape a timeless classic.
Specifications
- 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
- Seats: Webbed seats
Warranty
Frequently asked questions
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Manuals & downloads
Still deciding? We paddle these boats too.
Call our crew for honest advice on size, outfitting, and rigging — or come demo it at our Farmville showroom before you buy.
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