Hou Canoes 16ft Prospector "Low-Line" Open Canoe

Hou Canoes "Low-line" Prospector 16ft Canoe (£1600 RRP) Specifications from manufacturer:Length: 15' 8" Width: 36" Depth: 14" Weight: from 32 kgModel: Polyethylene Trim: Low-lineGunwales: VinylSeats: x2 Wood/Web Manufacturer's description:The Chestnut Prospector is a design legend and the hōu Canoes take on an all time classic retains all the best characteristics of this all round boat. This canoe was originally designed as a trading vessel so had to paddle well on both open water such as lakes, and also to paddle well on moving/white water rivers. It had to paddle well unloaded but also had to be able to carry a good load on the return journey. Today we still want the same from our canoes, all be it for different reasons. This boat is a joy on lakes and rivers, and will give you a dry, predictable ride whether you are solo or loaded up for a multi day trip.This classic design is all things to all paddlers, the ultimate all rounder.With the boat being pitched at just over 15 and 1/2 feet in length it is considered as the ultimate do everything boat.

The 15 is what you may want to consider for solo paddling, and the 16 will be better for tandem and tripping days. If you are looking for a single all in one boat, the hōu Canoes Prospector is going to be the perfect choice. Prospector style canoes are widely known for being an excellent all-round design for both flat, moving and white water. The Hou Prospector 16ft is both manoeuvrable and tracks well, and can be paddled both solo and tandem. Hou are a British canoe company that make great boats and are very well regarded.

This was our first open canoe, bought new from Canoe and Kayak Store in Gloucestershire, and we have had this boat for around two years. Prior to this we had an inflatable, and buying this boat made us complete open canoeing converts and transformed our paddling adventures. We have absolutely loved using it as a family (two adults and two young children), and have taken good care of it. It has been stored upside down on a purpose built canoe rack, under shelter in the garden. It's been great to use on flat water and we've paddled both local as well the big lakes in Cumbria, also taking it down faster water on the Wye and most of the navigable pre-London Thames/Cherwell.

We bought it in low-line trim, meaning that there is less freeboard, which means it is less buffeted by wind and also that little bit lighter than the standard trim model. This would be an ideal boat for a couple or small family who want to use it for day trips, touring or overnighters. The boat is still in great condition, and has a few of the expected scuffs and scratches to the bottom of the hull that are only aesthetic and in no way affect the integrity of the hull or its performance. The polyethylene hull is really durable and forgiving. Collection is in south-central Oxford and there is parking outside for loading.

We've had so much fun with this boat and will be very sorry to see it go. We're only selling because we have a small garden and need to make room for another solo boat.