Find A Local Dealer

Explorer Aramid Hybrid

You must have flash enabled to view the Color Picker feature. Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash player here.

Innovative materials enhance the timeless design of the Explorer, creating a sleeker, faster, more responsive and efficient hull that provides more stimulating performance for just about any paddler. A sophisticated hybrid layup of aramid, fiberglass, carbon, and core is shielded by a tough gel coat and formed into the moderately rockered shallow vee hull, providing the balance of efficiency and seaworthiness that has become the hallmark of the Explorer. This canoe is expedition-proven and expedition-worthy but fully accommodating for the family, the fisherman, or any aspiring paddler new to the sport. The Explorer KX is one of those rare canoes that can satisfy the most discerning paddler but also welcomes the developing canoeist.                                                                  

Read more about the Explorer Aramid Hybrid from 'The Expert'.

Gunwale Avg Weight Standard Outfitting MSRP
Aluminum
Close

Aluminum

NEW for 2011 is the lightest aluminum gunwale ever deployed on a Mad River Canoe. Two part design accommodates hulls of varying thicknesses from Royalex to Composite while providing necessary stiffness to maintain hull shape. The aluminum gunwale is affixed to hull via rivets.

 		54 lbs/24 kg Contoured web seats, Contoured portage yoke, Shaped ash carry handles $2569
Wood
Close

Wood

To many, there's nothing as classic as wooden gunwales, or the proven workmanship of these on a Mad River hull. Crafted of native white ash specially selected for long, straight, tight grain providing strength, stiffness, and a touch of flex. Periodic maintenance required. * Image shows wood gunwale with composite hull.

 		57 lbs/26 kg Contoured cane bow seat, Cane bucket stern seat, Contoured portage yoke, Shaped ash carry handles $2789
Factory-Installed Options Additional Cost
Skid Plates $250

* Price shown is suggested retail price, net not including taxes. Prices in your market may vary due to currency, VAT, and other taxes. Prices subject to change without notice.

Pros
  • Predictable handling
  • Can be paddled in reverse for better trim with adult/child paddlers or solo paddler
Cons
  • Slower than swede-form hull
Pros
  • Most versatile hull cross section
  • Highest final stability
  • Superior rough water performance
  • Better tracking
  • Superior rigidity for increased hull efficiency
  • Can be “tuned" (track: paddle straight up; maneuver: lean hull into turn)
Cons
  • Wear concentrated at point of Vee
  • Lower initial stability
  • Slower than shallow arch in calm conditions
Pros
  • Good balance between maneuverability and speed
  • Most versatile keel line
Cons
  • Reduced tracking than straight keel
  • Reduced speed than straight keel
  • Less maneuverable than highly rockered

Aramid Hybrid Fibers

General

  • good resistance to abrasion 
  • good resistance to organic solvents
  • nonconductive
  • good fabric integrity at elevated temperatures 

Para-aramids

  • para-aramid fibers such as Kevlar and Twaron, provide outstanding strength-to-weight properties
  • high tenacity
Length Width Depth Rocker Capacity
Gunwale @4" Waterline Maximum @Center @Bow @Stern @Bow @stern
495 cm
16'3"		 34.5"
88 cm		 33.25"
84 cm		 34.5"
88 cm		 14.5"
37 cm		 22.75"
58 cm		 21"
53 cm		 2.25"
6 cm		 2.25"
6 cm		 1100 lbs
499 kg
Canoe Outfitting Care, Repair & Restoration Dry Flex Cell Phone Case Boat Hanger Canoe Paddle Fox 40 Whistle Car top carrier kit AF 6.5