Explorer

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Jim Henry's original Explorer design is a benchmark when it comes to versatile canoes. With assurance in its long history of proven performance, try this canoe as a family cruiser, fisherman's canoe, downriver whitewater hull, or spacious tripping canoe and shrug off the bumps and grinds that accompany just about any canoeing adventure.

The Royalex® by Spartech®, shallow-vee shaped hull featured in this canoe makes it extraordinarily seaworthy and allows for confident use in any condition, rough or calm. The combination of paddling versatility, capacity, seaworthiness and superior paddling performance make this canoe as close to an “all-purpose” canoe as you'll get. 

 

Gunwale Avg Weight Standard Outfitting MSRP
Vinyl
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Vinyl

NEW for 2011, Mad River Canoes' vinyl gunwale features a box-style construction that encloses a "L" shaped aluminum extrusion. The internal extrusion provides the strength to support seats, thwarts, and yokes while the vinyl exterior shrugs off bumps and impacts. A "bulbed" outwale deflects wash and spray away from hull for drier paddling.

 		72 lbs/33 kg Web seats, Shaped yoke, Polyethylene decks with carry handles $1319
Wood
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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.

 		72 lbs/33 kg Web seats, Shaped yoke, Hardwood decks, Shaped ash carry handles $1639
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 padded 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

Royalex® by Spartech®

Royalex® by Spartech® is a vacuum-formed sheet laminate consisting of external vinyl layers enclosing multiple ABS plastic layers and a foam core. Each sheet is designed specifically for the intended use of that canoe. All combinations are durable and moderately light-weight. It is resistant to impact, yet has "memory" that allows it to absorb impact and return to original form.  Royalex® by Spartech® is repairable should the worst-case scenario ever occur.

Length Width Depth Rocker Capacity
Gunwale @4" Waterline Maximum @Center @Bow @Stern @Bow @stern
15'11.25"
486 cm		 35.25"
90 cm		 33.25"
84 cm		 35.25"
90 cm		 14.5"
37 cm		 21.25"
54 cm		 21"
53 cm		 2.25"
6 cm		 2.25"
6 cm		 1100 lbs
499 kg
Removable no-slip knee pad, large Center Bag, Nylon 30 Skid plate felts for royalex Gunwale guard 60 Liter Waterproof Barrel Knee pads 303 Protectant Car top carrier kit Lasso Security Cable FZ 6.7 Mistral Paddle