Nova Craft - Bob Special 15'

Few canoes earn a reputation that spans generations, but the Bob Special has done exactly that. Originally designed by the legendary Chestnut Canoe Company as a lightweight solo tripper and tandem day boat, Nova Craft's updated version stays true to that heritage while refining the hull for improved speed and handling on Canadian waters.

The Bob Special's wider-than-average beam gives it a confidence-inspiring stability that newer paddlers genuinely appreciate, while the optimised hull shape rewards more experienced solo paddlers with surprisingly quick, responsive performance. It's the kind of canoe that grows with you. Day trip the local lake, load it up for a weekend portage route, or drop a single seat in the centre and really let it run.

*Weights are based on year-long production averages and may vary.

*Adding options to your canoe will add to its overall weight.

Trim Systems

Standard aluminum gunwales are aircraft-grade, anodized, and essentially maintenance-free. They're tough, lightweight, and built to last well beyond a lifetime of paddling. If you're counting grams on the portage trail, Aluminum Lite gunwales offer a slimmer profile that shaves meaningful weight without sacrificing durability. Prefer the traditional look and feel of wood? Ash gunwales are quieter on the water, comfortable to handle in both heat and cold, and bring a classic aesthetic that's hard to argue with.

Aluminum Gunwales

Aluminum Lite Gunwales

Ash Gunwales

Materials

Fibreglass is the practical entry point: affordable, proven, and genuinely durable for recreational and cottage paddling. TuffStuff steps things up with a basalt and Innegra fibre construction that's noticeably lighter and tough enough for extended backcountry trips. TuffStuff Expedition takes that same formula and builds in even more impact resistance for serious wilderness travel. For portage-heavy routes, Aramid Lite delivers Nova Craft's lightest layup in a flatwater-focused hull. Blue Steel combines aramid and carbon fibre for a canoe that's both light and stiff, adding paddling efficiency without giving up durability.

• Fibreglass: 56 lb / 25.4 kg
• TuffStuff: 50 lb / 22.7 kg
• TuffStuff Expedition: 56 lb / 25.4 kg
• Aramid Lite: 40 lb / 18.1 kg
• Blue Steel: 45 lb / 20.4 kg
• Gunwale options: Aluminum, Aluminum Lite, or Ash
• Best use: Tandem day tripping, weekend canoe tripping, solo paddling
• Made in Canada: London, Ontario