WESTERN CANOER 2008 PDF - Clipper Canoes

www.clippercanoes.com 

Box 115, 1717 Salton Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z5 (604)853-9320 Toll Free: 1.866.644.8111 Page 1


Page 2 www.clippercanoes.com Clipper Canoes

Spring 2008 

Published by 

Western Canoeing 

& Kayaking, Inc. 

Box 115, 1717 Salton Rd., 

Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z5 

Telephone: 

(604) 853-9320 

Toll Free: 

1-866-644-8111 

Fax: 

(604) 852-6933 

Email: 

westerncanoe@telus.net 

Website: 


ON THE COVER 

John Dowd and his dog Bungee 

at Vargas Island BC 

photo by: Marlin Bayes 


CONTENTS 

ARTICLES & RESOURCES 

Clipper Design ...................................................... 5 

Clipper Construction ............................................. 6 

Clipper Options & Finishing .................................. 7 

Clipper Performance System ................................ 8 

How to Select A Canoe ......................................... 9 

Warranty Information ............................................ 9 

Frequently Asked Questions .............................. 10 

Trip Reports and Articles.................................... 11 

Trips & Accessories ............................................ 27 

Canoe Specs ...................................................... 30 

CANOES 

16 Ranger, 17 Ranger, Yukon .......................... 12 

Escape, Scout, Cascade .................................... 14 

Tripper ................................................................ 16 

Tripper S ............................................................. 17 

Prospector 14, 16, 17 ......................................... 18 

Jensen 17 & 18 ................................................... 20 

Sea Clipper & White Water II .............................. 21 

Packer, Solitude (Solo Canoes) ......................... 22 

MacKenzie 18'6"& 20' (Wilderness Tripping) ..... 23 

MacKenzie Sport Series (Square Stern) ............ 24 

Freedom & Sea-1 ............................................... 26 

Big Canoes ......................................................... 28 

ACCESSORIES 

Clipper Accessories ........................................... 30 

Sprayskirt, Cart, and Rowing Rig ....................... 31 

The Clipper factory is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley on the Trans Canada 

Highway. Take exit 90 and look for our mural (pictured above). Visitors are welcome to 

come and browse our 3,000 square foot showroom. 

Clipper Clipper Canoes Canoes Online 

Online 

Get more info about our canoes, learn more about options 

and accessories, read exciting stories from our customers 

about their adventures in Clipper Canoes 

Visit our website at: 




Clipper Hits The 32 Year Mark 

Clipper Canoes have been 

supplying product and 

memorable paddling 

experiences for 32 years. 

We're proud of the fact and 

would like to take this 

opportunity to thank our 

employees, many of whom 

have been with us for over 


twenty years. We would also 

like to acknowledge the 

loyal customers who have 

sung our praises to their 

friends and neighbors, 

sending many to our front 

door and the front door of 

our many fine dealers to 

purchase a Clipper canoe. 

Our desire has always been 

to provide the best quality 

canoe along with the best 

service we are capable of. We 

have researched what we think 

the paddling public are looking 

for, whether it be that small, 

lightweight fishing canoe, or a 

model like our 29' Langley for 

organizations like the Boy 

Scouts who want to learn to 

paddle as a team. 

Diversity, quality, and service is 

what we have always strived to 

achieve. 

We remain a family run 

business, based in Abbotsford, 

BC, producing a Canadian 

product that paddlers can 

trust. 

We enjoy getting letters from 

our customers, telling us about 

adventures they have had in 

their Clipper Canoes. So, if you 

have a good story involving an 

adventure with your Clipper, 

please send it to us. 

Take care, and happy 

paddling. 

Mary and Marlin Bayes 

The Clipper factory is located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, with Mount Baker 

looming in the background. 


About Clipper Design 

Every canoe design is a 

combination of several different 

elements of design. Each 

element has advantages and 

disadvantages. 

One of the most important design 

elements in canoe building is the 

overall length of the canoe. The 

longer a canoe is, the faster 

it will paddle and the 

straighter it will track, 

provided the width remains 

proportional. The longer 

canoe will have a greater 

capacity, but will be harder 

to maneuver. Canoes 

designed for whitewater 

need to be very 

maneuverable. They will be 

shorter than canoes designed 

for general 

recreational use and have 

greater rocker. Rocker is the 

amount the canoe’s ends rise 

above the bottom center of 

the hull. 

The width of the hull at the 4" 

waterline will influence a canoe’s 

stability, cruising speed and load 

capacity. Wider canoes will 

displace more water and will 

have more resistance as they 

pass through the water. 

Canoe hulls are made in many 

shapes. A round hull will be very 

fast, but it will lack stability and 

have a low carrying capacity. A 

canoe with a perfectly flat hull will 

have great initial stability but a 

low cruising speed. Flat hulls 

tend to be hard to control in rough 

water. What felt steady on flat 

water seems to take on “a mind 

of its own” when the conditions 

are rough. 

A shallow arch hull will be quick 

to paddle, it will offer good stability 

and be predictable. If a canoe 


requires more initial stability, the 

arch will be flattened out slightly. 

If more speed is required, it will 

be made longer. 

A canoe’s maneuverability is 

influenced by its rocker. 

Increased rocker in a canoe 

allows the ends to rise easier 

when meeting waves. Canoes 

with no rocker (flat keel lines) 

track straight, but are very hard 

to maneuver. 

The side of the canoe above the 

waterline influences carrying 

capacity, seaworthiness and 

ease of paddling. A canoe with 

flared sides will be more stable 

when it’s leaned on its side than 

a canoe with tumblehome. The 

flared canoe will be more 

seaworthy. Canoes designed 

for whitewater will have the bow 

and stern rounded to shorten the 

waterline and they will be flared 

to provide buoyancy in waves. 

One of the most important 

elements in canoe design is the 

position of the seats. Canoe 

seats in recreational canoes 

should be placed low enough 

that the paddlers are stable 

without having to kneel in the 

canoe. A canoe like the Tripper, 

equipped with the Clipper 

Performance System, is 

designed so that the canoeist 

can sit and lock his/her knees 

under the gunnel. This allows 

a five point brace. The paddlers’ 

feet are pushed 

against the footbrace with 

the paddler held firmly in 

place with the contoured 

plastic seat. This position 

allows the paddlers to use 

their “hips and thighs” to help 

control the canoe. They are 

able to lean the canoe over 

until the gunnel is near the 

water level without having to 

brace with the paddle. This 

type of control is nearly 

impossible in a canoe with 

the seats placed high for 

kneeling. 

The keel line of the racing 

canoe will have little or no rocker. 

If you want a maneuverable twoman 

canoe, look for one in the 

15' to 17' range with a rounded 

bow and stern, slight rocker, and 

large volume. If speed is your 

primary consideration, choose a 

17' to 18'6" canoe with a sharp 

bow and stern line, little or no 

rocker, a stiff bottom, and a 

sliding bow seat. 

A stable canoe should have a 

shallow arch bottom extending 

well towards the bow and stern. 

Seats should be 7" to 9" off the 

hull bottom to provide a low centre 

of gravity. The seats should be 

close enough to the ends to allow 

the paddler to sit in the centre of 

the seat, and easily reach the 

water on either side. 

Box 115, 1717 Salton Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z5 PH: (604)853-9320 Toll free: 1.866.644.8111 Page 5

Clipper Construction 

Fiberglass canoes are laminated by 

hand using a high-grade isothalic resin. 

Each Clipper canoe is reinforced in the 

bow and stern with a minimum of two 

layers of Kevlar ® , providing extra 

strength and abrasion resistance 

needed in these areas of high stress. 

Flotation tanks are glassed-in at both 

ends of the canoe in all layups, and are 

filled with bagged foam for added 

flotation. 

Three hull stiffening methods are used. 

The Escape, Scout, Cascade, Tripper, 

Tripper S, Packer and Solitude are 

stiffened with foam cross ribs. Foam 

ribs are resined to the hull and covered 

with biaxle glass roving, resulting in a 

light, durable canoe. 

In the Yukon, Ranger and Prospector 

series, multiple layers of directional 

glass are used for hull stiffening, resulting 

in a slightly heavier weight than crossrib 

stiffening, but is less expensive and is 

a stronger layup. The Whitewater II, 17' 

and 18' Jensen, Sea Clipper, and the 

MacKenzie series come standard with 

a vacuum-bagged foam core. 

Kevlar ® is a space-aged aramid fiber 

which, under tension, Kevlar ® fibers are 

5 to 10 times stronger than an equal 

weight of steel. Kevlar ® cloth is more 

expensive than fiberglass and is harder 

to cut and work with, hence the higher 

cost. Kevlar ® canoes are lighter and 

equal to or stronger than fiberglass. A 

Kevlar ® canoe will generally weigh 20% 

less than a canoe manufactured out of 

fiberglass. 

Kevlar ® canoes are built with a minimum 

of three layers of material (a minimum 

of two full layers of Kevlar ® ). A full layer 

of Kevlar ® is applied to the gelcoat. 

Areas of high stress have additional 

reinforcing. Next, a layer of polyester 

cloth is applied. A final layer of Kevlar ® 

completes the laminate. A special 

marine structural foam core is then 

placed to the hull bottom. An additional 

Kevlar ® layer is then applied over the 

core. The Kevlar ® -covered foam core 

produces a sandwich type construction 

that is extremely rigid and lightweight 

compared to other methods used to 

stiffen canoe hulls. 


Ultralight Kevlar ® canoes 

are built without any exterior 

gelcoat, thus the hull has 

the 'honey' color of Kevlar ® . 

The absence of gelcoat 

results in a weight savings 

of approximately 10%. The 

first layer is woven S-glass 

which is very abrasion 

resistant and is stronger 

under compression than 

Kevlar ® . Two layers of 

Kevlar ® are then applied with 

extra reinforcement in areas 

of high stress. 

Custom Kevlar ® , our 

lightest layup, has a 

minimum of two layers of 

Kevlar ® . The hull is stiffened 

with a vacuum-bagged foam 

core and graphite 

reinforced-foam ribs on the 

side walls. The Custom 

Kevlar ® layup will have a 

clear skin coat finish and 

will look just like the Ultralight 

layup. Custom Kevlar ® 

models will not be as durable 

as the Kevlar ® or Ultralight 

constructions, but the weight 

of the canoe will be 

considerably less. 

Kevlar ® Duraflex is a 

laminate designed to be 

exceptionally tough. It has 

no foam core or ribs. The 

hull is stiffened by up to ten 

layers of structural material. 

A minimum of four layers 

are used in side walls, close 

to the gunnels. A highly 

flexible resin is used to allow 

the laminate to elongate 

under extreme force. A 

Kevlar ® Duraflex laminate 

may be gelcoated but this 

will add up to 4+ pounds. 

The Duraflex layups will 

easily outperform plastic 

canoe hulls of the same 

shape. Not only will Kelvar ® 

Duraflex be as tough or 

tougher, it will also retain its 

shape after years of use and 

it is also considerably lighter. 

Page 6 www.clippercanoes.com Clipper Canoes.

Optional Types of Finishing 

Black Aluminum Trim 

All aluminum trim used on Clipper 

Canoes is anodized, whether it be 

black or silver. The black trim 

enhances the appearance of your 

canoe. All of the thwarts, seat 

frames footbraces, etc, will be black 

as well if you choose the black trim 

option. There is no weight difference 

between black or silver trim. Both 

are very durable, but you should 

make sure that your canoe has 

padded racks. Metal on metal 

makes for some nasty scratches on 

your gunnels. 


Many of these customized accessories are available as optional upgrades when you order your Clipper 

Canoe (several are standard features on selected models). 

Gunnel Cover 

Gunnel cover is a preformed plastic 

sleeve that slips over the aluminum 

gunnel It is available in black or 

white. Gunnel cover will add about 4 

pounds to the overall weight of the 

canoe. The temperature of your 

gunnels will feel warmer in cold 

weather and cooler in hot weather. 

Gunnel cover is recommended for 

Scout groups, schools, rental 

companies, or people who risk 

loaning out their canoes to friends, 

neighbours and relatives. 

Wood Trim 

Custom wood trim comes with 

straight grain ash inner and outer 

gunnels. Black walnut endplate 

decks with ash thwarts, hand grips 

and yoke provide an appealing visual 

effect. This finish is available on all 

standard models. In wet climates 

like the northwest, wood trim canoes 

should be stored inside. Overall 

canoe weights will increase 3 to 4 

pounds. Sliding seat mechanisms 

and footbraces will still be aluminum. 

All surfaces are hand-sanded and 

receive multiple coats of oil. 

Yokes 

A yoke will make carrying your 

canoe solo much easier. They are 

available in flat or contoured. For the 

ultimate in comfort, add the deep 

dish yoke to your canoe. This yoke 

molds to the shape of the shoulders 

and neck, making the portage a little 

more comfortable. A yoke is not 

meant to be used as an extra seat. 

Doing this would put the center of 

gravity far too high and the yoke is 

meant to support the weight of the 

canoe, not of your 150 pound buddy. 

Sliding Seats 

Easily adjust the trim of your canoe 

so that it rides level, taking 

advantage of the sharp entry line for 

steering purposes; also handy if you 

find yourself with “oncoming” seas. 

Rather than take water over the bow, 

slide the seat back so the bow rides 

up over the waves. Paddling with a 

bow partner that is heavier or lighter 

than the stern paddler? Adjusting the 

trim of your boat has never been 

easier, just slide the front seat back 

or forward to find the best balance 

and trim. 

Wilderness Lash System 

This lashing kit is great for 

wilderness tripping and for river trips. 

It adjusts to tie gear down and to 

prevent your load from shifting during 

turbulent paddling. The lash system 

also makes it easier to rescue a 

capsized canoe. Eight d-rings are 

glued to the bottom of the hull. 

Nylon webbing is secured to the drings 

which holds gear securely just 

by snapping buckles. This system 

also works well if you want to secure 

float bags as well. 



The CLIPPER PERFORMANCE SYSTEM - For added COMFORT, CONTROL and EFFICIENCY: 

A five point brace can be achieved by adding our foam wedge thigh pads. Bracing your feet on the footbrace (or the bow flotation 

tank), seated comfortably, rest your knees against the optional foam thigh pads. Utilizing these pads greatly increases the control 

you have in the canoe. If one of your passengers suddenly decides to lean out over the edge - you’ll be able to control the canoe 

just by using your legs and hips. 

In the stern, we have an adjustable footbrace system. If you have ever paddled in a seated position with your feet not braced, you 

probably remember having a sore shoulder, neck and back by the end of the day. Our footbrace is a telescoping bar pinned into 

angle that is mounted on either side of the canoe by sealed rivets. 

By placing the balls of your feet against the footbrace, you are able to pull the canoe forward using your whole body. If your feet are 

not braced, the only thing pulling the canoe forward with your stroke is the friction of the seat of your pants on the seat. You end 

up tensing your back muscles to keep from pulling yourself off the seat, resulting in an inefficient paddling stroke and a sore body 

at the end of the day. 

Our tandem canoes are all available with bucket seats, placed low enough so you never have to kneel to get your center of gravity 

down for stability. Bucket seats are a comfortable - tractor type seat - featuring a slight rise at the back to gently cup your derriere 

(hey, 2 million farmers can’t be wrong). Seats also 

feature drainage points so if you take on water, you won’t 

have to sit in it. 

In many tandem tripping canoes 16½ feet and longer, 

the bow seat slides. This allows you to easily adjust the 

trim of your canoe so that it rides level, taking advantage 

of the sharp entry line for steering purposes; also handy 

if you find yourself with ‘oncoming’ seas. Rather than 

take water over the bow, slide the seat back so the bow 

rides up over the waves. The seat doesn’t slide when you 

take a stroke, but adjusts by raising your weight up off the 

seat and sliding it along on two parallel bars. The seats 

are ‘friction-fit’, which means your weight, when seated, 

will keep the seat in place. With a sliding bow seat, the 

bow paddler can adjust the seat so that the flotation tank 

is used as a footbrace. If you're in a canoe with a fixed 

seat and your feet cannot reach the tank, you can add 

some foam or a minicell block to provide a brace for the 

bow paddler's feet. 


How to Select a Canoe 

There are two necessities in 

successful canoeing – acquiring the 

skills, and using the right kind of 

equipment. Most paddlers are looking 

for either a recreational canoe, touring 

or a tripping canoe. A recreational 

canoe is used for day trips or the 

occasional weekend overnighter. They 

are great for sheltered waterways or an 

easy river. They tend to be 15' to 17' in 

length, with very little to moderate 

rocker (curvature from end to end). 

Sides will often be flared for added 

stability. In this category, Clipper offers 

the Escape, Scout, 16' Ranger , 17' 


Ranger, 16' Prospector, or 17' Jensen. 

In a tripping canoe, you should look for 

a model in the 16'6" to 18'6" range. A 

touring or tripping canoe will have better 

glide, larger capacity, a fuller bow and 

stern and the sides will be straight up or 

curved in, allowing for a more efficient 

paddling stroke. In this category, check 

out the Tripper, Tripper S, Cascade, 

Yukon, Sea Clipper, MacKenzie 18'6" 

or 17' Prospector. 

If you want a canoe that you can solo or 

tandem paddle, choose one around 

The higher the rating, the better suited the canoe is for that use. The canoes are best compared with 

others in the same category. 

Clipper Canoes Warranty Information 

16'6" or less. Anything longer becomes 

too cumbersome. The Tripper S was 

designed with this cross over quality in 

mind. The 16' Prospector also makes 

a good solo/tandem canoe. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that a 

shorter canoe is going to be an easier 

canoe to paddle. All things being equal 

a longer canoe will track straighter and 

will be faster, as well as more stable. 

Also, keep in mind that when you put 

that canoe on the beach and load it up, 

it looks a lot smaller than it did in the 

showroom. 

Clipper Canoes are warranted by Western Canoeing & Kayaking Inc. for a period of two years to the original purchaser 

against any defects in materials and/or workmanship that arise during normal use. Warranty coverage does not include; 

normal wear and tear, when used for commercial rental, damage due to abuse and neglect (i.e., towing behind power 

boats), or when structurally altered. 

The warranty is effective from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer. A copy of receipt of purchase must 

accompany any warranty claim. All repairs are to be done by Western Canoeing & Kayaking unless prior authorization is 

obtained for a third party company or representative to perform the repairs. 


Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. I plan on buying a fiberglass 

canoe. Why should I buy a Clipper 

over another brand? 

A. The reason is simple. We have over 

32 years of experience building canoes 

for use in the rugged Northwest. Clipper 

has a reputation for building canoes 

that are designed and constructed to 

withstand the demanding conditions 

encountered here. Buy a Clipper and 

be assured that you have bought a 

quality craft that will provide you with 

years of enjoyment. 

Q. Does a canoe's width determine 

its stability? 

A. No, not always. Many excessively 

wide canoes (37" or more) are built 

with relatively round hulls to keep the 

bottom from flexing too much. Canoes 

with a beam of 36" or less can be built 

with a flatter or more shallow-arch 

design, thus increasing a canoe's initial 

stability. 

Q. If width isn't the most important 

characteristic in determining a 

canoe's stablity, then what is? 

A. The shape of the hull and the 

placement of the seats. Bow seats 

placed high near the gunnel result in a 

canoe with a high center of gravity, 

and low initial stability. Seats placed 

too far back towards the center of the 

canoe cause the bow paddler to move 

towards one side or the other in order 

to paddle more comfortably forcing 

the canoe to list. 

The stern paddler must compensate 

by leaning the other way. Then the 

paddler's center of gravity is outside 

the center of bouyancy. 

Q. Is Kevlar © worth the extra price 

compared to fiberglass? 

A. It depends on how you are going to 

use your canoe. A Kevlar © canoe is as 

stong as fiberglass and lighter. If you 

only plan to use the canoe at the cabin 

a few times a year, the answer is 

probably "no". But if you plan any 

wilderness trips, extended portages, 

racing or whitewater paddling, the 

answer is definitely "yes". The light 


weight of Kevlar © canoes makes them 

ideal for people unable to lift standard 

canoes. Kevlar © canoes can be custombuilt 

to your specifications. For example, 

when a Kevlar © canoe is to be used 

extensibely in whitewater, we 

recommend a Kevlar © Duraflex laminate. 

The short answer is, if you can afford 

the extra cost of a Kevlar © canoe, you'll 

never regret it. 

Q. Does a canoe need a keel in 

order to track properly? 

A. No. Keels are placed on some 

canoes for structural reasons.For 

example, a keel joins the two halves of 

an aluminum canoe, and will reduce 

the oil canning in cheap fiberglass and 

plastic canoes. A properly designed 

canoe doesn't require a keel in order to 

track well. A good example of this is a 

racing canoe. They are very straight 

tracking, and you will never see one 

with a keel. 

Q. What are the advantages of the 

plastic "tractor type" seat? 

A. First comfort, second control, and 

third durability. The plastic seats are 

much more comfortable than wood or 

wood/cane seats. The seats support 

you on three sides. They are 

maintenance free and they don't mildew, 

split, or unravel. 

Q. A friend has told me not to buy a 

canoe that is constructed with rivets 

as they will leak. Is this true? 

A. No. Rivets are used in many 

structures, from airplanes to aluminum 

canoes. When Clipper uses rivets they 

are self-sealing rivets at or below the 

waterline and each one is used with a 

waterproof compound. By using rivets 

in the seat angle, we can place the 

seats lower instead of sacrificing 

stability by putting them up near the 

gunnel. 

Q. My wife and I, and our two young 

kids would like to do some 

wilderness trips. Our friends suggest 

kayaks. What do you recommend, 

kayaks or canoes? 

A. Most families are better starting off 

in canoes. A 17 ½’ to 18 ½’ canoe can 

carry all four of you and gear. With a 

proper canoe and two adults paddling, 

you’ll be prepared for most conditions. 

If the kids are at an age where they can 

paddle, this would be an added bonus. 

The canoe will probably be lighter than 

a double kayak (which you will most 

likely need two of) and easier for one 

person to portage. The canoe will allow 

more freedom and varied seating 

arrangements than a kayak. A canoe 

for the four of you will likely be less 

expensive than one double kayak, let 

alone two. The canoe will be easier to 

load and unload and can carry bulkier 

items. When the kids outgrow the 

canoe and are effective at paddling, you 

can choose another canoe or possibly 

single kayaks to add to your fleet. 

Q. My partner and I are going to 

start paddling whitewater. How 

should we prepare? 

A. First, make sure you have a 

canoe that is suitable. You can talk 

to your local Clipper dealer or phone 

the staff at Western Canoeing & 

Kayaking to make sure your canoe is 

suited for your needs. 

Sign up for canoe lessons. Learn the 

proper strokes and bracing 

techniques. This will add to your 

confidence and make you a safer 

paddler. 

Make sure your canoe has float bags 

and that they are tied in properly. 

Dress for the conditions. In cold 

water, a farmer john wetsuit is a 

minimum necessity. After your 

lessons, paddle with other 

experienced paddlers. Be sure you 

are familiar with the rivers you are 

paddling. Remember, after any 

periods of high water, logjams may 

be relocated and new ones created. 

This is especially true of the swollen 

rivers in the Northwest. Continue 

your education by reading books on 

whitewater paddling, watch videos 

and join your local canoe club. 


Clipper Canoe Adventures 

THE LONGEST CANOE TRIP EVER MADE 

WAS DONE IN A CLIPPER TRIPPER 

The adventure for two British paddlers, 

Chris Maguire and Neil Armstrong began 

on July 12, 1993 when they set out from 

Calgary, Alberta to paddle the world’s 

longest canoe expedition. In their Clipper 

Tripper, the Brits paddled up and down a 

network of rivers to New Orleans where 

they entered the Caribbean Sea. Many 

miles and days later, on August 1, 1996, 

Chris Maguire, Neil Armstrong, and a 

Clipper Tripper named Eileen, arrived in 

Belem, Brazil, and became the world 

record holders for the longest canoe trip. 

For more details on this and other trips go 

to clippercanoes.com 

FIRST CANOE TO PADDLE ACROSS 

CANADA FROM SEA TO SEA IN ONE 

SEASON WAS A CLIPPER 

Frank Wolf and Roman Rockcliff became 

the first people to canoe across 

Canada in a single season and the first 

to go from the Atlantic Coast to the 

Pacific Coast. Along with this feat, they 

carried out a fund raising and awareness 

campaign for AIDS research. This 

9000 kilometer trip from Saint John, NB 

to Vancouver, BC required a fast, durable 

canoe that could perform in any 

paddling conditions imaginable. Frank 

explains, “We decided to go with a Clipper 

Ultralight Tripper in Expedition lay 

up. Throughout our trip our appreciation 

grew for this incredible canoe." 

On April 18, 1995 they paddled out of 

the Bay of Fundy and headed upstream 

on the Saint John River. “The River was 

in full spring flood which required that 

we hug the shoreline all the way up. 


The Tripper tracked well and its durability 

was immediately apparent as the 

hull withstood a steady beating from 

the rocks submerged just beneath the 

murky surface. I got to know the Tripper 

very intimately on two occasions as we 

were forced to portage around two 32 km 

stretches of ice pack above dams on the 

River. I carried the canoe on both portages 

and found its balance and lightness 

to be ideal for “humping” over land.” 

By mid June they were paddling the legendary 

waters of the north shore of Lake 

Superior. By early August they had crossed 

Cedar Lake and were paddling up the 

Saskatchewan River which would take 

them through the prairies to Edmonton. “ 

“After a 400 km portage from Edmonton, 

we accessed the Fraser River 40 km from 

its source and road it down to Vancouver. 

Although we portaged around the 

unrunnable sections of the River like 

“Hell’s Gate” and “Bridge River Rapids”, 

we still paddled a lot of big white water. 

The Tripper was extremely stable in the 5 

to 8 foot standing waves we faced and 

gave us all the maneuverability we needed 

in the trickier sections.” 

On October 14, 1995 Frank and Roman 

pulled into Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver. 

“Our Tripper didn’t look much different 

than it had 9000 km ago and never required 

any structural repairs on the trip. 

We put the canoe through hell but it still 

performs like heaven. I honestly believe 

it could do the same trip again. Best 

canoe I ever paddled." (Frank Wolf) 

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GEORGE BACK - 

by Paul Van Peenan 

Our re-enactment of George Back’s 1934 

Arctic Land Expedition was a success 

and the two 17' Clipper Prospectors we 

used played a vital role in that success. As 

far as I’m concerned, that canoe is a 

superb piece of equipment. Tough, versatile 

and maneuverable even with a 1,000 

pound load. 

Its versatility proved itself when John Dunn 

and I dragged our canoe for 20 days and 

more than 200 km over the Lockhart 

River’s frozen lakes in order to get to the 

headwaters of the Back River. The canoe 

proved to be an excellent sled able to 

withstand dragging over rough ice. Once 

on the Back River, Dave Read and Ian 

King joined us with an identical canoe 

and the four of us set out down Canada’s 

longest Barrenland River. During the next 

48 days, we traveled through the heart of 

the Barrens on a magnificent river. We 

experienced the Tundra as it should be 

experienced: in a canoe, following an 

ancient waterway. 

Paul paddling his Prospector 14 

complete with Northwater spray skirt on 

the Coppermine River 

When you depend on your canoe as your 

sole means of transportation, it had better 

be up to the task. During our 1,400 km 

journey, our Prospectors proved themselves 

repeatedly. I highly recommend 

this craft to anybody who is seriously 

considering a canoe that can withstand 

the demands of an expedition, be it in the 

remote sub-arctic or on rivers closer to 

home. Many thanks to Clipper and staff for 

help in making our 1999 Arctic Land 

Expedition a great success. 


16' and 17' Ranger 

The 16' and 17' Rangers are great entry level 

canoes. Their popularity is due to more than just 

their reasonable price. The design of both these 

models has been proven over the years by their 

acceptance as great outfitter and rental canoes. 

They are very user friendly and are incredibly 

durable. 

The 16' Ranger is suitable for a multi-day trip, 

accommodating up to 150 pounds of gear. It is also 

a great canoe if you want to use it solo. When 

paddled in the traditional style with the canoe 

heeled over and the paddler kneeling near the 

center, you will find that it is exceptionally 

maneuverable and predictable. The bow seat can 

be ordered with either the standard plastic bucket 

seat or a bench seat, allowing the solo paddler to 

sit on the seat facing the stern. 

The 17' Ranger is a popular canoe in the Clipper 

line. Moderate rocker allows for quick maneuvering. 

Flare in the bow and stern provides a drier ride. This 


canoe tracks well and is an excellent choice for inexperienced as well as more seasoned paddlers. For a family on a budget, 

give this one serious consideration. 

Both the Ranger 16' and 17' are built in a fiberglass ribless layup - one of the toughest available in the industry. As in all Clipper 

canoes, the bow and stern are reinforced with several layers of Kevlar ® . The ribless layup consists of up to 7-8 layers of glass 

on most areas of the hull bottom. The absence of any ribs or keels eliminates any “stress risers” on the bottom of the hull. 

This will allow the hull to flex under extreme force with a minimum of adverse effects. As with all of our canoes, the bottom 

will remain rigid under virtually all paddling conditions, providing maximum performance. For lighter weight, either model can 

be ordered in standard Kevlar ® or Ultralight Kevlar ® . All Kevlar ® layups are a minimum of three layers. 

Yukon 

The 17' Ranger is a great tripping as well as family canoe. It is at home on trips 

like this one on the Thelon River in the Northwest Territories. 

"If you are looking for a serious all-purpose canoe at an economical price, you won't go wrong with a Ranger 17." 

Jack Wainwright, Author of CANOE TRIPS BC 

The appeal of the Yukon is based on its design, low cost and excellent value. The Yukon is a versatile canoe that is built to 

last and has proven itself in rental use and adventure racing across Canada. This canoe gives you a comfortable feeling, both 

in its roominess and stability. The Yukon was designed by James van Nostrand - one of the most prominent and reputable 

canoe designers in Canada. 

The Yukon has the capacity to be a good family canoe and is also suited for wilderness tripping. It glides nicely, tracks well 

and resists being blown around in the wind. In moving water, it is predictable and quick to maneuver. The Yukon's standard 

colour is white; other Clipper colours are available for an additional charge. The Yukon offers exceptional performance and 

will provide years of maintenance-free paddling at an affordable price. 

"This is a smooth riding hull; it doesn't have blinding speed, but as we got the bow wave curling the canoe felt solid 

and dependable... The Yukon ran absolutely silent, absolutely stable, and absolutely comfortable... This large and 

comfortable boat tracks well and turns on command... We enjoyed a secure ride in the chop. Quartering waves won't 

hurt you in this canoe; it holds a course quite well. At 71 pounds, the Yukon falls at the heavy end of the acceptable 

weight spectrum, but you get a lot of canoe here, and an unbeatably low price. If you're looking for a family tandem 

canoe, I'd rate Clipper's Yukon as a best buy." 

Steve Salins, Canoe & Kayak Magazine, May 2000 


Fiberglass model shown 



Shown with optional wedge thigh pads 



Dear Clipper Canoes, 

I bought a Kevlar ® Cascade 

from a dealer in California 

about a year ago. I wasn’t 

that interested in it at first 

because your write-up in the 

catalog really doesn’t do it 

justice. I expected it to be 

somewhat of a slug and no 

fun to paddle as most 

manufacturers who 

describe their boats as a 

family model seem to have 

tracking problems and no 

secondary stability. I was 

cautious and asked for a 

test paddle after promising 

not to put any scratches on 

the high gloss finish. 

After paddling it in wind and 

waves, with a 60 pound dog 

aboard, I was sold. It was 

fast, well mannered, and fun 

to paddle. It was also dry, 

even paddling into waves. I 

have since taken it down 

class 1+ rivers (with the dog) 

and had no problems getting 

into and out of eddies. I use 

it for all my flat water 

paddling. I plan to do some 

camping with it this coming 

summer. 

I am really enjoying this 

versatile boat. 

Anna V. 

Rancho Cordova, CA 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

All three models are available 

in the following trim: 

(1) standard silver anodized 

aluminum 

(2) optional black anodized 

aluminum 

(3) and custom ash wood trim 


The Escape, Scout, Cascade are sister ships. The first model developed 

was the Cascade. It was such a successful model that we decided to shrink 

it slightly and molded the Scout from the same basic characteristics. Then 

came the Escape for those who wanted the same type of stability offered by 

the Scout and Cascade but in a shorter canoe. This series of canoes boasts 

some of the best initial stability in the Clipper line-up. 

Escape 

The Escape is great for fishing, photography or bird watching. The comfortable 

seats allow paddlers to sit instead of kneel. It has a near vertical bow and stern 

to aid in tracking. The Escape’s short length allows it to maneuver easily in tight 

spots. Its light weight and short length make the Escape easy to load and transport 

on the smallest of vehicles and is easy to load and transport on the top of 5th wheel 

trailers too. 

This canoe can be easily paddled solo. Solo paddlers will often order the Escape 

with a bench seat in the bow, allowing them to paddle from the bow facing the stern, 

while being seated in a position closer to the center of the canoe. This results in 

a better trimmed canoe. 

The Escape, designed with a shallow arch hull, is stiffened with cross ribs in the 

fiberglass layup and a vacuum-bagged foam core in the Kevlar ® layup. Both provide 

stiff hulls that help maximize performance and maneuverability. Take an “Escape” 

from the everyday bustle of life and you’ll never regret it. 

Scout 

The Scout has an overall length of 15’10" and is one of the most stable canoes in 

the Clipper line. It can be easily paddled solo when ordered with an optional bench 

seat in the bow. At a weight of only 58 lbs in fiberglass, the Scout is ideal for 

portaging and is easy to load on and off your vehicle. 

The Scout tracks exceptionally well for a canoe of its length and cruises with an 

ease reminiscent of much longer canoes. The Scout is great for day tours or short 

camping trips and for the sportsman requiring excellent stability in a light-weight 

canoe. It is so light that you can hike it into that remote lake for fly fishing. 

The fiberglass layup is stiffened with foam ribs for a lightweight, yet strong, rigid 

hull. The Ultralight skin coat Kevlar ® weighs in at 48 pounds and the Custom Kevlar ® 

at 40 lbs. 

Cascade 

The Cascade is ideal for a family with young children and performs well as a 

wilderness tripping canoe (the Cascade has been paddled down the Nahanni 

River). It is one of our most stable choices for paddling enthusiasts who require 

great initial stability. 

Its flared sides make it seaworthy and its moderate rocker ensures a maneuverable 

craft. The Cascade has a shallow arch hull with soft chines that make it more 

controllable in severe weather conditions compared to canoes built strictly for 

speed. 

The Cascade is at home on virtually any water condition encountered in recreational 

paddling, whether river, lake, or ocean paddling. 

The fiberglass layup is stiffened with foam ribs for a lightweight, yet strong, rigid 

hull. A vacuum bagged foam core layup is used in both the Kevlar ® and Ultralight 

Kevlar ® layups. 


Custom Kevlar ® Custom Kevlar 

layup shown 

® model shown 

Shown with Fiberglass optional model black trim shown 

This Kevlar ® Cascade is shown with the 

optional 

Standard 

black 

Kevlar 

trim and a contoured yoke 

® model shown 



Kevlar ® model shown with optional 

black trim and wedge thigh pads 

Versatile, fast, stable, and comfortable. 

The Tripper was first introduced in the 

spring of 1983. In its first year of 

production, the Tripper became Clipper's 

most popular model and has remained 

the number one canoe of choice for 

paddlers in the Northwest. 

Versatility is perhaps the Tripper's most 

popular feature. It is at home on large 

lakes, open ocean, or up to grade III 

white water. The Tripper holds the world 

record for the longest continual canoe 

trip from Calgary, AB to Belen, Brazil. 

(Reference the British Canoe 

Expedition, GUINESS BOOK OF 

WORLD RECORDS). The Tripper is 

the only canoe to be paddled across 

Canada in one season during the C2C 

Expedition from the Bay of Fundy, New 

Brunswick to Vancouver, BC, in 1995 

(see the Trips section on page 11). 

The Tripper's ample capacity will carry 

a family with kids or enough gear for an 

extended tandem wilderness trip. Its 

quick speed makes it a first choice for 

many races in the Northwest. Moderate 

rocker allows for quick maneuverability, 

yet a minimum of correction strokes 

are required to keep it on course. Paddle 

it with bent shaft paddles for maximum 

speed and efficiency. 

The Tripper's shallow arch hull provides 

good initial stability. Gently flared sides 

and relatively lowslung seats result in 

great secondary stability. Our specially 


molded seats are the most comfortable 

canoe seats available. 

The stern paddler is equipped with an 

adjustable footbrace, while the bow 

paddler can adjust the sliding bow seat 

and use the flotation tank as a footbrace. 

A footbrace will reduce lower back pain 

and shoulder stress and will eliminate 

the need to kneel, while at the same 

time increase your control of the canoe. 

The fiberglass Tripper comes standard 

with Kevlar® reinforcing, anodized 

aluminum trim, plastic bucket seats, 

sliding bow seat, adjustable stern 

footbrace and portage yoke. 

Recommended optional accessories 

are a set of four foam thigh pads, a 

wilderness lash system for gear tie 

down and optional black aluminum trim. 

For wilderness tripping, a lace on spray 

skirt is available. 

The Tripper is the canoe of choice for many who paddle the Bowron Lake Chain. The load capacity 

is incredible. A spray skirt is also available for days that are a little wetter. 


Ultralight Kevlar ® Tripper 'S' model 

shown with optional black trim 

For the past 20 years, the Tripper 17’6" 

has been Clipper's most popular model. 

We often had brainstorming sessions 

as to how to improve the Tripper, and in 

the end we decided to leave our best 

selling canoe alone. What we did 

come up with was a smaller version of 

the Tripper that also performs as an 

excellent solo canoe - the Tripper 'S'. 

The Tripper 'S' is 16’6" with a four-inch 

waterline width of 31.5" (versus 33" in 

the Tripper). The canoe is asymmetrical 

with noticeable tumblehome that starts 

in front of the yoke and increases 

significantly towards the stern thwart. 

This results in a maximum beam at the 


gunnel of 32". The Tripper 'S' is a 

delight to paddle solo yet it still provides 

sufficient volume for tandem wilderness 

trips. It has slightly more rocker for its 

overall length than the Tripper, which 

makes it more maneuverable and easier 

to control when paddled solo. 

If you are one of the many canoeists 

who find themselves without a partner 

on occasion , the Tripper 'S' is just what 

you have been looking for. It comes 

standard with a kneeling thwart for solo 

paddling. This thwart can be easily 

removed when not in use. You can 

order an optional third seat or a removable 

TRIPPER WATER TESTS 

foam saddle in place of the kneeling 

thwart. Check with your Clipper dealer 

for pricing on these options. 

The Tripper garnered the most votes as the touring canoe the testers would buy on their own. Thanks to its solid 

performance, substantial volume, clean appearance, and moderate cost, the Tripper was paddled a lot. The Canadianbuilt 

Tripper turned well, and its final stability proved encouraging to novices.They discovered that its forgiving handling 

didn’t demand the sharpest paddling technique to extract what it had to give. An enthusiastic tester summary of the 

Tripper, “Its got everything...good speed, great stability, turns fine, tracks well, and you could haul a moose home..." 

-Backpacker Magazine 

Not only is this canoe deep and stable, but it’s fast . . . real fast for a 17 ½ footer. Maneuverability is exceptional, 

portaging easy, and if you’re a one-boat family bent on wilderness whitewater travel but still have a yen for a beefy 

security blanket, then check this baby out. 

The layup of the Kevlar® foam core canoe supplied to us was excellent. Its first-rate finish work left no gelcoat voids, 

cloth wrinkles or tooling artifacts...Without gushing, let’s just say that the Tripper was one of the best-paddling, 

cruising-type canoes we’ve tried...In big lake swells and chop, the canoe performed flawlessly. Predictable handling, 

little tendency to broach in following seas and plenty dry, the Tripper won’t keep you windbound in much less than 

a gale. 

–Tom Sebring, Canoe Magazine 


Prospector Series 

All three Prospector models share the 

same characteristics of classic design, 

grace on the water, and maneuverability. 

The Prospector 14' is a serious allaround 

solo canoe that is responsive 

and seaworthy in grade II and III 

whitewater. It’s also efficient enough to 

paddle across large bodies of open 

water. The classic Prospector design 

is symmetrical with a shallow arch hull. 

It has 1 ½" of rocker and the high chine 

provides a smooth and dry ride through 

rough water. A Duraflex layup is a must 

for whitewater use. An expedition spray 

skirt is available for this model. 

The 16' Prospector is molded close to 

the lines of the 16' wood canvas 

Prospector formerly built by the 

Chestnut Canoe Co. This model is 

available in four different layups. It is 

frequently ordered with a wood trim 

finish, which is the crowning touch to 

its traditional look. Webbed contoured 

ash seats are standard, hung from the 

gunnels on wood dowels. On our 

aluminum trim models the seats are 

hung on fiberglass hangers. It is easy 

to paddle this canoe solo by using the 

front seat while facing the stern. Seats 

are high enough for kneeling or an 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

I’ve been paddling the 17' Prospector 

for the past few days. It is one of the 

easiest paddling, most responsive 

canoes I’ve been in. It’s a beautiful 

craft. 

Dick Person 

Yukon 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

"The Prospector 17' is a big 

canoe that doesn't paddle like 

one. It has a wonderful 

aesthetic shape, workmanship 

is all-around excellent, and 

bucket seats and footbraces 

provide a most comfortable 

ride." 

Canoe Magazine Water Test, 

May 1999 


The Prospectors are in their element when on a wilderness trip - loaded to the gunnels and 

beyond, and make an excellent down river canoe. 17 Prospector shown. 

optional footbrace can be ordered. 

The 17' Prospector has considerably 

more volume than the 16' Prospector. 

The 17' Prospector is in its element 

when on a wilderness trip - loaded to 

the gunnels and beyond. When loaded, 

it maintains its speed and becomes 

even more stable. 

This canoe is available in four layups 

and can be ordered with a spray 

skirt, d-rings, sliding bow seat, and a 

wilderness lash system. Add a 

footbrace if you want the ultimate 

river tripping canoe. Although this 

canoe is praised as a tripping canoe, 

it also makes a good family canoe 

because of its large capacity. 

Dear Western Canoeing: 

I received a call last spring, asking if I was interested in buying a canoe. 

I was overjoyed to hear that my prospective purchase was a Clipper, a red 

16' Prospector in Kevlar/Duraflex. But there was a catch — the canoe had 

been rolled over by a truck! I was now somewhat less excited. I have been 

repairing canoes in my home town of Saskatoon for a number of years, and 

have seen a lot of damaged boats. 

Upon first sight, I was amazed that the canoe was in one piece, and that 

it looked to be in fairly good condition considering its history. Overall the 

damage consisted of some rather bent gunnels (to be expected), a broken 

yoke and a few cracks in the hull. After a new set of gunnels, a new yoke 

and a few Kevlar patches, the canoe is now as solid as any new Clipper I 

have owned. The fact that my Prospector is able to provide many more 

years of enjoyment, performing like it did when it was new, is truly 

impressive. 

One satisfied Clipper owner, Steve Hermanson 


Ultralight Kevlar ® model shown 


This Kevlar ® 17' Prospector 

is shown with optional black trim 

® Standard Kevlar and model standard shown web seats 



Shown in fiberglass 

Shown with with optional optional wedge black thighpads 

trim 


The 17' Jensen Recreation is the lightest tandem Jensen cruising canoe. At 58 pounds in fiberglass, it is stable and makes 

an excellent boat for the beginner day tripper. Paddlers of all skill levels will appreciate the ease of paddling and its straight 

tracking quality. 

Eugene Jensen designed this canoe for the average paddler. It suits short outings, weekend trips and amateur racing. Its 

weight and good stability make it ideal for older paddlers, while its narrow width makes it a natural choice for smaller tandem 

paddlers. The seats are positioned low so that even the inexperienced will feel comfortable and stable. Excellent performance, 

lightweight, excellent stability, and excellent value. The 17' Jensen has become the standard adventure racing canoe in 

Manitoba and will be the prominent canoe at the Canadian Nationals. 


with optional wedge thigh pads 

The 18' Jensen Stock is a great tripping canoe. A shallow arch hull makes it stable, and the slight tumblehome makes it easy 

to paddle. 

At the 4" waterline, it is 15% of its width, which meets the regulations for the "stock" class in many U.S. races. 

The 18' Jensen Stock tracks well and resists turning. To turn it quickly, lean it away from the side you are turning to. This 

canoe is well suited for wilderness trips where a minimum of rough water is encountered and a need for speed is desired. Enjoy 

a good blend of general purpose paddling with capacity and speed. The 18' Jensen Stock is the canoe of choice for the Yukon 

Race for the "stock" class. 



with optional black trim 


The Sea Clipper was designed exclusively for Clipper Canoes by Eugene Jensen. Wilderness tripping and ocean canoeing 

were the driving force behind this design. The length and freeboard of the Sea Clipper make it ideal for large lakes and ocean 

touring. The bow helps keep the Sea Clipper tracking straight while the rocker and full stern provide control. The speed that 

has been built into the Sea Clipper provides an added element of safety for when conditions get rough and you need to get 

to shore quickly. With a load capacity of 1,000+ lbs, it will carry all you need for extended trips into the wilderness, or allow 

you to bring the whole family along for an afternoon of canoeing. 

For trips into remote destinations in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, an option is available where all of the seats, thwarts 

and the yoke can be made removable so that a 17’6" Tripper can be nested inside the Sea Clipper. They fit snuggly together 

and can save money for trips that require a float plane. Call for details and prices. 



Jensen's Whitewater II was designed in the late 1970's for down river racing. It rates as one of the best all-time, grand touring 

canoes. The Whitewater II owes its speed to a long waterline and sleek 33" beam. Its ability to glide effortlessly through the 

water combined with its high sides, make it ideal for lakes in BC's interior like Bowron Lakes and Wells Grey Park. It tracks 

straighter than the Sea Clipper and is easier for paddlers to reach the water thanks to its narrower beam. The Whitewater II 

is a pure pleasure to paddle. Excellent on big lakes and rivers, the Whitewater II will take you anywhere you want to go. 


Solo Canoes 




The Packer is a delight to paddle. Its responsiveness will invite you to paddle even when you don’t have a destination in mind. 

The Packer is designed for the paddler to sit. With an adjustable footbrace and plastic molded tractor-style seat the need 

for a kneeling paddling position is eliminated - your knees and back will thank you. 

The canoe tracks well and yet it is quick to turn when leaned on its side. The Packer is suited for a wide range of paddlers, 

from 50 lbs to 240 lbs. When the total load is kept under 400 lbs, the Packer performs nicely as a medium duty tripping canoe. 

Options include a removeable portage yoke and foam thigh pads. 



The Solitude provides versatility for a wide range of solo paddlers. As with all Jensen designed canoes, it is fast and tracks well. 

It is harder to turn than the Packer but responds well when leaned. 

The seat is adjustable fore and aft, allowing for adjustments to the canoe’s trim. The paddler is also able to adjust the height 

of the seat. The lowest setting naturally provides the most stability, and is recommended for novice use. The middle height 

seat position is most commonly used. For training or competition, place the seat in the top position. Adjustments to the height 

of the seat must be done while on shore. The Solitude will keep up with most tandem canoes and is well suited for wilderness 

tripping. 



Wilderness Tripping Canoes 

Shown with optional black trim 

Standard Kevlar ® model shown 

For unbelievable performance in a large capacity touring canoe, try the 18'6" MacKenzie. Load it up with camping gear, the kids and 

the dog - and you’re set for a wilderness adventure. The 18'6" MacKenzie is great for fishermen and hunters who require a canoe 

to carry large loads and offers excellent stability and performance. The 18'6" MacKenzie will carry 1400 lbs with 7" of freeboard. Molded 

plastic bucket seats, adjustable stern footbrace and sliding bow seat make the 18'6" MacKenzie a very comfortable and efficient 

paddling canoe. An optional third bench seat is available. The 18'6" MacKenzie features a vacuum bagged foam core, sliding bow 

seat, portage yoke and adjustable stern footbrace. 

Shown with optional black trim 

® Standard Kevlar model shown 

The 20' MacKenzie paddles like a wilderness tripping canoe, yet handles loads like a freighter canoe. Paddlers will delight at the 

20' MacKenzie’s fast speed and responsive handling. This canoe tracks well while the 3" of rocker allows for quick, responsive turns. 

The 20' MacKenzie will carry 1500 lbs with 8" of freeboard. Molded plastic bucket seats, adjustable stern footbrace and sliding bow 

seat make it a very comfortable canoe. Optional 3rd and 4th bench seats can increase capacity as high as six paddlers. It is suited 

for 3 to 4 adults and camping gear, or 2 adults, a pack of kids and gear. The 20' MacKenzie’s shallow arch hull provides excellent 

stability. 






Shown with fiberglass 

with optional black trim and 3rd seat 




MacKenzie Sport Series - Speed Test 

The table below details the speeds of the MacKenzie Sport models with varied loads and three different motors. The speeds 

were measured with a handheld GPS unit. All three motors used for this test were 10-20 years old. New motors would likely 

yield faster speeds. 

The MacKenzie 16.5 works great with an outboard in 

the 2 to 3HP range. It’s a natural with an electric motor 

up to 48 or 60# thrust. For solo use (without a motor) 

the MacKenzie 16.5 is available with an optional 

rowing rig. 

Load it up with 1300 lbs of gear and you will have 7” of 

freeboard. The 16.5 Mac Sport weighs just 68 lbs in 

Kevlar ® allowing you to access spots inaccessible to 

larger, heavier aluminum car top boats. Motor, row or 

paddle it. 

Note: The Mac Sport 15, when tested 

solo with the 2 HP was far out of trim, 

thus a faster speed was recorded with 

the addition of the extra person. The 3 

HP motor was used with a handle 

extension with the solo operator in the 

center of the canoe. 

The MacKenzie Sport 15 offers a stable 

hull design appreciated by hunters & 

fishermen. An optional rowing rig allows a 

solo operator good control and performance 

without using a motor. 

The 37" beam and 15" center depth provides 

over 1000 lbs of capacity with 7" of freeboard. 

Its efficient hull design provides excellent 

performance with a 2 to 3 HP outboard. 

Trials conducted with a 3HP outboard 

showed that with one operator positioned 

on the middle seat, the 15 Mac Sport 

reached speeds in excess of 10 mph. 

Motor, row or paddle it. 

The MacKenzie Sport 18' is about 

size, capacity and versatility. The 

MacKenzie Sport 18 works great 

with an outboard motor in the 3 to 

5HP range. 

Adding a third and fourth bench seat 

can increase seating to four or six. 

Load it up with 1500 lbs of gear and 

you will have 7-3/4” of freeboard. 

Motor, row or paddle it. 


Shown in Kevlar ® Ultralight 



The Freedom is a Jensen designed solo canoe originally introduced as the ‘F1’. Clipper has reintroduced it to our line as 

the perfect ‘workout’ canoe. It is also well suited for amateur racing. For wilderness trippers this canoe is appropriate for 

lighter paddlers carrying loads between 100-200 lbs. 

The Freedom has a shallow arch hull and soft chines, all adding up to great stability. This canoe tracks well and is easy 

to maneuver when leaned offside to execute a tight turn. The seat is adjustable to three different heights and also slides fore 

and aft for maximum versatility in various water conditions. Stay in shape and enjoy your Freedom. 

Standard Kevlar ® model shown 

An ideal wilderness sea-touring canoe/kayak hybrid. The Sea-1 can be paddled with either a canoe or kayak paddle. The 

Sea-1 features a large cockpit, 9.5' in length, which provides easy access to cargo. With a pronounced flare in the bow, the 

Sea-1 will rise and shed waves in even the most adverse conditions. The V-bottom hull design provides excellent tracking. 

The Sea-1 has built-in flotation in the bow and the stern. A nylon spraydeck is available as an option. This canoe was paddled 

by Joe O’Blenis from the coast of BC to the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Read about Joe’s trip in the 'Articles' section 

or online at www.clippercanoes.com 

The Sea-1 qualifies as a solo canoe for the Yukon River Quest race. 


Clipper Adventures 

ACROSS CANADA BY CANOE... 

SOLO! - by Joe O'Blenis 

On May 5th 2004, Joe O’Blenis set out 

from Kitimat BC on the Pacific Ocean, 

bound for Montreal Quebec, the 

headquarters of the old Fur Trade era of 

centuries past. The paddling route 

across Canada would follow along on 

many of the ancient highways of the first 

nations people of this land and the early 

European explorers of the fur trade era. 

The first major obstacle along the way 

was an epic 51km portage, the “Portage 

from Hell”. Starting at sea level at the 

remote village of Kemano on the British 

Columbia Coast, the portage climbed up 

and over the Coast Mountains, going 

over a pass of over 3300 feet elevation 


before heading back down to Tahtsa 

Lake at roughly 2700 feet. From here the 

route would take me through such 

waterways as the Fraser River (Upriver 

paddling), the Peace River, the 

Clearwater, the Churchill, Lake Superior, 

Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, the Ottawa 

River plus many other lakes and rivers 

along the way. 

The canoe of choice for this solo journey 

was the Clipper Sea 1, a specialized solo 

canoe designed by James van Nostrand 

in 1986. This lightweight Kevlar ® canoe 

performed superbly from day one right to 

the end in Montreal. 

Wildlife was abundant from one end of 

the journey to the other - I saw grizzlies, 

black bear, moose, deer, a black panther, 

wolves, coyotes and countless other 

animals all along the way. The real 

highlight of the trip however was to be the 

people I met throughout my journey. All 

told, the trip would take me 5-1/2 months, 

arriving in Montreal on October 19th of 

2005 after having begun in coastal British 

Columbia on May 5th. 

To read more about this expedition 

please visit the “Trips” section at 


○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

SPATSIZI: Land of the Red Goat 

By Paul vanPeenen 

The rain stopped as abruptly as it had 

started. We were wet, tired and a little 

cranky. The excitement we had all felt 

at the start of the portage trail was a 

distant memory now. It was nearly four 

hours ago when we began pushing 

our canoes and gear down the trail, 

but at least the rain had stopped and 

the sun even threatened to come out. 

The river, and the end of the fivekilometre-long 

portage, was finally in 

sight. What a way to start a canoe trip. 

Talk about earning it! The only good 

thing about getting to the river was that 

we had managed to do the portage in 

one trip. Without the carts we would 

have had to make three trips – a task 

that would have taken us all night. 

Now, with the river in sight and the 

sun peeking out from behind the dark 

clouds, our excitement returned as 

suddenly as it had disappeared when 

the first of many squalls had hit us. 

Finally, the Spatsizi River lay at our 

feet... 

To read more about this expedition 

please visit the “Trips” section at 


"MC" TRIPPER...FROM MINNESOTA TO 

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 

by Aaron Bauman & Sarah Mattox 

We set out on May 8 th from Ely, Minnesota 

bound for Fort Resolution on Great Slave 

Lake, Northwest Territories. After several 

years of saving money, poring over maps, 

and planning our supplies we hit the trail, 

roughly 3600km along the historic 

aqueous super-highway. Our route must 

sound like a familiar one, not overly 

ambitious but comprehensive enough 

for us to learn a heck-of-a-lot about the 

geography, cultures, and peoples of 

Canada’s inland waterways: Lake of the 

Woods, Lake Winnipeg, Sturgeon-Weir 

River, Reindeer Lake, Wollaston Lake, 

Fond du Lac River, Lake Athabasca, and 

finally the Slave River to Great Slave 

Lake. We were paddling your Tripper 

(17.5 ft) Ultra Light, to which you so kindly 

added an extra layer of “S” cloth. Essential 

to the success of our trip was the associate 

NorthWater Spraydeck. We felt that the 

boat and deck combination was 

appropriate for this route, big lake travel 

interspersed with both up and downriver 

sections... 

For the complete story, see our Trips 

section at www.clippercanoes.com 


Big Canoes 

Letter from Satisfied Outfitter: 

My company owns 16 Big Canoes 

from Clipper. Over the years I have 

guided the Montreal, Northern 

Dancer, Voyageur, Langley and 

Mariner. 

I continue to be impressed with 

the craftsmanship and safety 

features that are built into all 

Clippers. I have several Clippers 

that are 15 years old and still 

paddle like new! None of them 

have needed anything other than 

minor cosmetic repairs. I would 

recommend Clipper’s Big Canoe 

line over any other make, any day. 

Please contact me anytime to 

discuss them! 

David Wooldridge 

Ridge Wilderness Adventures 

dave@ridgewilderness.com 

Mariner 

One of our more popular models in the big boat 

series. This 22' model accommodates up to eight 

paddlers. Three adults can easily paddle this 

canoe, or two adults and two children. The 

shallow arch hull and moderate rocker give this 

large capacity canoe its stability and 

maneuverability. 

Length: 22' Max paddlers*: 8 

Weight: 240 lbs (fiberglass) 190 lbs (Kevlar ® ) 

Voyageur 

Predominantly used now for racing, the Voyageur 

was the first big canoe built by Clipper and there 

are now hundreds out on the water. This canoe 

has been used for everything from competition 

racing to corporate outings. Ocean paddling and 

expeditions on large lakes and rivers are also part 

of the Voyageur's repertoire. It’s a lot of fun to be 

part of a Voyageur crew. Customize your canoe 

with our optional birch bark painted finish. 

Length: 25' Max*:10 

Weight: 280 lbs (fiberglass) 240 lbs (Kevlar ® ) 


Clipper offers the largest selection of big canoes in the world. Our Big Canoes have 

been shipped all over the world from China to Germany, from California to Florida, 

from the Northwest Territories to Alabama. Our designs range from the 22 foot 

Mariner to the 44 foot, six man outrigger the Advantage. 

Big Boat Construction: Hand laid fiberglass, reinforced with Kevlar ® and/or S-glass. 

All models (except 19" wide Advantage) feature vacuum-bagged foam cores. They 

will vary in thickness from 3/8" to 1". Foam core construction results in a stiff nonflexing 

hull and excellent performance. 

Most models come standard with a special vinyl outer gunnel designed and used 

exclusively by Clipper. Inner gunnels are straight-grained fir, aluminum or custom 

vacuum-bagged fiberglass with foam centers. All are virtually maintenance free. 

Standard seats are a foam core contoured bench with 4" of styrofoam flotation 

underneath. Flotation tanks in the bow and stern are filled with styrofoam chips. 

Left, N. Dancer; top center and right, Langley; mid center, Voyageur, bottom, Mariner 

*Max: denotes the maximum number of passengers per canoe. Number of paddlers and passengers may vary depending on paddler size and skill level. 


Langley 

Introduced in 2000 the Langley has had incredible 

acceptance from camps and outfitters. The shallow 

arch hull has 3.5" of rocker. The specially molded end 

cap also doubles as an elevated stern seat and the 

custom molded inner gunnel provides a maintenance 

free and very durable upper edge. The Langley continues 

to be the big canoe of choice for camps and outfitters. 

Length: 29' Weight: 390/325# Max*: 14 

Montreal 

Three lengths in the Montreal series are available from 

34' to 42' in length. The different lengths will carry up 

to 18 paddlers and 5 non-paddlers. Each Montreal can 

be customized to meet your requirements. The Montreal 

is very stable and is built with rigid vacuum-bagged foam 

cores. This type of construction provides excellent 

handling characteristics. 

Length: 37' Weight: 665# Max*:18 

Northern Dancer 

The Northern Dancer reflects the native West Coast 

canoe heritage. Our reproduction is true to the native 

design, but is built with modern materials. It was 

used extensively in the 1997 Vision Quest trip down 

the BC coast. The Northern Dancer is unique in that 

it features a construction made almost completely 

from fiberglass, including the molded gunnels. 

Length: 31' Weight: 450# Max*: 12 

Advantage OC-6 

The Advantage outrigger canoe was co-designed by 

James van Nostrand and Olympic Gold Medal winner, 

Greg Barton. This OC6 has proven itself to be very 

competitive over the last few years. It definitely comes 

in first when the quality of construction is compared to 

other OC6’s. 

Length: 44'8" Weight: 370# Paddlers: 6 

Northbeach OC-4 

The OC-4 provides a lot of versatility for paddlers, 

particularly clubs on a budget. An excellent surfing and 

training canoe, the Northbeach OC-4 is perfect for when 

only four of your crew of six turns out to practice. The 

Van nostrand designed OC-4 is both light and easy to 

maneuver. A drop skeg helps the novice keep a straight 

course. 

Length: 31' Weight: 175# Paddlers: 4 


*Max: denotes the maximum number of passengers per canoe. Number of paddlers and passengers may vary depending on paddler size and skill level. 

Request a Clipper "Big Canoe" information package: Toll Free 1.866.644.8111 or at www.clippercanoes.com 



Canoe Specifications 

CLIPPER ACCESSORIES 

We've got a large selection of 

genuine Clipper accessories 

for your canoe including 

tractor seat cushions with 

back, free standing aluminum 

frame passenger seats, 

paddles and paddle cases, 

hats, motor mounts, and 

more. 

Check with your local Clipper 

dealer for more information.

WESTERN CANOER 2008 PDF - Clipper Canoes

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