Dirty_Jeeper
Adventurer
I have been wanting to add canoeing to my outdoor activities. It's been years since I was in one. I'm always looking for outdoor activities to replace the ones I can no longer do. Canoes won out over a Kayak because I can't stay in one position for extended periods and a canoe gives me more flexibility with sitting and kneeling options. But, many canoes can be heavy and not real stable in the water. So I did my research and a lot of searching for a used one that would fit my limited budget. Being physically disabled I can't lift anything heavy and lifting above my head is not real good even if it's light. I also have some leg issues affecting my stability.
Most of the canoes I found were 70 plus pounds. May not sound all that heavy, but my Jeep XJ is lifted 6 inches and on 33 inch tires so it's tall to be loading and unloading the roof. Luckily, I'm 6'2" which helps in that respect. I wanted a canoe in the 12 to 14 foot range to also make it easier to handle loading and unloading, but capable of taking two people. The intended use is on calm lakes and rivers with stability and handling being important.
So what seemed to fit the order was a Radisson or Sportspal Canoe. Both very similar yet different. I was fortunate enough to locate a 12 foot Radisson which weighs a whopping 34 pounds. Made in Ontario, Canada. Ultralight aluminum hull and ribs with an insulated interior. A wide 38 inch beam, with two seats and a 500 pound carrying capacity. Foam sponsons also add to the stability. With 3 keels it tracks well also. Mine also has oarlocks which appear to have been factory installed. So it can be either paddled or rowed. It also has a factory motor mount for up to 2 hp. Though this would be ideal for an electric trolling motor.
Granted this is no fast canoe or one to take tons of major abuse. It is a good pleasure, fishing or hunting canoe though. Cared for they will last a long long time. New they sold around 7 to 9 hundred in the info I was able to locate. I was able to find mine in very good condition on Craigslist for 350.
Now I can go to the back country with this compact lightweight and launch easily in remote lakes ponds and rivers. This adds a whole new level to my exploring.
Most of the canoes I found were 70 plus pounds. May not sound all that heavy, but my Jeep XJ is lifted 6 inches and on 33 inch tires so it's tall to be loading and unloading the roof. Luckily, I'm 6'2" which helps in that respect. I wanted a canoe in the 12 to 14 foot range to also make it easier to handle loading and unloading, but capable of taking two people. The intended use is on calm lakes and rivers with stability and handling being important.
So what seemed to fit the order was a Radisson or Sportspal Canoe. Both very similar yet different. I was fortunate enough to locate a 12 foot Radisson which weighs a whopping 34 pounds. Made in Ontario, Canada. Ultralight aluminum hull and ribs with an insulated interior. A wide 38 inch beam, with two seats and a 500 pound carrying capacity. Foam sponsons also add to the stability. With 3 keels it tracks well also. Mine also has oarlocks which appear to have been factory installed. So it can be either paddled or rowed. It also has a factory motor mount for up to 2 hp. Though this would be ideal for an electric trolling motor.
Granted this is no fast canoe or one to take tons of major abuse. It is a good pleasure, fishing or hunting canoe though. Cared for they will last a long long time. New they sold around 7 to 9 hundred in the info I was able to locate. I was able to find mine in very good condition on Craigslist for 350.
Now I can go to the back country with this compact lightweight and launch easily in remote lakes ponds and rivers. This adds a whole new level to my exploring.
