@ajd2466 Your right. Your likely not going to find anyplace local where you can see it up close. Last year I was surprised to see Effinger's Sporting goods in Bound Brook NJ had one. It was hanging from their ceiling though and I believe it was the 12ft model. Mine was ordered from Molnar Outdoor (based in OH but ships from manufacturer in, I believe, MI or MN) which I found to have to best overall package deal.
The Canadian version is Radisson. They are exactly the same except for the thickness of the aluminum. They are made in Adrian Michigan which is about 1/2 hour away from me. These canoes are great with a motor! I have a 30# electric motor and a 3.3 hp johnson and it is great. if you plan on paddling this is not the canoe for you. It feels like you are going nowhere when 2 people are paddling. The best thing about sportspal is it will never tip.sportspal canoe will never tip and they last forever.
I have one that I bought in 1982 or 83. it's a great stable craft, can accommodate a motor and can be rowed from the center with oarlocks. It a good lake boat but it doesn't paddle all that well especially solo. Its subject to blowing around in the wind, especially if you're solo paddling from the rear. I use mine for fishing so for me the stability outweighs the other shortcomings
The Meyers is an updated version of the old Canadian Sportspal really. Sportspal still make The original, and Raddison, but as said, the Meyers has different aluminum and construction techniques aluminum, and foam bench seats, and the foam liner itself is a bit thicker to help keep the ribs in place. Some people have said on the Canadian versions, when the foam gets older or worn, ribs have fallen out of the boat to and from the water on the roof of their vehicle. I'd love the Meyers, but can't seem to get them in Western Canada. Would be great to have one, trolling motor on the back for some of our lakes.
Shane JB I have 2 Canadian Sportspals and they are great. A lot lighter and can hold more then the silly Meyers version. The Meyers version is a rip off of the great. One is from the 70's and one from the 80's. Just replaced the side sponsons on the one from the 80's. Insides all original. That long and still going strong. How can anyone complain. Ribs haven't fallen out yet.
Oh yeah. totally agree actually. Great the original is still going...they are a cool boat for sure. Glad the ribs haven't fallen out of yours. Again, that's from when the foam breaks down. I do love the Canadian originals, but I do like two things Meyers did...the choice of aluminum they use, and eliminating the welded pinch seams on the chines....a bit smoother in the water. The only reasons I'd consider a Meyers.
Looks like a great and super stable canoe. Any issues with salt water or brackish water fishing with the Sportspal? I like to switch between brackish and freshwater, seems like salt could get trapped inside the canoe and be impossible to rinse.
I have one that's about 37 years old and the foam is still intact. It's a bit ragged looking but still intact. The biggest problem with the canoe is the aluminum struts that hold the interior foam in place eventually pop loose and you have to keep repositioning them
I'm looking to get this exact same canoe (or very close to this) but I literally can't find anywhere that sells them. I noticed in your other video you said you were in northern NJ which is also where I live so I thought I'd ask where you got it. I'm guessing I'll have to order one
I have the S13?sportspal. I just added the extra motor mount. Do you trailer yours? I do mine with all the gear in the back of my truck, once I get a cover I’ll leave it in the canoe
I have been fishing and hunting out of a Meyer Sportspal Canoe for over 35 years. My 13' Square Stern is extremely stable. I have stood up in it while motoring upstream. I have also stood up to cast. When I purchased my Meyers Sportspal (over 30 years ago) I also looked at the Raddison which is a look like but inferior to the Sportspal (just look at the specs on both). Both are very light canoes but the Radisson hull was too thin and flexed (noisy) compared to the Meyers Sportspal. Meyers Sportspal has been manufactured in SE Michigan (Tecumseh and Adrian) for over 40 years. I am finally thinking of selling my Sportspal since I no longer duck hunt and my sons have moved out of the house. Time to look at a kayak for leisurely paddling since I'm not carrying decoys and a dog.
I initial carried my Sportspal in the back of my extended bed Ford Ranger and then later on top of my Ford Taurus Wagon and Windstar mini van. It only weighs 63 lbs so I could lift it over my head to slide on from the side.
Sportspal is the Canadian sales radisson is the American sales because they didn't know about copy right laws . And the American company sportspal by Meyers opened up and copied the look an style of the original Canadian sportspal . Only difference between them sportspal by Meyers hull is one piece no seams is thicker aluminum has foam bench seats . Canadian sportspal has seams it is lighter has webbed bench seats or foam floor seats. Fished out of my fathers 12' for 25 years and loved it so I found a good $50 deal On the Canadian 14' model,not sure the year but it has to be older , paint was all faded and missing seams needed some work but cleaned it up fresh paint new sponsons and its new again .Anyway th.ey are both amazing fishing canoes very stable. If u fish get one if you just want a canoe to ride the water I wouldn't recommend it blows around and doesn't cut throw water like a Fiberglass.
megasif They are very similar in design. The Radisson is made in Canada by BWMarine but sold in the US. It has a thinner aluminum, is one piece and has three keels on the bottom. The Sportspal is made by Meyers, has a thicker aluminum, is two pieces riveted together and has a single keel. They both come in double end 12, 14, and 16, however the other square ended models are a bit different in size. You can see the sportspal by meyers here: www.meyersboat.com/#/sportspal/models and the radisson by bwmarine here: www.bwmarineproducts.com/canoes.htm
Rick Jones I see. See, we need people who can simplify like this. Thanks buddy. I think I know what I want now. I think a Sportspal is better b/c of thicker aluminium....but you sacrafice the one piece deal....And I believe is it a little bit more expensive when I saw their sites...
megasif No problem bud. I had been in the market for one myself and waded through all the confusion. I just pulled the trigger yesterday and picked up a Meyers S-15 (square stern 15'). Got out to paddle it today and it is awesome. I bought it because my last canoe was a little too unstable to fish from. I can literally stand and fish from this canoe. My old man can even stand and fish. Just awesome stability. I was even able to car top it myself. All around definite buy.
Rick Jones Yea, I've been looking for something like this...I think this is a superior product w/o having tried it. I also think the Wilderness canoes might be overhyping...b/c they don't look all that stable. The other one that I really like is the WaveWalk Kayak. Other than that one and the SportsPal, I don't think any other one can give me a run for my money.
@ajd2466 Your right. Your likely not going to find anyplace local where you can see it up close. Last year I was surprised to see Effinger's Sporting goods in Bound Brook NJ had one. It was hanging from their ceiling though and I believe it was the 12ft model. Mine was ordered from Molnar Outdoor (based in OH but ships from manufacturer in, I believe, MI or MN) which I found to have to best overall package deal.
Beautiful canoe thx
The Canadian version is Radisson. They are exactly the same except for the thickness of the aluminum. They are made in Adrian Michigan which is about 1/2 hour away from me. These canoes are great with a motor! I have a 30# electric motor and a 3.3 hp johnson and it is great. if you plan on paddling this is not the canoe for you. It feels like you are going nowhere when 2 people are paddling. The best thing about sportspal is it will never tip.sportspal canoe will never tip and they last forever.
We love ours, safest canoe on the market.
Love the stowage at the bow and stern. My Grumman was blocked off cause they had foam for flotation crammed in there!
I have one that I bought in 1982 or 83. it's a great stable craft, can accommodate a motor and can be rowed from the center with oarlocks. It a good lake boat but it doesn't paddle all that well especially solo. Its subject to blowing around in the wind, especially if you're solo paddling from the rear. I use mine for fishing so for me the stability outweighs the other shortcomings
Do you still have this canoe, and wonder how you like it since this great video? Thanks!
The Meyers is an updated version of the old Canadian Sportspal really. Sportspal still make The original, and Raddison, but as said, the Meyers has different aluminum and construction techniques aluminum, and foam bench seats, and the foam liner itself is a bit thicker to help keep the ribs in place. Some people have said on the Canadian versions, when the foam gets older or worn, ribs have fallen out of the boat to and from the water on the roof of their vehicle. I'd love the Meyers, but can't seem to get them in Western Canada. Would be great to have one, trolling motor on the back for some of our lakes.
Shane JB I have 2 Canadian Sportspals and they are great. A lot lighter and can hold more then the silly Meyers version. The Meyers version is a rip off of the great. One is from the 70's and one from the 80's. Just replaced the side sponsons on the one from the 80's. Insides all original. That long and still going strong. How can anyone complain. Ribs haven't fallen out yet.
Oh yeah. totally agree actually. Great the original is still going...they are a cool boat for sure. Glad the ribs haven't fallen out of yours. Again, that's from when the foam breaks down. I do love the Canadian originals, but I do like two things Meyers did...the choice of aluminum they use, and eliminating the welded pinch seams on the chines....a bit smoother in the water. The only reasons I'd consider a Meyers.
Looks like a great and super stable canoe. Any issues with salt water or brackish water fishing with the Sportspal? I like to switch between brackish and freshwater, seems like salt could get trapped inside the canoe and be impossible to rinse.
how is it for paddling? I see a comment below saying it's very difficult! also how does the foam hold up? I worry about it disintegrating?
I have one that's about 37 years old and the foam is still intact. It's a bit ragged looking but still intact. The biggest problem with the canoe is the aluminum struts that hold the interior foam in place eventually pop loose and you have to keep repositioning them
I'm looking to get this exact same canoe (or very close to this) but I literally can't find anywhere that sells them. I noticed in your other video you said you were in northern NJ which is also where I live so I thought I'd ask where you got it. I'm guessing I'll have to order one
Can I use my Sportspal without the ribs?
I have the S13?sportspal. I just added the extra motor mount. Do you trailer yours? I do mine with all the gear in the back of my truck, once I get a cover I’ll leave it in the canoe
Curious about car topping the S14 as well with factor roof rack.
I have been fishing and hunting out of a Meyer Sportspal Canoe for over 35 years. My 13' Square Stern is extremely stable. I have stood up in it while motoring upstream. I have also stood up to cast. When I purchased my Meyers Sportspal (over 30 years ago) I also looked at the Raddison which is a look like but inferior to the Sportspal (just look at the specs on both). Both are very light canoes but the Radisson hull was too thin and flexed (noisy) compared to the Meyers Sportspal. Meyers Sportspal has been manufactured in SE Michigan (Tecumseh and Adrian) for over 40 years. I am finally thinking of selling my Sportspal since I no longer duck hunt and my sons have moved out of the house. Time to look at a kayak for leisurely paddling since I'm not carrying decoys and a dog.
I initial carried my Sportspal in the back of my extended bed Ford Ranger and then later on top of my Ford Taurus Wagon and Windstar mini van. It only weighs 63 lbs so I could lift it over my head to slide on from the side.
Sportspal is the Canadian sales radisson is the American sales because they didn't know about copy right laws . And the American company sportspal by Meyers opened up and copied the look an style of the original Canadian sportspal . Only difference between them sportspal by Meyers hull is one piece no seams is thicker aluminum has foam bench seats . Canadian sportspal has seams it is lighter has webbed bench seats or foam floor seats. Fished out of my fathers 12' for 25 years and loved it so I found a good $50 deal On the Canadian 14' model,not sure the year but it has to be older , paint was all faded and missing seams needed some work but cleaned it up fresh paint new sponsons and its new again .Anyway th.ey are both amazing fishing canoes very stable. If u fish get one if you just want a canoe to ride the water I wouldn't recommend it blows around and doesn't cut throw water like a Fiberglass.
Do you car top or trailer this canoe? I am purchasing one and was wondering if I could car top it by myself. Thanks.
It weighs around 50ish pounds and can be easily car topped as long as you can lift it
You must answer, is SportsPal and Radisson the same?
megasif They are very similar in design. The Radisson is made in Canada by BWMarine but sold in the US. It has a thinner aluminum, is one piece and has three keels on the bottom. The Sportspal is made by Meyers, has a thicker aluminum, is two pieces riveted together and has a single keel. They both come in double end 12, 14, and 16, however the other square ended models are a bit different in size. You can see the sportspal by meyers here: www.meyersboat.com/#/sportspal/models and the radisson by bwmarine here: www.bwmarineproducts.com/canoes.htm
Rick Jones I see. See, we need people who can simplify like this. Thanks buddy. I think I know what I want now. I think a Sportspal is better b/c of thicker aluminium....but you sacrafice the one piece deal....And I believe is it a little bit more expensive when I saw their sites...
megasif
No problem bud. I had been in the market for one myself and waded through all the confusion. I just pulled the trigger yesterday and picked up a Meyers S-15 (square stern 15'). Got out to paddle it today and it is awesome. I bought it because my last canoe was a little too unstable to fish from. I can literally stand and fish from this canoe. My old man can even stand and fish. Just awesome stability. I was even able to car top it myself. All around definite buy.
Rick Jones Yea, I've been looking for something like this...I think this is a superior product w/o having tried it. I also think the Wilderness canoes might be overhyping...b/c they don't look all that stable. The other one that I really like is the WaveWalk Kayak. Other than that one and the SportsPal, I don't think any other one can give me a run for my money.
Anyone know where I can get the trolling motor mount?
You sound like KeepingItReel?