Radisson Canoe - New Sponsons

[Felix77]

I got a kit to replace the messed up sponsons (padding on the side) for my canoe.  Does anyone know if I should put some type of waterproofing on the holes before screwing on the new sponson?  If so what do you think would work best?

[Fishing Rhino]

LOL.  When I initially read the title, I thought it said Radisson Canoe - New Sponsors.

 

Since it's above the waterline, use some bathroom grade silicone, maybe called tub and shower. 

 

I'd replace those rusted machine screws with stainless steel screws, nuts and washers if you can find the washers.   Depending on how many you need, it may be cheaper to buy a box of them.   

[Felix77]

LOL.  When I initially read the title, I thought it said Radisson Canoe - New Sponsors.

 

Since it's above the waterline, use some bathroom grade silicone, maybe called tub and shower. 

 

I'd replace those rusted machine screws with stainless steel screws, nuts and washers if you can find the washers.   Depending on how many you need, it may be cheaper to buy a box of them.   

 

LOL.  I can see how that mistake could be made.  

 

Thanks for the feedback.  I agree about those screws.  They were horrible and a PIA to remove.  Ended up taking a hacksaw and some muscle to rip those things out.

[Koofy Smacker]

I doubt you even need any type of waterproofing. I have the same exact boat, mine dont show any sort of rust. Im surprised yours look that horrendous. Water never even gets to that level, even if it did, you have foam sandwiched in there which wont let it through.

[Fishes in trees]

 If it was my canoe, I would for sure use some sort of sealant, just on general principles, now that the holes are there.  On the original install,why weren't those pieces just glues on?  Some type of waterproof glue would have eliminated the need for holes in the boat.   Anyway, too late now.

 

Next time, a Dremel  Moto tool with a cutting disc would have made short work of those rusted screws.  Rhino is absolutely right about the fasteners - go with a stainless steel approach.

 

In Kansas City, there used to be a store called Boaters World and I am pretty certain that they were part of a chain.  They had a monster inventory of stainless steel fittings and fasteners, geared to the boater.

 

For instance, on the leading and trailing edge of the sponsons, you might want to use an eye bolt, just to give yourself a convenient tie down point.

 

That was the cool thing about Boaters World, in that they had numerous fastener options, all geared towards boaters.

 

The downfall of Boaters World in KC was that their neighborhood went "bad", and you didn't feel comfortable parking your car, even during daylight hours.  The mall area they were in got lax about security, customers left and never returned.

 

***edit***   Just googled Boaters World.  Apparently they are an E business now and don't have any brick and mortar stores.   Oh well.

 

*** further edit***  Apparently Boaters World went bankrupt several years ago.  Their web site is "under construction" and will reopen "soon"

 

Sorry, I got no clue where to get all the stainless steel fasteners you will need.

[Felix77]

I doubt you even need any type of waterproofing. I have the same exact boat, mine dont show any sort of rust. Im surprised yours look that horrendous. Water never even gets to that level, even if it did, you have foam sandwiched in there which wont let it through.

 

I got mine on Craigslist for $400 from some guy who abused the hell out of the thing.  It came with a trolling motor too.  I thought it was a good deal.  I figured I could invest in some stainless screws and new foam as long as the rest of the boat is in tact and it floats.  

[jhoffman]

Just bought some stainless screws the other day. Youre looking about $1.50 with the washer and a nut.