Radisson Canoe Manual?

[mikeg]

I started out under blindsquirrel but when I went to log back in, it wanted to post to my facebook so I changed to the old style login and had to change my name.

 

Does anybody out there have a Radisson canoe manual or know where I can get one?  I'm particularly interested in knowing what I can and can't do with it and what, if any, maintenance should be done to it.  I've looked on line, but haven't had any luck.

 

Also, have any Radisson owners added rod holders, cup holders, or any other items to their canoe?  If so, how did you attach them?

 

Thanks,

mikeg

[Hanover_Yakker]

Aren't Radissons (US) also referred to as Sportspals (CA)?  I'd try contacting a dealer like: http://www.bwmarineproducts.com/contact.htm

 

According to their site......

 

All our Sportspal and Radisson Canoes are constructed of a single sheet of 5052 marine grade aluminum which will not become brittle, delaminate, peel, waterlog, check, rot, shrink or swell. It assures a uniform thickness throughout the hull.

This material makes our canoes one of the lightest on the market. The canoes are easy to carry, handle better on car tops, towing, launching and recovery. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

There are eight models, five colours in three lengths to choose from. Every Sportspal - Radisson is built to exacting specifications and workmanship. Coupled with the many optional accessories, the Sportspal - Radisson Canoe will give you many years of trouble free service.
 

[mikeg]

Thanks Hanover_yakker but I failed to mention that I'd tried them as well.  They sent me their brochure on the Radisson canoes but couldn't help with the manual.  From what I've read, it appears that the Sportspal is very similar but they're 2 different companies.

 

A Sportspal manual might work too though.

 

mikeg

[Felix77]

I own a Radisson and never thought to ask about maintenance.  I am going to ask my friend who also owns one if he has a manual.  if so I might be able to copy it and send it to you.

[mikeg]

Thanks Felix, I may be overthinking this but it's my 1st boat and I want to treat it right.

 

Have you mounted rod holders, beverage holders, or anything else?  If so, how did you do it?

 

mikeg

[Hanover_Yakker]

I have a buddy who is a canoe afficianado and might be able to help.  Hang on.  Let me check.

[Hanover_Yakker]

According to my contact - avoid storage outside or in direct sunlight due to the foam.  You need to find some form of a protectant or cover for those areas.  The manufacturer's marketing claim of being one of hte lightest in the industry he said was due to the thin wall construction of the hull.  As a result, the long term durability of the hull is a concern.  If it works for you, awesome.  Just be mindful of the hull if you are portaging over rocks or moving through shallow bays with oyster beds or rocks.

 

FWIW - this information is coming from the owner of a kayak/canoe store and he is an avid canoeist that is in fact racing the 70 mile canoe race in NY later this year.

 

 

Hope that helps!

[mikeg]

Thanks HY, keeping the sun off the foam makes sense but I hadn't thought of it.

 

I read reviews and opinions on the Radisson before buying it.  The thin hull was mentioned.  Some said it isn't a problem and others wouldn't touch one beause of that.  I figure that where and how I fish it shouldn't be a problem.  

 

Again, thanks for the info.

mikeg

[Goose52]

I bought my Radisson 12' new and didn't receive any kind of manual - just the Radisson brochure.

 

As always, a factual and useful response from Hanover_Yakker.  The hull is indeed very thin - it will bend if you look at it mean...   An open water boat for sure.  I have some dents in my hull...but no puctures or tears. I do try to be very careful when launching/landing to avoid rocks and find the 'soft' spots.  I'm on my 4th season with this boat - about 115 times on the water - so far, so good. Regarding the foam (both the interior foam lining, and the sponsons), a good point about protecting them from exposure. I store my boat inside my garage so I've had no problems.  When on the water, I do place a rubber mat at my seated/standing position to protect  the interior foam from foot wear.

 

The only maintenance that I perform is to wipe the hull down with a sponge each time I pull it out of the water and then clean the hull exterior and the interior foam at end of season.

 

I have mounted a few gadgets on my boat:

 

 

And, the indoor storage:

 

[Felix77]

I checked with my buddy.  He does not recall ever getting a manual when he bought his Radisson.

[mikeg]

Thanks guys, I guess I was overthinking it. But the tip about storing the canoe out of the sun is a good one. I plan to keep it in the garage when not in use.

Goose, I've seen some pictures of your canoe, it's inspirational. I figure I'll do a little at a time as I decide what I need. But how did you mount your outriggers?

mikeg

[Goose52]

On 5/14/2013 at 5:54 PM, mikeg said:

...............But how did you mount your outriggers?

mikeg

 

Mike - the outrigger crossbar is secured to the gunwales by clamps with two thumbscrews on each side. This is a "store-bought" system made by Spring Creek Outfitters.