The BEST fishing canoe 

Two years later this motor is going strong ru-vid.comUgkxBZWgzfpS2Jj7JqIHyaSZjyVHNUgCKCBf Just uploaded a video of it after 2 years. We use it probably a dozen days each year on our small raft.-original review- We got this motor the other day and tested it out. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems good to me. It has all the features advertised - the motor housing is metal. We will see how it performs longer term and I will revise this review if needed. Some initial observations:- Good thrust, moves our boat around really well- It comes with a circuit breaker but no switch - so there's no way to kill the motor other than yanking the connection off the battery. I installed an inline switch.- The mount bracket is plastic and I worry it might break- There are a number of plastic parts that I worry about, but the most important ones are metal or some kind of composite

Even 6 years later when I found this video, still a great vid. Thank you!

one thing you left out which is huge ,, you don't need a trailer like a jon boat ,,, you don't have to wait in line at a crowded dock ,, you can put in at the grassy area and avoid that crowd all together ,,, for me is huge ,, always a line in my area ,, love your videos btw

I have seen your video for years now and never thought I would get my hands on one of these beauties. I finally got one. It is a 14ft Sportspal, 1978 version with the removable foam seats. All original and garage kept. I thought of your video right away once I got it home. Thanks for making me look for this model canoe because everything you said was dead on. This is my favorite small water craft I have ever been on. Thanks.

You've given me the bug to get a Sportspal. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and share.

Great job! This has got to be the the most informative and comprehensive video out there on this type of canoe! I've been looking at various types of water crafts for lakes and I think you've solved my dilemma.

Thank for taking the time and thought energy to make this complete guide! I feel confident to start canoe adventuring now.

One of the best reviews ever I have seen. Thank you!

Hey nice canoe, I received mine ( a Sportspal) as a birthday gift in 1975 and I still have it. Been great all these years. Lightweight was a blessing since I kept dragging it around lakes. Great video.

Love these sports pal canoes. My dad bought ours when he was about 15 and fishes out of it many of times, things wicked durable been dropped on the highway and still floats perfectly. Now he is 40 and I'm 18 and still fish out of the same canoe.

Really loved this review! I am thinking of swapping my plastic canoe for a Sportspal 16' with a transom (more stability and room). You really convinced me!

I bought the Sportspal canoe cause of your awesome video because I love to fish! Live in Virginia and had to go up North to Butler,Pennsylvania to get it! Thanks for the informative video and can’t wait to use it!

Thank you for this review. I bought this canoe because I saw your video. It s the perfect canoe for bass fishing in the small lakes in south jersey. Keep posting videos when you can, I enjoy them and obviously have benefited from your reviews etc.

Really great video, lots of information for someone like myself that was on the pedal kayak/canoe fence, Looks like a sportspal is in my future.

I enjoyed your video very much. I have always been leery of standing in a canoe , but you make it look so stable. The trolling motor is a nice plus too!

I bought one years ago, spring of 2015, based on Carl's video (see my earlier posts). I now live on an 1800 acre lake and I have several kayaks and I still, of course, have my Sportspal. What do I prefer to fish out of? The Sportspal . . . by a very wide margin. One kayak's drive bogs down in the lake vegetation, another is a paddler but it weighs 99 lbs. with its seat in place. What I'd likely do if I buy another one is downsize to an S-13 square stern. It'd be easier to load it in my truck with my bed extender. I like to paddle over pedal and prefer manual over power but that square stern on my S-15 is very handy for my trolling motor. I've been out the last 3 afternoons and I am like Carl: I stand the whole time just sitting to tie on a new lure. I even paddle standing using a 280 CM. two bladed paddle. I think my Sportspal is better in this regard that even the fishing SUPs (stand up paddle board) I have seen. I once had my trolling motor mounted, crossed a lake standing with a wind blowing at me from the side at around 20 mph. I never felt even the slightest out of balance. For anyone viewing Carl's video, the primary benefits as I see them: 1) Light weight means you will use your vessel much, much more; 2) Standing is much better with a wider array of fishing presentations and applications. Only a few kayaks are really easily standable; but, say, a Hobie PA 14 (one that is stable) weighs about 150 lbs. or so; 3) and, these canoes can carry much more gear (or other people!) for campers and others, too, but I take mine out sort of finesse most days: a paddle, one rod, a tackle bag and a stake out pole is a cool "add" to secure you when you need to stop in shallow water conditions. Brad

Thanks for this video! Very informative. That boat has changed all of my perceptions of canoe options. I have always loved canoes but they were always too awkward and heavy for me to load and carry. Plus they were not as stable as I want in a small fishing craft. I had decided to go with a new fishing kayak but now I see there is an alternative. And it even lighter!! Thanks again... :-)

I’ve recently got a used scanoe 16’ and appreciate this video. I had a old town fishing kayak sitting down all that time just wasn’t for me. Very good setup here!

Just wanted to say you are right on! After watching your video I went out and bought this exact canoe, and my wife and I have enjoyed it so very much. I put a 45 lb thrust trolling motor on it and it gets us around very nicely. It has plenty of room for both of us and we have great success in our fishing so far. Thanks so much for making this video you really gave great insight into this canoe it is fantastic! Update 7-11-2022 6 years later.... Took my wife out today and the Canoe is still going strong. Stability is as good as ever both the wife and the Canoe :) We have caught countless fish and made so many memories, probably one of the best purchases I have ever made, I am so happy you recommended it. If by some chance the Canoe ever has problems I would have no hesitation buying another :) Happy Canoeing!

Perfect. The best review and presentation I've ever seen on you tube...

Great review and great canoe! Love your reviews, keep on the excellent work!

Great watercraft, when light weight is a key factor. I have a 14' full transom Sportspal. I put a 2.5 Suzuki outboard on it, I can go on ponds, rivers, small lakes with NO problems. Swapped the oared paddles for regular paddles and they work great, much better than trying to paddle in wind. At 65 I can still put it up on top of my truck without too much straining. When paddling I appreciate the foam floor too, as I paddle with my knees plus along with the sponsons (outside the gunwales) it makes it pretty much unsinkable. It has a 38" beam, 56 lbs with 850 lb capacity. Two guys and gear no problem. Just keep your passenger in the center not the bow. I built a simple hand winch system on my roof racks with loading arms for my 18' aluminum freighter canoe and now use that for effortless loading of all my watercraft. Good luck with your adventures!

Wow absolutely awesome video about an incredible canoe. I bought a 1982 14ft. Sportspal 2 years ago that was in real tough shape. I replaced all the foam and painted it ,banged out most of the dents and really love this canoe. It's hard to believe how stable they are. I just wanted to add that Meyers sells everything you would need to redo any of their canoes. You can also send them your beat up canoe and they will make it look new again. I'm with you that this is the best fishing canoe out there! Thanks for a great video.

just picked up an 80's one in great condition, 300 bucks and it's original paint and decal are still clean! So excited to customize it

Great Video. I currently live in an apartment/complex. I have been considering getting a boat for some time but I am limited when it comes to parking. I had been looking at kayaks but for relatively the same cost you get some much less out of them. This video has really opened my eyes to a great option for those looking for an affordable way to get on the water.

Glad to have found this video. Already decided on a Sportspal before the spring. Already ordered the Thule for my FIT. Was happy to see you putting it on your FIT. Very informative video.

What a great video. Thanks. This might be just what I am looking for.

We would love to see more videos about the canoe 🛶 very interested. Thank you so much for sharing and engaging our interest in the Sportspal Canoe.

I bought a 16' radisson 2 weeks ago and I love it so far. thanks for the review. oh and I got it for $600. the guy only took it out twice. great fishing canoe. thanks again!

Thank you for the video....I've been looking for my first fishing boat that I can use carry myself and that I can stand up in 😬👍I was also looking for something I could paddle standing up for fishing as well as something that I could put a trolling motor on ....love this canoe 😍

Beautiful set up brother thanks for taking the time.

Great review, best I've seen yet! My friend and I just bought a used one today (Canadian version) and we're excited to try it out! Ours came with the foam seats that just sit on the floor so I think the first thing we'll do is replace them with bench style seats.

I remember seeing these at our local sports show every spring and thought they were a joke. Times have changed I'm older and wiser and I'm thinking about getting one this spring. This is an excellent review.

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. It's a great canoe and may get one, as soon as I sell my kayak! lol. It's funny I'm thinking that the habitat looked like NJ then I'm thinking that's ridiculous he could be anywhere in the Northern U.S. Then I saw the registration. It was a great guess.

Thanks for the great review. I stumbled across your review while searching to see if the Sportspal brand was still around. I paddled 'em in the 1970's as a kid at summer camp. Each day each age group of kids got the promised 1 hour of canoeing and, well, there were more than a few collisions. The councilors didn't seem to mind (not much, anyway) and would simply hammer out the larger dents. The canoes did look a bit rumpled but they took their punishment day after day. Later, when I tried "real" canoes, I was very surprised how unstable they were. I've been thinking of canoeing again (relaxed-pace paddling and trolling only; nothing sporty) and immediately thought of Sportspal. Glad to hear its still around, doing well, and highly recommended.

Thank you brother, that was a great review!

You do some of the best reviews out there.

Really nice setup Carl, I really enjoyed the video. Everything you do is first class, well done my man! My other hobby besides fishing is bike riding and I have a Thule bike rack for my truck, great products!

Purchased one of these and have zero regrets on spending that money. This canoe is a well built product and easy to carry almost anywhere. My boy and myself are going to have a lot of fun hunting/fishing out of this canoe!!

Did enjoy canoeing but now I sail. Just to complement, this is a very well done demonstration on the use and transporting and good tips of this canoe

Fantastic video with my coffee before work! Thank you! That is the set up for me.

I saw this video months ago, and I've had a bug for this canoe ever since. Just ordered my S-15, can't wait for it to come in. Awesome review man!

What a great review and video. Excellent quality and production. Information valuable and delivered well. Thank you for such a great video. Very helpful.

Just wanna say thank you for this video. Been eyeing one for over a year now. But life happened. But Finally got one today. 😬

Great video and awesome canoe. Just got mine in this week! Your vid helped greatly with the research process, appreciate it.

Great value and very stable. Comes with everything you need to get started.

I've had one sitting here for 4years and I've yet to use it! Been kayaking. Looks like I'll be fixing this bad boy up and gettin after it!! Thanks dude!!

Absolutely awesome review! I just found a S13 square stern for sale a few hours away. This review closed the deal for me. Thank you for taking the time to educate me on this boat.

Carl, I subscribed and watched this video several times during the past week - great job and thank you! I was so impressed with the canoe setup I went ahead and ordered an S-16, a 579XT Thule Canoe Carrier, Minnkota Endura C2 motor and battery power center. Got the dark olive finish too! I am very much looking forward to putting this on the water and reeling in a bunch of bass this year! Thank you again for a very informative video.

Great video, thanks! I have a fishing boat, but don't always have the ability to take it with me. This looks like a great option

14' Michicraft Sportsman. 64lb. Nearly identical except slightly less beam. Same bark paint job. Another sweet backwater vessel. Thanks for the great video!

That is a badass canoe! You got good vids man!

Awesome video as usual. That's a sweet canoe for sure.

Super video and outstanding setup! My go-to personal rig is also a SportsPal 14' (Canadian Version) but I power mine with a Suzuki 2.5hp instead of a trolling motor and battery. I added two quick release deluxe swivel seats, rod holders and a huge cooler/livewell. This has proven to be an ideal rig for couples' camping/fishing adventures up to about a week or so in duration, and we still enjoy some paddling too!

So in depth. I love it!

Great video! Just got a 10' jon boat now i want one of these canoes!

really appreciate your thorough and thoughtful reviews

Great video. I just bought a Sportspal canoe.

Thanks for the thoroughness and enthusiasm...my fishing buddy just gave me his 14' Sportspal from 1982, still in excellent condition. Needs only to have a hardware update, replace rusty steel screws on handles and motor mount replaced with ss or brass. Needs seats but I have mfr website in MI for that. Like your call on larger 40 # thrust on Minn Kota. I have a homemade livewell that I'll place midships, otherwise using just as you spec. Appreciate your comprehensive review...only wonder about the mounts for oarlocks/paddlelocks in middle of boat? See some pics of guys using for a pontoon-style outrigger on duck hunting rig with birch or other logs? Stability enhancement I guess but this boat is rock solid dance platform already🕺🏼! Again, outstanding video intro to the boat...Greg

Love it. The current kayak craze drives me nuts, so heavy with so little capacity, and you are wet the whole time. Love it man, thanks for the ideas!

How do you not have 100k + subscribers? All of your vids are ridiculously informative

KeepinItReelFishing ... str8 up is keeping it reel.. i have not seen another channel on youtube is that as reel as this guy..... i was thinking about buying a kayak but after watching this i am really considering a stable canoe.... man you are thorough

Thanks for the info. You can catch pretty much any species of fish up here . I love the low tech aspect of this.

I have the s13 now for a year, stored in the winter, I just ordered the motor mount, which I will have to drill holes and mount it. The reason got the mount, because it was awkward trying to steer, having twist around plus see forward. Now this may help. Love the canoe I to trailer it behind my pick up. Mine was a little over $1,300 delivered, got two oars, the attached seats.

Wow, great boat. Good review. Love canoes, but hate how unstable they are. This looks like a super choice. RU-vid Rocks!

thanks for making such a great video! I just picked up a sportspal canoe (the smaller 12ft one -I'm little and by myself) and watching your video has me really happy I got it. Initially I got it to paddle around the marina and maybe the river next to it but seeing what your doing I think I will be getting a rack for my corolla and outfitting my canoe so I can find the cool places like you did. can't wait to give it some tlc over the winter. thanks again!

honest and excellent review... subbed

Thanks for making such a great video, job well done. You answered about every question I had about canoe fishing. I live in Delray Beach, FL and we have lakes and canals all over the place and they are close. Again thanks.

Ordered a trailex SUT220 trailer with birch bark Sportspal S14. Will pick up the Minnesota Endura Max 45 from Cabela's today. Been looking for a lightweight, stable canoe and a lightweight, easily moveable trailer and a good quiet motor since I like to explore and don't like to paddle all day and now that I'm getting up in years the last thing I want to do is have to deal with capsizing. Been kayaking and canoeing all my life but still happens sometimes. I also like to fish small bodies of water a lot some of which you have to carry it a fair ways to the water. The idea of a very stable, virtually unsinkable small canoe with a quiet trolling motor sounds perfect. Will also be good for me and my wife when just wanting to explore small rivers and lakes here in North Texas. Watching your videos helped me decide what will work best for my needs. Thanks!

I baught 2 Bass Pro Shop stadium seats to strap on the bench seats on my Sportspal. The seats are very comfortable for the long rides. I have the 14 foot Canadian version that weighs 41 pounds. Keep making videos.

Fantastic review. I'm still debating between the Sportspal and the Jackson Kilroy DT. Seem to approach the same "problem set" from different angles. Decisions, decisions.

Carl you made me want one of these sooooo bad!!!

Looks real quiet in the water Nice!

Dude thanks so much for making this video. I didn't know these existed, now I can go fishing with my boys at a cheap price without breaking the bank or my back lol... Thanks again man keep doing your thing. My boys love your channel

rod holders would clean up some space but im sure you know that thanks for the neat idea about hte foam for lures... cheers....

After seeing this video more than once , I'm not cutting cost on purchasing my 1st canoe...., thanks!!! SportsPal really gives you $$$ worth w/ accessories options - nice!

I can not say enough about how great this video is. Thank you for taking the time to be so thorough. I am in the same position that you were in that i have a small car, no truck, and am looking for my first stable watercraft that will allow me to get into all areas of a lake, pond, channels, etc. This seems like an excellent mix between a Jon boat and a kayak. They are not local to me so I will have to pay for shipping, but it definitely seems worth it and your video helped me see how it would fit in with my needs. Thanks again!

I have to extend my thanks. I took your advice, and I have your complete setup here in the Estuaire area in Gabon (Libreville). I have the SportsPal canoe, Minn-Kota 45 (salt water) trolling motor, Lowrance fish finder, battery box, bait casting setup - The whole ball of wax! I built myself a small wooden console to pose over the battery box, and attached the fish finder on top. I fashioned a support for the transducer out of local wood, and mounted on top of the motor mount, but extending the transducer on the side opposite the motor. The area behind my house is a tidal ocean-fed system that has a 12 hour cycle. Watching the tide charts, I put the canoe in the water about an hour and a half before peak tide, and run up river with the tide, trolling, then bait casting to fish the structures and holes. Then I ride out and back home with the help of the tide about an hour or so after it peaks. Dynamite way to spend 3 or so hours! Catching some nice eating fish they call "rouge". Many, many thanks for your suggestions.

Very cool setup on that canoe

Great Video. Very informative. I recently bought a Canadian model Sportspal 12' square stern. It weighs in at an actual 45 lbs without the paddles in it so I can get in on and off the car by myself. I like the fact that these canoes are so stable. I'll be fly fishing from my Sportspal so stability is a must. I bought a 30 lb trolling motor + 100AH lithium battery and a 2.5 Suzuki that only weighs 29 lbs. to get my where I need to go. The Suzuki is the best motor for these canoes. It is the lightest and is also quietest compared to other outboards.

Im looking for canoe, this is higher priced by as much as double what I was concidering. But being 59, it would be my last canoe, so to spend twice as much and have eveything is ok by me. Some of the composit canoes can weigh up to 85lbs, and still not be as stable. I dont know why anyone would do a thumbs down, this video was well made and covered all the angles. He lacked a dancing lady maybe, Kidding. This canoe is purfect for what I need. Thank you, great video.

Great job a lot of good information , actually I have a kayak and foot pedal style and everything you said about standing and casting is a hundred percent true , I'm thinking of selling it and moving into a Sportspal or a Radisson Canoe , hey good luck and tight lines . Thanks for the review.

Excellent review. Ty!

Great vid! Thanks for the info!

A ton of great info shared for a lot of people, thanks man. Your canoe is the shit, perfect... I want one.

Ok ur the second jersey guy using the sportspal I’ll be ordering mine soon maybe I’ll run into you !! Awesome review

these are so cool I wish they sold them down south , I still may order one and have it shipped. I like the 11 foot with the square back stern.

Carl, I just recently subscribed to your channel here because of your tackle reviews, which are very well done. When I saw this video I was pleasantly surprised because I am considering some sort of craft to fish in here in Florida after fishing from shore for the 2 years since I relocated here from Chicago. I just wanted to say Thank You for the great work on your channel here on RU-vid. Please keep up the great work. Thanks, again.

Thanks for the video!

Thanx man good video definitely gonna try to get one

Best canoes ever! I have two much more expensive canoes and they are no way as good for fishing as the old Sportspal. They are feather light and paddle very well. I sold her for $200 when she was getting really dinged up and her ribs were popping out! I will be looking for another soon

I fish out of a 33lb Old Town Pack Angler canoe. I have a bad back and I can carry it even while wearing a full 30lb backpack. No standing for me in that thing tho. And Nice Honda Fit! I used to drive a Honda CRX Si, and later an Integra GSR and I never had a problem carrying 8'6" muskie rods in my Hondas... Meanwhile my fishing buddies always had a hard time carrying any rod over 8' in their full size truck beds.

nevermind. you commented on that in the video. thanks again. awesome boat. gonna order one in the spring. my 6 year old is gonna love it too!

Excellent video. Locally, we have Radisson canoes. (Central Michigan) First time I've seen the Meyers version. You sold me over buying a jonboat. 👍🏻

Wow, under 60 lbs finished hull weight! That is impressive. I am now rethinking my selection for a small water fishing platform. I really like the foam inserts between the ribs. Kayaks are popular and readily available, but I want to stand when I fish more often than not. John boats are great and I used one for years, but they are not easy to portage by one person. I was considering a stitch and glue bass buggy (catamaran) made from light marine plywood and rigid foam. Not sure if I could beat the hull weight of this canoe, though. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video. Good stuff as always.

Great vid man

Great, well organized review! Man I wish I could find one of these for sale in Texas

Excellent video!

I have a 12' Raddison. It's all you say ! I love it.

I have a sit on top kayak which I purchased last year and outfitted with an optional trolling motor and a Lowrance Hook 4. When Harvey hit I pulled the trigger on a canoe by the same maker, Lifetime. Yesterday, I stopped by Cabela's in Fort Mill, SC and got a deal on a Hook 3 DSI for 60 bucks.. now the canoe can find fish, too! I got the canoe for the option of extra stowage, hitting the water with a couple of friends/fam... my only exposure to 'marine life' growing up was canoeing at camp.. knew someday I WOULD have a canoe.. haven't had it out yet, but tried. Too heavy for me to get on my van's ladder rack alone. Long story short, they are both so affordable I think owning both is justified. I can put a week's worth of gear in my canoe and tow it to an island/campsite with my kayak and have plenty of practical/recreational options... thanks for the great video!