changing ribs in a Sportspal/Radisson canoe

[@nicknchrist]

You guys in North Bay are the best!

[@FranksDIY]

I'm so happy with all the great reviews. Glad I bought Canadian. can't wait to get it out on the water

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

Fasmov 15.5" Tire Iron Set Irons Changing Tool Kit, Set of 3 These tire irons make this process trivial, along with a 2.5 # sledge hammer to bang into place. Everything else I tried was a disaster. All the ribs became snake-shaped. These tire irons come in a set of 3, but you only need 1, unless you have friend helping you on other ribs, which, is a definite blessing! These tire irons have a hook lip on one end that catches the gunwale nicely, and they are long enough to generate sufficient leverage to push these ribs down and bang them into place. What I need to know now is how to get the snake shaped ones straightened without buying new ribs which are not cheap. My canoe is a Sportspal, Tecumseh Michigan, so old.

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Hopefully the ribs are similar to the ones we use. I actually use the gunwale to help form them back into shape running rib lengthwise on the gunwale forming by hand. The aluminum does get stiff and more brittle as in ages. Sometimes they will go snakey if too long and not pressed into the liner. Hope some of my ramblings help

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

@@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal Can you demonstrate that straightening to your true believers?

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Will do standby

[@Jon.Carlsen]

Great timing. I just got an old Radisson that's missing half a dozen ribs and the inner liner. You made it look easy. Now all I need is figure out how to fab one of those proprietary rib tool thingamajigs.

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

The tire irons are simple to do.

[@Jon.Carlsen]

I made a tool from a length of 3/4" black pipe. Cut the pipe in half lengthwise, bend a hook on the tip to grab under the gunwale. Pops the ribs right in.

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

@@Jon.Carlsen Sounds good, but I was truly frustrated and somebody mentioned using tire irons. The screwdriver recommended elsewhere, and here, just doesn't do the job.

[@caaaabot]

The pipe cut in half seems perfect. I was trying to think of the right thing to make one from. I'm gonna weld something in there to catch the rib to push down like he does.​@@Jon.Carlsen

[@Jon.Carlsen]

@@caaaabot Cut the pipe in half for about 2.5 inches. The remaining uncut section of the pipe will be the catch and the handle.

[@davidwarnock5803]

I appreciate the video you made, I'm not 100% sure what the special tool is like , could you send a closeup picture of it , would really help in making myself one

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Thanks I have a better view of it in the video which I do a full refurbished canoe with massive damage. Hope it helps cheers

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

Also, can you post a diagram of the exact location of the loop screws on the sponsons as opposed to the normal screws? These are used to mount the elastic string to do whatever inside the canoe. I may have placed mine too proximate.... seems like they need to be more amidships!

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Ours are located #4&5 from the front

[@samuelaul8332]

Can you post a picture of your special tool used to pop the ribs in?

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

It essentially a bolt that was grounded down to look like the letter "L" so that it can hook under the gunnel and the rib will slide on the outside of the L when pushed down parallel to the gunnel then the rib can be hammered under the gunnel

[@fermitupoupon1754]

@@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal it looks just like the end of a motorcycle tyre iron.

[@edswiech1641]

Where can u buy the new ribs??

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Greetings the folks at Baywood Enterprises can get them to you. Email is [e-mail]

[@PoliceMods]

What’s best installation for rod holders on Sports pal canoe

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

@PoliceMods I think scotty makes one that attaches to the thwart, giving side to side variations. I typically just stick my rod down beside my web seat. So I guess I don't help much with this question. If you find one that works well let us know.

[@PoliceMods]

@@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal Can I remove middle bar in exchange for flat bar to accommodate the accessories

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

@@PoliceMods If you have web seats installed, no problem. If you're just swapping the bars, no problem. Just don't want to remove the rigidity at the gunnel other than that options are many

[@brada4018]

Where do you get replacement ribs?

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

If you contact [e-mail] they can find you some

[@turfnsurf9367]

May time for me to changed mine. Sometimes I step on them, they come loose.

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

That does happen sometimes. They are not an expensive item. But they can tightened a little bit by hammering down on the gunnel directly where the rib ends.

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

I notice that this demonstration canoe has rounded sponsons. When I ordered replacements, they came with square edges. Please tell me that you didn't shave these to look so nice. Sigh.....

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

If they came from Baywood Enterprises in North Bay Ontario they will have nice rounded ends if not I'm lost. Lol

[@allenr.marshallpmp6091]

@@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal No, Meyers boat company in Illinois. These Americans... no class.

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Yeah Meyers is actually a different company than us but quite similar canoe. Our canoes are named Radisson south of the border.

[@adammcdonald611]

Less likely to pop oat. Eh.

[@razah2339]

Can i use something else for ribs lol cheaper

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

Back in the day they uses conduit pipe cut in half. The aluminum ribs work better and are mush easier to shape correctly. Haven't heard of other items used successfully

[@razah2339]

@@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal Thanx I'm thinking in buying a 14' Sport pal canoe but is missing all the ribs and liner I was thinking in doing that and get the Culkin and resealed the whole thing

[@GettenanyOutdoorsSportspal]

@razah2339 the sealant is very important, adthane marine sealant or you will be chasing leaky spots