Just reporting back that installing the extended bunks and notching out the rollers made a world of difference in stabilizing the canoe on the trailer. The canoe now sits rock solid on the trailer contacted by both bottom rollers and the length of the new bunks. Thank you for this video.Very well presented.
Very cool. I am in the process of restoring a 14' Meyers Sportspal canoe right now. You have given me some good ideas. Look forward to seeing a video of it on the water.
Awesome work! I have a Radisson 12' wide transom. Any style whether it be Sportspal or Rad are the very best for car topping, stability, and portage..period! :) Nice to see you bringing it back to new condition with your own mods!
Okay. I've got the trailer together and wired. Snaking the wires was a two step process. One from the 3/8th holes in the frame under the running lights forward to the splits. Splice/solder the running light connection. Liquid electrical tape for water proofing. Two, from the running light holes rearward out the back of the tail light holes. I had to remove the rear frame bolts in order to grab the wire/snake with a pair of needle nose. .Now, new full length bunk boards like you have. The Sportspal is so wide and odd shaped that the full length bunks are a must. No way to properly support the cane with just those short bunks. I'm having the class II trailer hitch installed next week at UHAUL. I'm considering the 12" wheels but have been advised for the one hour trips I'll be doing its not necessary.
I must say that after buying the trailer, building the trailer, wiring the trailer, modifying the trailer, registering the trailer, and having the the trailer inspected,and buying spare parts for the trailer, this was quite an effort.
What did you use to snake the wires through the frame? Are your running light wires running through the hole in the bottom of the frame? Any problems pulling the wires through that bottom hole in order to splice the running light wire? Did you use the Scotch clip connector or solder your running lights splice? I just notched out my rollers with a dry wall saw. Worked great. Looks like yours.I'm wrapping a piece of 1/2" weather stripping around the exposed axle for cusioning.
Hi ,like your video of your sportspal canoe,was wondering if its still for sale. please get back to me.Also seen it on graiglist but I didn't get any info before I closed screen,other then price.Which I believe you were asking around $1700.00.
This an outstanding instructional video you have made. Thank you. I am in the process of purchasing. Can you please tell me where you purchased the extension battery wires and what type of wire to order? It looks like you hooked up the quick connect yourself. Very smart.
I used 2 gauge wire from home depot. I first made the mistake of ordering the wire from amazon but the protective covering was so flimsmy that I decided not to use it. You can order the quick disconnect from minnkota. Good luck and have fun with it.
If I may ask how did you knotch out the rollers? What tool did you use? I just got my Sportspal and I am going with your H.F. trailer setup with all your modes. Excellent.
studdboyz75 I wonder if since the wheels are bigger and the fenders dont cover as much of the wheel if there would be more stones thrown at vehicles traveling behind the trailer.
HI I just purchased a 12 foot sportspal. it had new paint without any scratches. it doesn't shine like yours. did u add a coat of gloss paint? thx Jamie McBane in Canada
Studdboyz, Just a few more questions: 1) Are your replacement bunks 2 x 6s or 2 x 4s? And, what sort of hardware did you use to attach the bunks to the frame? Are those L brackets? Thanks! Brad
I think those were 2x6. They had to be tall enough to clear the fenders so I don't think 2x4 would make it. Yes those were L brackets. I got the marine grade carpet at Home depot. Make sure you use treated lumber and choose pieces that aren't extremely wet if you plan to use spray adhesive to attach the carpet to the wood. I also went down the bottom of the wood with staples. Another tip on the brackets, I was originally looking for a nice sturdy "U" shaped bracket with a single hole in the bottom and holes in each end that are lined up. The bracket could be mounted with a bolt through the frame then a bolt through the plank. I couldn't find a bracket like this at the time but only looked at the near by big box stores.
Nice set up. Thanks you for your time & explaining all the small details.
Just reporting back that installing the extended bunks and notching out the rollers made a world of difference in stabilizing the canoe on the trailer. The canoe now sits rock solid on the trailer contacted by both bottom rollers and the length of the new bunks. Thank you for this video.Very well presented.
Very cool. I am in the process of restoring a 14' Meyers Sportspal canoe right now. You have given me some good ideas. Look forward to seeing a video of it on the water.
Im in the Middle of restoring as well. 14' pointing. Having the worst time with the reinstalling the ribs anyone have an suggestions?
Simple and very functional setup. I like it.
Awesome work! I have a Radisson 12' wide transom. Any style whether it be Sportspal or Rad are the very best for car topping, stability, and portage..period! :) Nice to see you bringing it back to new condition with your own mods!
Awesome looking canoe, new to your channel. I just started one too. Made in tecumseh Michigan. I live in northern Michigan.
Okay. I've got the trailer together and wired. Snaking the wires was a two step process. One from the 3/8th holes in the frame under the running lights forward to the splits. Splice/solder the running light connection. Liquid electrical tape for water proofing. Two, from the running light holes rearward out the back of the tail light holes. I had to remove the rear frame bolts in order to grab the wire/snake with a pair of needle nose. .Now, new full length bunk boards like you have. The Sportspal is so wide and odd shaped that the full length bunks are a must. No way to properly support the cane with just those short bunks. I'm having the class II trailer hitch installed next week at UHAUL. I'm considering the 12" wheels but have been advised for the one hour trips I'll be doing its not necessary.
For 1 hour trips I think the 8" wheels should be fine. Spend that money on fishing gear!
I must say that after buying the trailer, building the trailer, wiring the trailer, modifying the trailer, registering the trailer, and having the the trailer inspected,and buying spare parts for the trailer, this was quite an effort.
I cant remember all the prices but they are listed on the Meyers web site. They painted it for $135. I couldn't have painted it myself for that much.
nice video
What did you use to snake the wires through the frame? Are your running light wires running through the hole in the bottom of the frame? Any problems pulling the wires through that bottom hole in order to splice the running light wire? Did you use the Scotch clip connector or solder your running lights splice? I just notched out my rollers with a dry wall saw. Worked great. Looks like yours.I'm wrapping a piece of 1/2" weather stripping around the exposed axle for cusioning.
Hi ,like your video of your sportspal canoe,was wondering if its still for sale. please get back to me.Also seen it on graiglist but I didn't get any info before I closed screen,other then price.Which I believe you were asking around $1700.00.
great tips thanks man
This an outstanding instructional video you have made. Thank you. I am in the process of purchasing. Can you please tell me where you purchased the extension battery wires and what type of wire to order? It looks like you hooked up the quick connect yourself. Very smart.
I used 2 gauge wire from home depot. I first made the mistake of ordering the wire from amazon but the protective covering was so flimsmy that I decided not to use it. You can order the quick disconnect from minnkota. Good luck and have fun with it.
If I may ask how did you knotch out the rollers? What tool did you use? I just got my Sportspal and I am going with your H.F. trailer setup with all your modes. Excellent.
I just notched it with a good sharp hunting knife.
Where did you get the fish finder mount ?
excellent video..how do u like the 55lb minn kota for that canoe?
Did you do any modifications to the fenders to fit the 12 inch wheels on the trailer?
I didn't have to mod anything for the wheels to fit.
They did make the fenders look a little small though.
studdboyz75 I had the same trailer and i was thinking about doing the same thing. Thanks!
studdboyz75 I wonder if since the wheels are bigger and the fenders dont cover as much of the wheel if there would be more stones thrown at vehicles traveling behind the trailer.
HI I just purchased a 12 foot sportspal. it had new paint without any scratches. it doesn't shine like yours. did u add a coat of gloss paint?
thx
Jamie McBane in Canada
What type of extension wire did you use for your trolling motor? Thanks Jim
What model of trailer did you purchase from harbor freight?
your gonna put impressions in the foam from the strap diggin into it.hanging it like that...
I have a 14 ft Sportspal. How much did it cost you to restore it?
Is Raddison made by Sports pale or vice versa?
where did you get your tires? harbor freight as well? and what are the specs of the tires?
www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Tires_and_Wheels-sf-Tire_with_Wheel-pc-12_Inch.aspx
Studdboyz, Just a few more questions: 1) Are your replacement bunks 2 x 6s or 2 x 4s? And, what sort of hardware did you use to attach the bunks to the frame? Are those L brackets? Thanks! Brad
I think those were 2x6. They had to be tall enough to clear the fenders so I don't think 2x4 would make it. Yes those were L brackets. I got the marine grade carpet at Home depot. Make sure you use treated lumber and choose pieces that aren't extremely wet if you plan to use spray adhesive to attach the carpet to the wood. I also went down the bottom of the wood with staples. Another tip on the brackets, I was originally looking for a nice sturdy "U" shaped bracket with a single hole in the bottom and holes in each end that are lined up. The bracket could be mounted with a bolt through the frame then a bolt through the plank. I couldn't find a bracket like this at the time but only looked at the near by big box stores.