Canoe Sponsons?

B

Bill Gass

Active member
I have a unique issue to deal with here in NB. And no it's not all the birds that regularly fly over my decoys refusing to land and laughing. I hunt on a medium size river with wetlands/ponds off the sides. The ducks seem to prefer these side wetlands rather than the main river. However to get to some of these spots you have to travel by river for up to 5 KM's then walk over the bank (no direct water access unless the river is in flood) or through the woods to get to them. Some are quite remote with little pressure. I have a 14 foot aluminumboat with a 25 HP outboard. I also have a small canoe which I plan to put in/on my boat to take to these remote locations. However this little canoe is a very tippy little Bast@#$%. Not hard to tell that I've had a few run in's with it before. So I'm looking at putting sponsons on the sides to improve stability. I read an internet article that said it was better to put your sponsons at the water line, which would result in a more stable craft. Rather than up by the gunwales where your almost in the drink before they even touch the water. I know that there's probably kits that you can buy but I'm on a budget. I looking for some type of closed cell foam that I could cut into long sponsons that I could attach to the canoe to improve stability. The canoe is only about 10 ft long. Any suggestions other than buying a rubbber raft or new canoe.

Thanks
Bill G.
 
Bill,Google "Canoe sponsons", and sort through the list.You may find what you want or ideas as to how to fabricate something.
I remember a company that had closed cell foam attached to the sides.Can't remember the name.Lucky I can emember mine.
What you need is a kevlar Poke boat under 30lbs,but big bucks for what you get.
Joe O
 
Have you seen those outrigger type things they sell at Cabelas?

I bet you could make something similar with some PVC pipe and end caps as the floatation tube. Maybe rig up some lumber or salvage aluminum for the cross piece?

I had a canoe flip once during duck season, fortunatley it was a warm day and I had the big boat right there. I don't trust them much anymore.

My personal canoe is a lot more stable (Mad River Explorer) but that one had a rounded bottom and I was underwater before I know what had happened. I only mine in warm weather these days, too nervous about flipping. Much prefer the stability of the kayak (Old Town Loon) in a small water boat. If you are ever looking to buy another small portable boat, check out kayaks before you plunk any money down on another canoe...

Charlie
 
Cleaning out the barn, found a "new never used" commercial pontoon set: two white foam cylinders approx 4'long x7" or 8"dia w/aluminum poles through middle; two braces fit on the ends, going over the gunnels. My brother used to fiddle with boats, made outrigges of drainpipe, bamboo, no doubt this was another idea of his. You are welcome to them, free. They are light weight, so shipping shouldn't cost much? Give a shout if that's the direction you want to go in...
Tom
 
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