Stern End w/ Sail Kit

Found my Radisson in the garbage of a neighbor. Very minor seepage at the bow. A little rust-o-leum spray rubber and it's bone dry. Super stable, paddle, row or sail, it's awesome. So far, $20 invested and the family loves it.

I use my raddison 14' canoe on the open waters of oneida lake and love fishing out of it,I take along my golden retreiver, a cooler of brews and lunch and have a great time. The hull is thin but if you watch where your going there should be no problems. I have run it up onto logs and rocks and haven't had any leaks yet. I love it.

I wouldn't take my Radisson down white water or over rocks, but common sense and a review of the company's brochure would show that that's not what this canoe was designed for. I'll use my Old Town for that type of canoeing. However, for paddling ponds, lakes and slow rivers, this canoe is excellent. Lightweight (44#) and stable, I can paddle, row (my preferred method), sail or troll in it. I can toss it on my car without breaking a sweat and fish or explore all day long. Throw in some fishing gear, lunch and a radio and I'm set. Also, it's stability makes it ideal for kids. Not designed for speed, it can be slow going when paddled. However, try to catch me when I'm using oars! (I bought 6 1/2 oars as the oar/paddle combination that's standard are somewhat short and awkard to use). I've had my 14 footer for almost a decade and was introduced to the Radisson over 20 years ago and I can honestly say I haven't been disappointed. It's my most used canoe.

I ran the 14 foot with a 4 horse evinrude for many years. It was perfect for easy getting onto the lakes in Minnesota. What a rig. Yes it is somewhat fragile but mine held up very well. I got a kick out of the way the bow came around 90 degrees with every paddle stroke. This canoe has a square back for a motor and should either be rowed or motored,not paddled. Besides, the boat is wide and is a reach to paddle anyways. If you can find one with a motor for under 500 dollars,jump on it. It will put you on the water easily while most are still on the couch. Mainly because it is easy to transport and launch. If you want something like it but tougher get a sportspal from castlecraft, I did. I think it was made for a 2 horse motor but was more than strong enough for the 4 horse and could easily handle even a lightweight 5 without stressing the hull.

My 14 ft. Radisson is RAD!! I got what I PAID FOR and more, did my research, could not be more pleased. I'm 265# my son is 250# w/ our gear stowed for the weekend we have room to spare. Handles great, I've owned a few canoes, this is a dream come true.

I abuse my Radisson! Use it mostly for duck hunting. I'll carry myself (165#), friend (240#) his dog (60#) 2-3 bags of decoys, guns and more w/ no problems. Easily load it on top of my Durango. I found rowing from the middle the best way to get around by oneself. It may not look so pretty (bottom) anymore but it certainly does everything I need it to do.

I have to say I'm surprised to hear these discouraging words about the Radisson. I bought one in a yard sale a year or so ago (for $150 US!) and like it a lot. I don't have the sail kit, sadly, but it is the 13.5 foot with the square stern, foam lining, oar locks and whatever you call the foam on the gunwales. The finish is birch bark.

I haven't had much chance to take it out yet, but a few times on a local lake. I have to agree that with me alone, the wind does make it hard to handle with a paddle, but I bought a 54lb electric motor and with the battery up front for ballast, it handles beautifully and zips right along. I haven't done much colliding with underwater objects, but having read the comments, I'll be careful.

This is my worst nightmare come true. I ordered this thousand dollar package from a huge NY retailer because of its ability to paddle, row, motor, & sail, and 44 lb weight. Its made in Canada, and our initial river run with it proved horrifying: soft sand beaches wrinkled & dented the tinfoil skin, it leaked water at about 3 gallons per hour, and handles like a floating bathtub. Any wind blows the high profile and light weight like a dead leaf. I wondered why I could not find any info on this craft besides the manufacturer's brochure; now I know. Its worse than a white elephant. I am writing to both the maker and selling dealer in complaint of this sorry example of watercraft. I know of only one other manufactured sailing canoe (IL) & opted out of that nice looking one due to weight, and wait (4 wks) for delivery. Instead I settled for this oversized kipper can welded together like a patchwork quilt. Stay away from ANY product by this manufacturer, or risk being bilked and drowned.