PVC Yak Cart

SemperFi-sh · 04-27-2009, 08:11 PM

I originally built this PVC cart to go through the scupper holes located in the back of my kayak, but after a lot of thought (not to mention PVC glue) I decided that I didn't want all that weight being transferred to the weakest part of the kayak. So, I chopped off the top and started over using an idea from a cart I'd seen elsewhere. If you're thinking, "my God that thing sits up high!" I did that for a couple of reasons: I'm a pretty tall guy, so the cart is level when I pull it, and secondly, I drive a '97 F-250HD 4x4 and I can just unstrap the kayak and slide it into the bed of my truck (kinda like a loading dock type deal). Anyways, just thought I'd see what ya'll think. Total cost for the build was about $30. Got a good deal on the wheels at a yard sale, then just 1 1/4" sch40 PVC (and necessary fittings), 3/8" allthread (for the axle), some fender washers and nylock nuts, primer and glue.

The cart without the kayak, obviously. The tripod leg helps with loading and stability. Now I just need to rig a harness for Jake to pull it...haha

This shot gives you an idea of how the kayak rides on the cart.

When towed, the tripod leg is out of the way and shouldn't catch on anything. I'm thinking about removing it, drilling holes, and using a bolt and wingnut so I could take it off if need be.

The cap in the middle of the 4-way fitting was a consequence of the original design. Easier to just cut it and cap it than rebuild the whole second level.

Well, maybe this will help someone out. Things that could make this better:

1) High flotation (wide) tires for soft sand. Down here in Corpus Christi the sand is pretty hardpacked and I got a swingin' deal on these so it really made no difference.

2) Use the wingnut and bolt idea for the whole cart, so it can be disassembled and stowed inside your yak if needed. If I did this, I'd only make it two levels. Three levels was kinda overkill, but all loaded down my OK Big Game weighs a ton...

Private Pilot · 04-27-2009, 11:09 PM

Great idea. Thanks for sharing!

Linda · 04-27-2009, 11:16 PM

I like it! Wish I was handy & could make something like that, I once made a bird perch out of pvc - what a disaster!

SheYakFishr · 05-01-2009, 12:47 PM

That's a great idea!! Thanks for sharing. :clapI bought a Hobie brand... with the smaller rolleez wheels and it works great. :letsdrink

04-27-2009, 08:11 PM	#1
SemperFi-sh Senior Member Trigger Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Milton Posts: 295	PVC Yak Cart I originally built this PVC cart to go through the scupper holes located in the back of my kayak, but after a lot of thought (not to mention PVC glue) I decided that I didn't want all that weight being transferred to the weakest part of the kayak. So, I chopped off the top and started over using an idea from a cart I'd seen elsewhere. If you're thinking, "my God that thing sits up high!" I did that for a couple of reasons: I'm a pretty tall guy, so the cart is level when I pull it, and secondly, I drive a '97 F-250HD 4x4 and I can just unstrap the kayak and slide it into the bed of my truck (kinda like a loading dock type deal). Anyways, just thought I'd see what ya'll think. Total cost for the build was about $30. Got a good deal on the wheels at a yard sale, then just 1 1/4" sch40 PVC (and necessary fittings), 3/8" allthread (for the axle), some fender washers and nylock nuts, primer and glue. The cart without the kayak, obviously. The tripod leg helps with loading and stability. Now I just need to rig a harness for Jake to pull it...haha This shot gives you an idea of how the kayak rides on the cart. When towed, the tripod leg is out of the way and shouldn't catch on anything. I'm thinking about removing it, drilling holes, and using a bolt and wingnut so I could take it off if need be. The cap in the middle of the 4-way fitting was a consequence of the original design. Easier to just cut it and cap it than rebuild the whole second level. Well, maybe this will help someone out. Things that could make this better: 1) High flotation (wide) tires for soft sand. Down here in Corpus Christi the sand is pretty hardpacked and I got a swingin' deal on these so it really made no difference. 2) Use the wingnut and bolt idea for the whole cart, so it can be disassembled and stowed inside your yak if needed. If I did this, I'd only make it two levels. Three levels was kinda overkill, but all loaded down my OK Big Game weighs a ton...

04-27-2009, 11:09 PM	#2
Private Pilot Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Gulf Breeze Posts: 1,068	RE: PVC Yak Cart Great idea. Thanks for sharing!

04-27-2009, 11:16 PM	#3
Linda Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Panama City Beach Posts: 1,458	RE: PVC Yak Cart I like it! Wish I was handy & could make something like that, I once made a bird perch out of pvc - what a disaster! __________________ www.pckfa.com www.captlinda.com

05-01-2009, 12:47 PM	#4
SheYakFishr Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Milton, FL... or somewhere fishing on my yak...... Posts: 1,614	RE: PVC Yak Cart That's a great idea!! Thanks for sharing. :clapI bought a Hobie brand... with the smaller rolleez wheels and it works great. :letsdrink

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