Loading Kayak onto Cart

[Baldzilla 2.0]

OK Guys, so I bought Josh Kapturs Hobie and I built a cart (the type where the pvc goes up through the scuppers). So I go to put it on the cart and realize, I have no idea how the heck to get this heavy Kayak onto the cart and realize how hard it is...

does anyone have any hints for how to do this easily?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

[Ware Fisher]

I have a Hobie Revolution and agree that it's too heavy to hold up & fit PVC uprights into the scupper holes. I built a PVC cart that I place the back of the kayak on (under the tankwell area) and run straps over the top. Has large wheels and works fine. Sorry no pics right now but I can take some when I get home. I didn't want to build the type with the uprights in the scupper holes because I thought it might put too much stress on that area.

What's the unit patch?

[jffoley]

I'm a newbie kayaker and have been exploring all the ins and outs. I recently picked up my first fishing kayak (Ocean Kayak Drifter) with the intent to really get into it this year. (I got hooked during a December vacation me and the missus took to Costa Rica. Awesome!)

On this cart question I've seen a whole bunch of ways to do it but I spotted this on Youtube and thought it looks quite useful. Simple yet versatile. Hope it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGSXOoHBpIk&feature=related

John

[Baldzilla 2.0]

Thanks guys, John I'll check out the video. I found somewhere they said roll the yak on the side and slip it in...I'll see how that works too.

Ware Fisher, it's actually not a unit patch, it's an old San Diego Chargers logo, but funny now that you mention it, it does look like one! My patch didn't look like that, I'm a Navy guy!!
Mark

[Friday]

Mark,
I have seen people put the kart while holding kayaks on the side. Then rolled the kayaks back upright. But it can be too stressful to Hobie and the kart. This is my homework for now.


Joe

[Tom Powers]

You could also give up on the scupper holes. Here is the type of cart I use on kayaks, small sail boats and row boats.

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=26870&d=1213575539

[Baldzilla 2.0]

Thanks Joe and Tom, that may be the way to go...I'll look at making one of those,
Thanks
Mark

[Tom Powers]

I have plans somewhere. Drop me a bmail with your email address and I will sent them to you. The used to be on a web site belonging to one of the tidal fish kayak regulars but I can't find it anymore. T

[BBCroaker]

Hey Tom ! looks like your taking your yak for a walk!:))
does it heel?:yes:

[ictalurus]

I've been turning my Outback on its side, inserting the cart, and carefully flipping the yak back over while supporting most of its weight until the wheels are squarely on the ground. I've been doing this for years without a problem, but my cart isn't PVC and my armspan lets me flip my kayak over pretty easily. If you have a pickup, you can put the cart in while the yak is still on the bed, use a bungee to keep it attached to the yak, then lower the yak to the ground.

In the water, I hop out in knee-deep water which is usually deep enough for me to insert the cart underneath the boat. The air in the wheels keeps the cart pinned to the boat until the wheels touch bottom and start rolling.

I prefer the scupper cart to the type that cradle the hull because I could never get the cradle types to strap securely to my sit on top-type hulls, and I've not been very successfully putting the kayak on it squarely. That might just be me.

Hope that helps.

[Friday]

Mark,
If you are making another cart and you are using a milk crate, look at this video. I will make it if I use a milk crate because I can put the weels in the front hatch. Sometimes I didn't want to go back to the vehicle to bring back the cart. If I make it, I will use longer weel shaft to put two weels on each side to 1) go over sand easily and 2) prevent the kary form tipping over on the bumpy path/slope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGSXOoHBpIk

Joe

[Ware Fisher]

This is the cart I built for my Hobie Revolution using some wheels from an old garden cart and one inch PVC. The major drawback is the large size and subsequent lack of portability. This isn't a cart you would break down and transport in your kayak's forward hatch. It works for me to go from the house to the dock. I'll come up with another design when I travel with the kayak.

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp265/warefisher/Kayak/100_0373.jpg

[Baldzilla 2.0]

Thanks to alll of you ictalurus , Friday, Tom, Ware Fisher and I hope I thanked everyone else. My goal with the scupper hole cart was to stick it upside down in the yak when fishing, but I like these other ideas a lot too. Still have yet to take my first trip, as a noob I dont want to risk the cold weather but it looks like I'll bust my cherry this weekend! Without a cart yet, but nonetheless I'll be on the water!
Mark

[JoshKaptur]

Mark - glad to hear you will be getting out soon. My cart that came with the yak went in the scuppers but was made of aluminum (I think). As you know, the cheap PVC wheels that came with that one broke.

I always did it by tipping the yak on it's side, inserting the cart, and then righting it so it was resting on the wheels. Then I would load the yak with mirage drive (fins against the hull) and tankwell stuff (crate, rods, tackle, etc).

Then simply drag it into a foot or so of water, reach under and remove the cart, and put it in the tankwell.

[surfnsam]

i've rolled my kayaks on their sides for year with no problems, kind of a pain when coming in and loaded so put the wheels in the scuppers while in the water much easier