C-Tug Kayak Cart

[MetroMan]

Mytmouse, foursteps and I have been eyeing kayak carts. I know for sure I'm gonna need one when it comes to hauling the heavy ass battery. Over at Easton Cycle, Foursteps and I saw the C-Tug kayak cart on display over there. Looked pretty good...but at $159, we shunned away from it.

Last week we noticed a guy on e-bay that has been selling them for cheap. We each ordered one. Mine is expected to arrive on Monday.

http://cgi.ebay.com/C-Tug-Kayak-Doll...item4156bc670a

I don't know how many he has, but he always seems to list one after one has been sold. He originally offered a "Buy It Now" for $90 or so. But since we bought 3 of them up rather quickly, it looks like he's letting the auctions play out now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0ijJCIuXyM

[mmanolis2001]

I have been looking at that trolley for a while. I was worried about the plastic construction. I would love to hear your review of it when you get a chance to use it. That cart might work well for me.

[Tucked In]

Probally got a good deal because C-Tug redesigned it for 2011, so must dealers are trying to get rid of the older model. Not sure what or how much they did to the new one coming out.

[MetroMan]

Based on reviews I've read, I would bet that the modifications (if any) for a new model would address the tires. Some people had issues with the inner tubes. They also offer an optional set of hard plastic wheels. I'll be sure to let you guys know how it works out.

[DOGFISH]

I was going to mention the tires. Although, that was quite a price drop, deal. I like the fat baloon type tires for going over sandy beaches. Those smaller tires are ok for hard surfaces, but difficult in sand. Even though I have a trailer, I may have to get one of the fat baloon tire type for sand. Launching through the surf in Florida may be a problem trying to use the trailer as a dolly. I have always tried to shy away from the cradle type of dollys, as they tend to slip, or slide to the rear, especially in sand. I kind of like the one with the poles into the scupper holes. Just use one strap, and they won't slide back. Just my opinion.

MYT had the best dolly, his has an engine.

[Memory Maker]

Guys ......... build your own ......... it's simple and cost @ $50 or less and virtually indestructable .......... mine is built out of pvc and My hobie fully loaded doesn'r phase it in the least ..........

I'll post pictures of it when I get back if you want ......... shoot if you're going to spend $80 then give it to me and I'll build you one .........

This one's similar to mine except I used heavier PVC ........

http://kayakshops.com/noyo_pacific/kayak_cart.htm

[mytmouse]

I was going to mention the tires. Although, that was quite a price drop, deal. I like the fat baloon type tires for going over sandy beaches. Those smaller tires are ok for hard surfaces, but difficult in sand. Even though I have a trailer, I may have to get one of the fat baloon tire type for sand. Launching through the surf in Florida may be a problem trying to use the trailer as a dolly. I have always tried to shy away from the cradle type of dollys, as they tend to slip, or slide to the rear, especially in sand. I kind of like the one with the poles into the scupper holes. Just use one strap, and they won't slide back. Just my opinion.

MYT had the best dolly, his has an engine.

How did I know this was coming...lol!!! I'm not sure on the changes for 2011... BUT I do see they now offer a plastic wheel in lieu of the rubber wheel which will work better in sand. Before buying I definitely thought about the wheels. Since I have had my yak, I have launched from a sandy location all of 3 times... Jonas Green and at the meet and greet in Delaware. I can live with Jonas Green... so I'm not too concerned with the wheels. It was a late Christmas gift from the wife so if I don't mind too much if it doesn't work that great...lmao! But I think its gonna work out fine.

MYT

[Memory Maker]

here it is ....... found one like mine. mine doesn't have joints in the center and is made of heavier pvc

[mytmouse]

I tried to make one... it didn't come out like I wanted...LOL. So I threw it to the wayside...

MYT

[Memory Maker]

mine came out great ...... can show you how to do that too

[DOGFISH]

MYT: For most beaches around this area, which are basically short sand strips, those wheels should be fine. I was talking more about wide sandy beaches, like some ocean beaches.

[Grady-Black]

With all these Babies you guys are making I'm sure somebody has a old Bigwheel laying around!



GB

[jffoley]

I'll show you mine since some of you guys showed yours...

The plan I used: http://oakpwrd.tripod.com/kayakcart.html

The wheels: http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...catname=wheels

Plastic hubs. No worries about corrosion.

And the result below. You'll notice the axle extends way beyond the wheel. I read on someones blog somewhere to leave it. In the event of tough terrain you can lift it. Haven't had to use it that way but made sense.

[mmanolis2001]

Those look great Grady, Memory and Jffoley. I need a cart that i can move to the rear of the kayak to assist in loading it on my roof rack. I tried to load the Kayak today without the cart and it was a pain. With the cart at the rear of the Yak i can use it as a stable pivot point and lift the nose onto the load bar. With a cart like these I can slide it to the center to make transport easier and place it on the rear of the Yak to load. I cant do this with a scupper cart.

Do you have any issues with the trolley sliding to the rear while in transport? I was thinking of using some ratcheting tie-down straps instead of plastic buckles to make snugging up the cart or moving it back easier.

I think i will use ideas from these examples and come up with a cart.

Jffoley,
Did you get a chance to use those wheels on loose gravel or sand? If so how did they work.

[jffoley]

Do you have any issues with the trolley sliding to the rear while in transport?

I was thinking of using some ratcheting tie-down straps...

Jffoley,
Did you get a chance to use those wheels on loose gravel or sand? If so how did they work.

Yes, I did. At the October M&G at CHSP there was a fair distance of loose sand. Worked fine.

No problem with it sliding. I use the same cam buckle tie down straps that I use to secure the kayak to the roof rack. Under the cart, up and around the yak. Nice and snug. It did shift to the side a bit but didn't come loose. Some guys add large SS "O" rings secured by hose clamps to the cart as tie down points. I plan to experiment with that.