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DIY Kayak Cart

DIY Kayak Cart

kayak on the beach image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com

Moving a kayak from storage to a vehicle or from your vehicle to the water can be challenging. Smaller framed paddlers in particular may have difficulty maneuvering a kayak over a distance. Using a kayak cart makes it easier to move and position your boat with a minimal amount of stress. By using a few easily assembled parts, it is possible for most kayak owners to assemble a cart in a short period of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Milk crate
  • Permanent marker
  • Drill
  • 3/4- and 1/8-inch drill bits
  • 1-inch PVC pipe caps
  • 1/2-inch metal rod
  • 1/2-inch washers
  • Pneumatic wheels
  • Retaining clips
  • Saw
  • Foam pipe wrap
Step 1
Place the milk crate on a sturdy work surface. Look along the lower edge of the crate, and locate the wide support strip. Mark the center point on the strip with a permanent marker, and repeat for the opposite side of the crate.
Step 2
Insert a 3/4-inch drill bit into the drill chuck and tighten. Drill a hole at the marked point on both sides of the milk crate. Use the same drill setup to drill a hole in the center of two PVC pipe caps.
Step 3
Locate on a 1/2-inch metal rod a point about 1 inch from each end. Mark these with a permanent marker. Replace the 3/4-inch bit in the drill with a 1/8-inch bit. Drill through the metal rod at both marked points.
Step 4
Slide the rod through the drilled holes in the milk crate. Install the PVC caps on the rod by sliding them, open side in, next to the milk crate.
Step 5
Position a 1/2-inch washer next to both end caps and install the pneumatic wheels. Place another 1/2-inch washer on the outside of each wheel, and secure each with a retaining clip using the hole in each end of the metal rod.
Step 6
Cut a V shape in the top of the milk crate. Use a saw to make a V cut in the milk crate sides where the wheels are not mounted. Use the handholds as part of the cutout. Make angled cuts down to the sides of the handholds. Place foam pipe wrap along the top edge and V-shape cutout to cushion the kayak.

Tips & Warnings

 
Place the kayak on the cart so that the keel rests in the V-shape cutout.
 
Secure the kayak with a ratchet strap.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Write for Trails.com

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