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How to Build Your Own Canoe & Kayak Cart

How to Build Your Own Canoe & Kayak Cart

Kayak image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com

Every Saturday morning, as you struggle with carrying your canoe or kayak, you pass by that old milk crate just sitting there on the ground. But this week is different, a light bulb illuminates above your head and you suddenly know what you will use that old milk crate for. No longer will your back ache and the air become filled with leftover expletives. You will make a milk crate cart suitable for loading a canoe or kayak and rejoice!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Milk crate
  • Drill with 3/4- and 1/8-inch drill bits
  • 1-inch PVC pipe caps
  • 1/2-inch metal rod
  • 1/2-inch fender washers
  • Wheels
  • Retaining clips
  • Saw
  • Pipe wrap
Step 1
Place a plastic milk crate on a sturdy work surface. Attach a 3/4-inch drill bit to a battery or electric drill. Locate the wide strip of plastic that runs along the bottom edge of the crate. Drill a hole in the center of the plastic strip and repeat for the opposite side.
Step 2
Place the PVC end caps on a work surface and drill a 3/4 inch hole through the center of the closed end of the caps. These will be used for wheel spacers during assembly.
Step 3
Insert a 1/8 inch bit into the drill. Locate a point about one inch from the end of a 1/2 inch diameter metal rod and drill a hole through the rod. Repeat the process for the opposite end of the rod. This will be the axle for the canoe and kayak cart.
Step 4
Slide the 1/2 inch rod through the holes drilled in the strip along the bottom of the milk crate. Place a PVC cap on both rod ends with the sold cap facing out. Slide the caps up against the milk crate.
Step 5
Place a 1/2 inch fender washer next to the end caps. Install the pneumatic wheels onto the metal rod and place another 1/2 inch fender washer on the outside of both wheels. Secure the wheel assembly by inserting retaining clips into the holes that were drilled into the metal rod.
Step 6
Cut V shapes above the handles of the milk crate. The V will be cut down from the top edge to the hand holds molded in the crate. Place foam pipe tape along the edge of the milk crate and down into the V cut. The bottom of the kayak will rest in the V and the foam will provide support and prevent damage.

Tips & Warnings

 
Use a ratchet tie down to secure the canoe or kayak to the cart.

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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