| Author |
Topic |
32 Posts |
|
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
253 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 4:19 PM
|
| This might not be much help but the best canoe/kayak portage cart I've ever seen was a home made deal using one axle attached to a stripped down kid's bike trailer and using mountain bike wheels. It was awesome. |
|
|
3022 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 10:31 PM
|
That's the one I have, generally okay, give it only a 4 out of ten.
Why? the tires are made of some synthetic stuff which after 16 months still reeks so bad I must store it outside far from my windows, and when portaging it can be a bi*^h to sniff as you travel, and around camp what a reek.
PLUS the air valve is impossible to access with a compact bike pump or any regular pump, got to use needle nosed pliers to pry it out and find a narrow valve fit.
AND the rim hole/frame pipe is an off size non-standard that will not allow a simple switch-over to a good quality set of steel tough dolly wheels with bearings in it.
Dread the potential for a flat on a rough trail kms from anywhere fully loaded down.
Changed my mind, I give it a three out of ten, only hanging on to it cause its all I got at this moment. When I bought it it had a brand name that matched a superb Bike carrier.
Save your money, go to the store tell them what's what and boycott the cheap chinese junk.
Or get an adapter made to accomodate a switch to true dolly wheels, and ask for 50 percent off the shelf price.
|
|
|
Vancouver
1820 Posts |
|
Poco, BC
Canada
405 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2012 : 10:56 AM
|
I took the mec tuff cart on the Powell lake canoe circuit, with a kayak. I do not recommend this, this path is great for portaging a canoe, not a kayak.
The cart held up over roots, rocks and bridges. The strapping kept the heavily loaded kayak secured the whole time, even when it tipped over, which it did a lot (because of the trail). It navigates well and is easy to maneuver. The tires are great and I haven't had a problem with smell.
My only complaint about this cart is the axle. One trip and axle was 40%worn through. I did have a lot of weight on it, but I figured it would last longer than one trip. Replacement part from the manufacturer was $60 after shipping. Now I need to figure something out before my bowron lakes tour... Not gonna carry my stuff the hard way if it breaks on trail. |
|
|
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
253 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2012 : 12:10 PM
|
quote:
Now I need to figure something out before my bowron lakes tour... Not gonna carry my stuff the hard way if it breaks on trail.
You may or may not already know this but the lodge at Bowron can rent you a very solid one for something cheap like $10-15. |
|
|
Poco, BC
Canada
405 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2012 : 9:56 PM
|
| Good to know, release. Thanks for the info. |
|
|
3022 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 11:54 AM
|
| Canadian Tire has a sale on right now, 75 dollars for a collapsible kayak unit that appears to use spoked rims/wheels. |
|
|
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
253 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 12:50 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by gdichasaz
Good to know, release. Thanks for the info.
no problem, just to elaborate a little in case you want to go that route the lodge has tons of them; we went during the end of July, very popular time to go, but even with the maximum amount of groups on the circuit they still had maybe 20 or so to rent. Also that price is a 1-time thing for your whole trip, whether it's 2 days or 10. |
|
|
1448 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 8:27 PM
|
The first question would be type of boat, kevlar,fiberglass or poly, next would be hull design.
Personally the MEC wheeleez shape and design did not fit my hull correctly. Which required a great deal of strap tightness to keep my rig in place. I personally didn't like the small rounded insulators or buoys. Which caused excessive stress in the small areas it touched the hull.
quote:
Originally posted by JessieG
I currently have this as my kayak cart:
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Paddling/CarRacksCarts/PRD~5018-932/wheeleez-tuff-tire-canoekayak-cart.jsp
It's fine for smooth terrain, but not worth a d@mn over larger roots and rocks. I may modify it by putting a larger wheel/tire combo on it, if I can find them with hubs 70 mm wide.
My other option is to sell this one, and buy something better. Anyone here have any suggestions?
Well if you purchased it from MEC then return it Glen as my cart did the exact same thing. And this was on the bowron circuit. Its a obvious defect in the design or its only made for empty carts.
quote:
Originally posted by gdichasaz
I took the mec tuff cart on the Powell lake canoe circuit, with a kayak. I do not recommend this, this path is great for portaging a canoe, not a kayak.
The cart held up over roots, rocks and bridges. The strapping kept the heavily loaded kayak secured the whole time, even when it tipped over, which it did a lot (because of the trail). It navigates well and is easy to maneuver. The tires are great and I haven't had a problem with smell.
My only complaint about this cart is the axle. One trip and axle was 40%worn through. I did have a lot of weight on it, but I figured it would last longer than one trip. Replacement part from the manufacturer was $60 after shipping. Now I need to figure something out before my bowron lakes tour... Not gonna carry my stuff the hard way if it breaks on trail.
 |
Edited by - camshaft on 05/27/2012 8:47 PM |
|
|
1448 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 8:40 PM
|
i would recommend checking this forum on westcoastpadder or search WCP or found this web page. http://paddlecart.com/
http://www.westcoastpaddler.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3786
Hi release
The only carts i saw on Bowron where huge ugly monster carts. But possibly other are avaliable that I didn't see.
One rental place listed this but 40 dollars ?
http://www.beckerslodge.ca/EquipmentRates.html
quote:
Canoe-kayak carts 16" with foldable or fixed 2" wide wheels - 3 styles
$40
quote:
Originally posted by Release
quote:
Now I need to figure something out before my bowron lakes tour... Not gonna carry my stuff the hard way if it breaks on trail.
You may or may not already know this but the lodge at Bowron can rent you a very solid one for something cheap like $10-15.
|
Edited by - camshaft on 05/27/2012 8:49 PM |
|
|
North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1606 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 10:31 PM
|
We rented a canoe and cart from the Bear River Mercantile.
http://www.bowronlake.com/Rentals.htm
It was heavy duty (and large) and that was useful because some of the trails were quite rough. I've attached a picture of it (inside the canoe, not while portaging.)
It looks like it is $40 for 10 days and that it is the Expedition 16 Cart.
More info on that cart can be found here:
http://www.clippercanoes.com/canoe_transport.php
It's not cheap to buy.
 |
Edited by - Steventy on 05/27/2012 10:31 PM |
|
|
1448 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 08:32 AM
|
well for 269 and huge it would be pretty easy to fab that up from metal. Just the tires would be a issue to source.
This cart is tough, durable, corrosion and UV resistant. It collapses down to easily store in a canoe. Wheels are 16"x4" with polyethylene rims. Wheels are large enough to roll over large rocks and roots. Tube type tires will not roll off the rim if pressure is reduced for soft terrain. Large pad surface distributes load to protect the canoe bottom. Weight: 21 lbs. Capacity: 350 lbs.
MSRP: $269.00 CND
Lots of people said the ctug was great but being plastic possibly empty boats.
says 300lbs
quote:
Original – Unbreakable – Envied
This Kiwi made C-Tug kayak cart / canoe dolly is setting new standards with its sophisticated style and precision design. C-Tug is the most versatile & durable cart on the market. It carries 300 lbs, dismantles for easy stowing, won’t rust and comes with a 5 year warranty.
quote:
Originally posted by Steventy
We rented a canoe and cart from the Bear River Mercantile.
http://www.bowronlake.com/Rentals.htm
It was heavy duty (and large) and that was useful because some of the trails were quite rough. I've attached a picture of it (inside the canoe, not while portaging.)
It looks like it is $40 for 10 days and that it is the Expedition 16 Cart.
More info on that cart can be found here:
http://www.clippercanoes.com/canoe_transport.php
It's not cheap to buy.
|
|
|
Hope, BC
Canada
7098 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 08:41 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
Just the tires would be a issue to source.
$12.99 starting price at Princess Auto, lots of different sizes to choose from. |
|
|
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
253 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 08:45 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
Hi release
The only carts i saw on Bowron where huge ugly monster carts. But possibly other are avaliable that I didn't see.
Yep those are the carts I'm talking about. They really weren't that bad and they climbed over rutted terrain really easily, and fit into the canoe well. But $40?! Sheesh. Admittedly I don't quite remember exactly what we paid (in 2010) but it was =<$20 and they didn't care when we returned it. $40 obviously would be a major price increase. I will say though, monsters though they were they handled a canoe with 40lbs cargo like a breeze, I know they look like they'd handle like a shopping cart but that wasn't our experience. Terrain didn't matter they ran smooth and the wheels were great. Also it wasn't nearly as clumsy getting them into and out of the canoe as I initially thought they would be when I first looked at them. Monsters yes, but solid and maneuverable all the same.
But man at $40 I don't know if I would rent them again, that's a pretty good argument just to buy your own. Thanks for linking that.
I think next time I'll just buy a used child carrier and try to copy the design of the one I saw someone else using (they made it themselves), you can use mountain bike wheels with them if you plan it right.
Whatever one chooses I would really recommend large wheels. Bowron trails weren't that bad at all (I mean compared to back country hiking trails or something) but the larger wheel really made rolling over terrain much easier. The ones you posted above look nice but many of the ruts and pot holes were as large as those wheels. |
Edited by - Release on 05/28/2012 08:53 AM |
|
|
3022 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 09:32 AM
|
| My friend had a very durable dolly fabricated for his heavy Dorry at a reasonable price using a shaft of polished steel and wheelbarrow tires and custom bending of the frame. Went over very rough sharp access routes like a breeze. |
|
|
1448 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 2:00 PM
|
Yes AcesH
Most of the wheels at PAuto are open bearing style which do not handle water or dirt very well. So I can't recall if they can be taken apart and repacked every season.
I did make my own based on WCPaddler design using open bearing style from Pauto.
http://www.westcoastpaddler.com/building/displayimage.php?album=2&pos=0
Pauto wheels, silver one its hard to see the bearing, but red one clearly see the unsealed bearing.
quote:
Originally posted by AcesHigh
quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
Just the tires would be a issue to source.
$12.99 starting price at Princess Auto, lots of different sizes to choose from.
|
|
|
1448 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 2:11 PM
|
thanks release:
You are totally right larger cart with larger tires makes the trail easier to navigate.
For a Canoe a huge cart isn't much of a problem as you can drop it inside and put items around it or on it etc.
As JessieG orginal topic Kayak cart, having a huge cart is a pain for a kayak. Large tires and design are great for the trail but are a issue on water. Your options are limited as to where you can store a huge cart rig. Strapping it upside down to the aft of the kayak works but makes the boat top heavy. Which isn't a huge issue depending on what type of water your paddling.
quote:
Originally posted by Release
quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
Hi release
The only carts i saw on Bowron where huge ugly monster carts. But possibly other are avaliable that I didn't see.
Yep those are the carts I'm talking about. They really weren't that bad and they climbed over rutted terrain really easily, and fit into the canoe well. But $40?! Sheesh. Admittedly I don't quite remember exactly what we paid (in 2010) but it was =<$20 and they didn't care when we returned it. $40 obviously would be a major price increase. I will say though, monsters though they were they handled a canoe with 40lbs cargo like a breeze, I know they look like they'd handle like a shopping cart but that wasn't our experience. Terrain didn't matter they ran smooth and the wheels were great. Also it wasn't nearly as clumsy getting them into and out of the canoe as I initially thought they would be when I first looked at them. Monsters yes, but solid and maneuverable all the same.
But man at $40 I don't know if I would rent them again, that's a pretty good argument just to buy your own. Thanks for linking that.
I think next time I'll just buy a used child carrier and try to copy the design of the one I saw someone else using (they made it themselves), you can use mountain bike wheels with them if you plan it right.
Whatever one chooses I would really recommend large wheels. Bowron trails weren't that bad at all (I mean compared to back country hiking trails or something) but the larger wheel really made rolling over terrain much easier. The ones you posted above look nice but many of the ruts and pot holes were as large as those wheels.
|
|
|
32 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 3:10 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
You are totally right larger cart with larger tires makes the trail easier to navigate.
For a Canoe a huge cart isn't much of a problem as you can drop it inside and put items around it or on it etc.
As JessieG orginal topic Kayak cart, having a huge cart is a pain for a kayak. Large tires and design are great for the trail but are a issue on water. Your options are limited as to where you can store a huge cart rig. Strapping it upside down to the aft of the kayak works but makes the boat top heavy. Which isn't a huge issue depending on what type of water your paddling.
True, but it is an inconvenience that I'm willing to put up with if it allows me to paddle a few canoe routes in my area that have very rough portages 1 to 2 kms long. I can't imagine how else I would ever do those without a cart with good sized wheels. I personally would put mountain bike tires on (24 or 26"), if I could. Or 29'ers - apparently they roll over anything, if you believe the ads. :)
The Swedish cart looks promising, as does the Expedition Canoe Cart. Thanks, everyone, for the information.
quote:
PLUS the air valve is impossible to access with a compact bike pump or any regular pump, got to use needle nosed pliers to pry it out and find a narrow valve fit.
AND the rim hole/frame pipe is an off size non-standard that will not allow a simple switch-over to a good quality set of steel tough dolly wheels with bearings in it.
Dread the potential for a flat on a rough trail kms from anywhere fully loaded down.
Very true, cambium. I inflate mine with CO2 cylinders with the gizmo for bike tires - they are the only thing I have found that will fit. The new model has flatproof tires (foam core, I think), which they probably switched to after many complaints.
Anyways, I'm probably going to have to sell my cart, and buy a new one. I don't think it will be a good chassis for modification - the axle stubs (70 mm) are too short for a decent wheel.
Thanks, everyone.
PS: I didn't buy the cart at MEC, but it is the same model. I got it at another local store that isn't quite so keen on customer service, and not so good with returns.
|
Edited by - JessieG on 05/28/2012 3:11 PM |
|
|
1448 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2012 : 9:22 PM
|
We all learn the hard way, but when spending 100 bucks for something made in china. Its nice to have a backup plan.
quote:
Originally posted by JessieG
quote:
PS: I didn't buy the cart at MEC, but it is the same model. I got it at another local store that isn't quite so keen on customer service, and not so good with returns.
Well I have used your exact same cart to do Bowron Solo and it worked. Plus used this guy to cart my boat to cheakamus lake. And that trail is FAR from a normal portage route
quote:
True, but it is an inconvenience that I'm willing to put up with if it allows me to paddle a few canoe routes in my area that have very rough portages 1 to 2 kms long. I can't imagine how else I would ever do those without a cart with good sized wheels. I personally would put mountain bike tires on (24 or 26"), if I could. Or 29'ers - apparently they roll over anything, if you believe the ads. :)
The Swedish cart looks promising, as does the Expedition Canoe Cart. Thanks, everyone, for the information.
Again it all boils down to what kind of paddling your doing between portages. If the water is calm then strapping a huge cart on the back does the job. I cring to think of strapping a huge weight to the top of a kayak and paddling rough water. |
|
|
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Canada
112 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2012 : 4:50 PM
|
Try these guy's for one:
www.sasquatchfabrications.com
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
kayak cart for portaging over rough terrain?
