kayak wheels
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Tractor Tom
Contributor
First of all, we need to understand that Kayaks DON'T HAVE WHEELS. A kayak is a BOAT (just kidding).
I built a sea kayak a few years ago and was taking it out to the outer banks on vacation and didn't want to lug it across 100 yards of sand to get to the water, so I built a set of wheels for it from the rear wheels of a kids "Big Wheel" trike. Those little trikes usually wear out the front wheel, or break at the forks, and the rear wheels are fine. Took the Rear wheels from a broken one, along with the axle and caps that hold the wheels on. Then I bent a couple pieces of scrap aluminum conduit to bow shapes to make the rack the boat sat in. A couple pieces of rope to attach the boat, and I was in business.
Used it ONCE.
I built a sea kayak a few years ago and was taking it out to the outer banks on vacation and didn't want to lug it across 100 yards of sand to get to the water, so I built a set of wheels for it from the rear wheels of a kids "Big Wheel" trike. Those little trikes usually wear out the front wheel, or break at the forks, and the rear wheels are fine. Took the Rear wheels from a broken one, along with the axle and caps that hold the wheels on. Then I bent a couple pieces of scrap aluminum conduit to bow shapes to make the rack the boat sat in. A couple pieces of rope to attach the boat, and I was in business.
Used it ONCE.
Well, as you note, there are many varieties. In general, there are two categories - the ones with hard rubber tires and the ones with inflateable tires. I've used the ones with hard rubber tires, but only because I was only going over pavement and wanted to be able to stow them in the hold (they are smaller). As you may have already surmised, you definately need the inflateable tire ones. I've seen some nice ones at REI (rei.com). Most of the ones in this category go for between $90 and $130. Since you have a plastic kayak, I would pay attention to the parts that are going to come in contact with your kayak. Maybe avoid ones that look like they would putting alot of pressure against your kayak with a metal bar (you don't want to dent your nice kayak).
Ontario Diver
Guest
always found it easier to just portage the durn thing....
sailnj
Guest
If it was just a beach then the commercially available wheels would work fine, but if your talking rough trails definately just portage it. If you have a buddy then it shouldn't be a problem even for two kayaks. Strap on the gear and use the lanyards on each end to carry it.
Ontario Diver
Guest
Hmmm....
Growing up in Northern Ontario ... and I won't mention Grummond Canoes. My current canoe weighs in at 67lbs (ABS and kevlar skid plates). I've humped it over a 3km rock trail while carrying an 80lb pack.
The portage was too painful to do twice.....
BTW, this is not recommended. do it twice and enjoy the scenary.
Wheels would not have helped.
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