Talking About Adventure In Small Boats
ScannonWasSeaman
Member
I am looking for a cart for my Kruger. I have this from Toby "Whitecaps" Nipper a couple of years ago but the link is dead.
"http://secretdepot.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8&idcategory=7 This is the cart I use. Mark, Dawn, Bob, Stan, Dave, and a few others use it. Mark has done the 40 mile portage three times, Dawns twice, and mine once. I have hauled my boat many miles in Michigan with mine. Dave uses his weekly."
Any idea if this is still made suggestions? Other suggestions?
JoeWildlife
Member
Not sure what cart is in your link.
There are several considerations. How will it do on rough ground? Are the tires solid or can they get a flat? Does it have bearings or bushings? Will it rust, especially the bearings? Can you pack it down small to fit in your boat? (yeah, not a problem in a Kruger I know). Are the axles strong enough over the long haul?
I do know this cart has made a few 40 mile UF portages, at least one time under a Kruger or Superior Expedition, and under a kayak. I made a cart in anticipation of doing the UF, but thought the better of both my cart and of doing the UF!
The paddlecart has tubes in the tires and they can go flat. However, you can get a permanent foam installed at some tire shops to do away with that possibility--it is done on lawn equipment all the time. The paddlecart also has bearings and you can easily carry a spare set if you want. All that said, I was going to go with a paddlecart if I was going the do the UF in my Clipper Sea 1, a boat similar in size and weight to a Kruger Sea Wind. My 2 cents.
Currently I use a Malone Clipper for the normal cart duties but it wouldn't be up for a 40 mile portage. I do use it to get from the SUV to the beach, and at Flamingo, and it works fine for that kind of thing.
http://www.maloneautoracks.com/canoe-kayak-carts.php
Joe
I think the Toby is referring to is this one (or similar...)
http://www.amazon.com/Seattle-Sports-061105-ATC-Cart/dp/B003CRNYTC
I haul my SeaWind around on a Paddleboy Heavy Lifter, but some google searching is not finding any results...
MicroTom
Key Master
I use a PaddleCart from http://www.paddlecart.com/. Its not perfect but its a good fit for a Kruger canoe. Especially if you are going to do any long distance portages.
I can tell you that mine did awesome pulled behind a bike for 40 miles during the UFC. I averaged speeds around 7 - 8 mph and topped out around 14 mph. No issues with tires or bearings. It also did just fine on the 1/4 mile portage at Big Shoals on the Suwanee River. One major feature of the Paddle Cart is that it breaks down into stowable parts. Very handy when your on an expedition style trip.
Things I would watch out for:
1. You will need tie down straps
2. The support bars are in line with the boat. I highly recommend add flat webing front and back to support the boat. On thinner hulls they have the ability to get crushed inside the cart if you don't.
3. The bearing carriers are not sealed. Lubricate them appropriatly. Don't let them get wet with saltwater and then dry out.
4. Don't overload the boat on the trailer with a 100+ lbs of gear or you risk bending the axles. I did it going down a curb. Any bigger bumps overloaded can be risky.
5. Put puncture liners inside the tires if you go anywhere with sand spurs or other hazards.
6. Carry spare tubes, tire repair kit and pump. Know how to use them before you go.
7. A 4 foot section of broom stick inserted into the frame makes a great kick stand. Its much easier to load a boat onto the cart solo when you use one.
whitecaps
Member
Paddle Boy Heavy Liftter is the cart I was refering too.
I either own or have been around all the other ones mentioned in this post. I will still use my Heavy lifter all the time. May no longer be made?
The one Ben posted is nice, would not last me in salt water so I have never owened one but have seen them in use. Nice, just too big and would rust away in my world.
toby
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