Canoe/Kayak Cart. BIG WHEELS. All Terrain. Strong. DIY. Affordable

[@keithlentz2413]

I've broke three carts so far,a malone type,a c-tug and a pvc DYI one.None of them held up on steep rocky ground and long hauls,even though my kayak is under 100 lbs loaded.I agree the hard to get to spots are where the best fishing is and I have the most fun.This is the only video that addresses my situation,thanks for the info.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thank you for the kind words! I hope everything works out well for you. Let me know if you make any modifications to increase the carts performance - always looking to learn and improve.

[@vickiretzlaff5009]

I have a small sailboat 11 ft long and 3'6" wide it is a Snark Sunflower 3.3. This might work. The sailboat weights 65lbs

[@richardherrington2852]

I will be building this cart. My wheels just arrived today. Looked at a lot of carts for sale on the Internet and none were as well built as your cart. The carts on the Internet were mostly fragile and expensive. Your cart will be easy to build and perfect for my 16 ft. Kevlar Mad River Canoe. Thank you so much for posting this video. U.S. Army, Ret. TX

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Sounds good. Enjoy the build!

[@dougroberts3643]

I read all the comments and there seems to be a lot of engineers out there telling you what you should've done differently. Screw them!! I like your build. Thanks for sharing this idea with us

[@RelentlessSportsman]

ha....I've had similar thoughts but refrained from saying anything about that. Most of those people do not follow my channel and saw this one random video only. My channel is for hunting and fishing, not building or teaching others to build. So when I make a 'building' video, I emphasize that it's for my purposes. One guy commented about how the axel isn't high enough for the terrain he walks through. Well.....for that guy, he just needs to put the axel higher lol...doesn't mean EVERYONE needs that same setup...common sense. Thanks for watching, Doug. Glad you appreciate the build. Take care!

[@kevinreilly7996]

Thanks for putting measurements and what you used in comments . So many people are posing projects and give you no measurements or supplies used thanks

[@kyleroyer9227]

I have a 96lbs kayak. I was very hesitant to build one out of pvc. I saw your video and decided I will be building mine like yours except in my case I will be fine with smaller wheels like off a dolly just because I already have them and will be using concrete or gravel slips, and don’t want to spend a lot. Appreciate your video man.

[@learrus]

I build boats on wagon things like this and can tell you those legs holding the axle will snap like twigs once you have a load in there and hit something like a curb or bump at a weird angle with enough force. Go gentle and straight flush with both wheels over things and throw in a cross brace or two

[@RelentlessSportsman]

You're probably right. However it still has yet to break.

[@learrus]

I suppose when I have caused my wagon like this to explode, I was running full speed with it loaded up when it hit the curb I was trying to hop, and blew up. So if anything you are showing me it works well if you dont do stupid things with it.

[@nicholasdeluca3580]

Really nice project and great presentation (without the typical BS like others). I changed a couple things. 1. Eyelets for bungee hooking. 2. Used rubber bungees, free on roadside. I think they stay better. (free) 3. Used an old broom stick handle for the kickstand. (free) 4. Someone suggested plastic sheet material for spoke covers, I cannibalized several plastic milk jugs for my spoke covers (free).

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thank you Yes! I'm glad you changed things to work better for you. I make videos so others can get ideas, not always copy exactly how I do things. I'm also glad to hear how you didn't spend money on this, at least by the sounds of it. Good work.

[@loriekaczmarek9788]

Hands down best build I've seen. I like the wood. It's cheap and easy to replace if something goes wrong. I know the wheels cost the most. Awesome video.

[@robertyoung9467]

Dude! Fist bump! You are the winner!

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thanks!! I'll be making a few mods in the future but it certainly works really well for what's needed. Appreciate you watching!

[@edwardwaldrup3427]

Awesome 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Nice cart thanks for sharing

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thanks. You're welcome!

[@dutoitvanvuuren2494]

Cheap and practical. Will definately give it a go.

[@scottmondak1444]

Thanks man, I have a 16ft canoe & this is the best design I have am come across, can't wait to get Rollin with it.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

You're welcome. I was tired of finding videos with tiny wheels that could go flat. I actually got this idea from when I had a portable chicken coop. I used the same idea. Anyway, I think this will work well for you. I haven't had any issues to date. Good luck out there!

[@epenaloza52]

How do you transport the 16ft canoe? I have a 10 ft kayak and I struggle to put it on top of my truck

[@frandrake983]

I would have liked to see a canoe attached to it as well but appreciate how you explained in detail the pieces and your video got right to the point!

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I will most likely put out another video, demonstrating the canoe on the cart - many people have mentioned that it would have been nice to see that.

[@frandrake983]

@@RelentlessSportsman appreciate your videos!

[@KD-NotWoke]

Very cool, I’m gonna use your idea and make a cart for packing my fishing gear over the uneven jetty rocks. Thanks.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

You're welcome. I hope it works well for you.

[@scottbrightman3662]

Well I finally built the frame of the caddy still waiting on wheels. Only thing I did differently I added bushings. I got some conduit pipe that would fit over the axle and also inserted into the 2 x 4. So the axle wouldn’t have any contacts with the wood. Also instead of using screws To secure the kickstand are used to lag bolts.

[@mattlewandowski73]

Two points of critique. 1: Most importantly. When building a portage cart, build for as low of a center of gravity as possible. In this example, it appears there is about 6 inches of clearance between the wheel and the hull. A lower center of gravity will be more stable on rugged terrain. at the other end of the spectrum, a board and bunks set at axle level with wheels spaced wider than the hull will offer the lowest center of gravity, but at a cost of sometimes being too low for portaging along rough trails. There are a number of designs that fall somewhere in between. This cart is just a bit too tall. 2: something that can be easily transported in the canoe with minimum space taken is desirable. This either means something where you can remove the wheels easily, or where the entire frame can fold or nest with the canoe. Your axles require tools to remove the wheels or leave a large bulky cart to ride in your canoe. using a smooth rod drilled to accept an R-Clip type cotter pin will at least allow the wheels to be flat packed. Additional thoughts: Based on personal experience pulling a deer out of the woods on a commercial game cart (same basic type of wheels), when building a cart, especially if it is for a canoe loaded with camping gear, consider making the acle a bit longer and mounting two pair of wheels. You can also take a couple sheets of rigid plastic and making spoke covers that zip tie on. This will keep branches from getting caught in the wheels. That said. An excellent video showing that a much better canoe cart than those sold commercially can be had for $50-100 with even basic tools.

[@canam2436]

I thought it was high as well, especially if you have a loaded heavy kayak . You gotta lift that sucker pretty high. I like his build, but I will put smaller wheels so it will be lower to the ground

[@johnabrshamsen8440]

You made some excellent points. Thank you!

[@jaaadanschannel5094]

I’m definitely going to build this one seen a lot but this one looks easy and fun to build

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Good to hear. I recommend building it to your height and width of your kayak/canoe. Have fun!

[@everperez8538]

Thanks for the video. I have the wheels already. My Kayak is heavy and need a heavy duty cart. Will definitely be using your design as a reference.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thanks for checking out the video! If you make any improvements/adjustments, please let me know.

[@arpoakua6404]

Awesome idea, very cheapest option

[@Nightstalkerusmc]

Great build!! Thanks for sharing

[@harrykirk7415]

In remote areas you can hide it in the woods, but it's a good feature to be able to haul it in the boat with you.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Stash in the woods - that's the plan. Thanks for watching.

[@danielwagner6290]

I bought a cart very similar to your cart but it all metal and it folds up even the wheels bit it costed me $185 w/ free shipping. If I were to build a cart like yours the only thing I would improve on is cutting angles on the inside bunks to follow a boats curve for a smuggler fit. I wouldn't like the corner of the wood digging into the bottom of my boat especially over rough terrain. In all a great design. I love the big wheeled carts. I wouldn't buy or build any other.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Good point. I literally used materials that I had on hand. It works for my needs, but I understand that it’s not ideal for everyone else. The idea of this video was to show others the cart so they could have a basic design, and then they could modify it for themselves if they choose.

[@richardherrington2852]

Thank you for sharing this information and for posting this video. My wheels have arrived and I am looking forward to building this cart. U.S. Army, (ret) TX

[@scottbrightman3662]

So I was looking for an axle that you were mentioned in the video. I honestly thought it was a smooth axle and upon closer examination it is a threaded rod. So I’ll be going out to the hardware store to get 5/8 threaded rod

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I should have been more clear about that in the video. I hope you enjoy the cart.

[@scottbrightman3662]

My cart still needs refining. I plan on putting on the bunks in old mouse pad. The reason I want to do that is because my car keeps on slipping off the kayak or vice versa. Plus, it’s a nice way to recycle old mousepads. I wish I could show you a picture.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

@@scottbrightman3662 I can see why that would work better. My kayak did slip around a lot so I had to put it on the cart before putting gear on the kayak. It's also easier (for me) to load the kayak onto the cart from my truck bed.

[@jimistraw3729]

i love linnes!

[@RelentlessSportsman]

lol leinie's?

[@keithshackelford730]

Just ordered the wheels will let you know how it goes. Gonna use it on “heavy” 15foot tandem Peddle Kayak.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Cool. Feel free to modify the design for your needs. For bigger water craft, this cart could be too high. So widening the axel and lowering the bunks may help you.

[@weirdbeard1980]

Gonna build something exactly like this for my whitewater boat.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Nice. I hope it works well for you. Make changes as needed.

[@WyliqueNunn]

Great video but where did you get the wheels from if I missed that ?

[@davidbruno818]

You should bevel the bunk boards and put carpet on them to see if the finish of your canoe.

[@punasurf4697]

Now that you've had this for a while, is there anything that you'd change if you had to build another? Picked up my kayak today. Thing is heavy. Wheels coming Sunday. Thanks again for sharing.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Great question. I would use a wider axel so the kayak can be lowered and sit in between the wheels. I realize this makes the cart wider, which could be an issue, however it would be easier to load it on and off the cart.

[@punasurf4697]

@@RelentlessSportsman Great idea. Thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking that I might attach the kickstand in the middle on the bottom brace so that it could be shorter and fit better into the back of my car. Also seems like I might have a problem finding 5/8" allthread locally so I might just use 5/8" bolts instead. Hopefully it works.

[@Alatinu]

Thankyou vm. Very useful, inexpensive, y and I think able to make at home. I have Nylon Wheels 5/8 axle diámeter exterior is 29 cms and 9 cms of width But my "navy" is a fiberglass Canadian canoe ( heavy duty) . I will try your inventions at first . But I think if I must to load the dolly in my canoe . I'll tell you the results. Health for you and yours . Greeten from Córdoba , Argentina . Health gor y

[@athinakaviris110]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

You're welcome! Have a good time on your kayak/canoe. Please modify the cart to meet your needs.

[@francisandrecyk5591]

Great video and great ideals. As I am nearing 69 years of age with great fishing areas dragging a 12 foot aluminum boat through the woods is coming to an end unless I come up with a way to get into these lakes with my boat. Thanks for sharing your info. I would like to add a third wheel to balance it better and thinking it would make it easier to pull. What is your ideal on this. Thanks again.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

That's a good idea. They do make one man canoes that are nice to fish out of and easy to handle as well. Good for solo fishing trips.

[@will_Iam61]

I like the looks of your design and will build one for my canoe, since its wider than what the kayak carts are designed for. I noticed that you did not say anything about where you stash it when you get to your destination. For mine I will only do one thing different by using a wingnut to attach the kickstand, so I can remove it and stash the cart in my canoe. I realize that would be difficult to do with a kayak, but I also think that is why a lot of the kayak carts are designed the way they are.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thanks, William. This was the first cart I've ever built and it turned out well for my needs. It's not perfect and doesn't work well for everyone. If I were to do it all over again, I would spread out the wheels further and lower the bunks a bit. I don't use this cart for portaging lake to lake. It's used from vehicle to body of water. That being said, I stash the cart in the woods out of sight.

[@LucyLightHernandez]

You get all the stars and stickers, in an unopened pack. This is the best, and the talk about why is so good, also the comments say that others tried stuff that just does not help. So, thanks and keep redoing this video and I hope everyone loves your videos since they talk very well, and have the best interest and heart for any use.THANKS!!!

[@collowood]

Have you used it on soft sand? Great video mate.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

No, not really. I've used it in snow and mud and it worked decent as long as you have decent footing. Thanks for watching.

[@cescohsv7]

I ordered my wheels and I'm looking forward to making the cart. Thanks for sharing your information!

[@RelentlessSportsman]

You're welcome! I hope it all goes well.

[@cescohsv7]

@@RelentlessSportsman I got it put together and it works great!

[@donho6856]

Where did you get the wheels from? The ones I find have a small axle. Thank you !!!

[@cescohsv7]

@@donho6856 Ordered wheels from Amazon. Marathon item # 90210

[@cescohsv7]

@@donho6856 I used EMT (electrical conduit) for the axle secured with flat washers on each side of the wheels and drilled a hole on each end of the conduit for a hitch pin.

[@TheoboldJamzen]

careful with the 13 inch 'bunks' that support the kayak ... may do well to cover them with a foam and/or angle and/or lengthen them to spread the pressure and prevent them from weakening/'oil canning' the boat.

[@motodemon-qn9wx]

Thanks

[@zhenzhenyouyu2776]

Good idea!

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Thanks!

[@canam2436]

I made one, it works well, but 1 tire , always the same one, keeps loosening or locking, Why?

[@richardherrington2852]

What State do you live in? You have a beautiful place to live? Just ordered my wheels off Amazon and will be building this cart for my Kevlar 16 ft. Mad River canoe. This cart will work perfectly for my use. Thank you for posting this video. U.S. Army, Ret. TX

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I live in Wisconsin. Yes, my property is nice. We got lucky years ago when we purchased the place. That was before the prices increased like today and when people weren't going crazy for homes. I hope you enjoy your canoe cart. It will be great for you, especially with a kevlar canoe. Please modify the cart for your needs (bunk width/length, nails instead of screws, etc.) Thanks for watching, Richard.

[@serafinflorendo340]

Can I get the build plan for this?

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I don't have the build plans in a diagram format or anything. In the description of the video, I have the materials and sizes listed. Also, what each piece of material is used for. Hope that helps. I can also create another video demonstrating the build if necessary. Hope that helps.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

@@trinitytoo I've seen that. It's a good idea. In my particular circumstance, the smaller 10" wheels would not work. They're too small and could go flat. Some places I fish are over a mile away from the vehicle.

[@kennedybj1]

I like em looks like they work great except you cant load them on your kayak..have to put it back in your truck

[@RelentlessSportsman]

It wasn’t made to be carried around in my kayak. I made this to ditch in the woods while fishing hard to reach rivers and lakes

[@maxtax8223]

i like the idea .. i am hoping to build something similar ... however i am thinking that your canoe trolly will not function so good in super rough back woods.. why .. imo ... the design needs a skirt of some sort ( maybe a mud flap like the truckers use ) to stop branches from clogging up in the trolly.... the same skirt ( a ski maybe ) would ( should !!! ) maybe help out with getting through some really rocky terrain..... i get it ... we all start with a prototype and adjust as we go ...

[@MexicanMovie]

I just bought a kayak and was thinking about something like this. Also when bow hunting deer, sometimes i take a full backpack with winter clothes and alot of other stuff, my bow, climbing sticks and stand...... think there is a way to haul all that on this cart to keep me from sweating so much when i am walking out 2 miles to a spot ? I have saddle gear and the Bullman ring of steps, but when it gets pretty cold outside I prefer a sticks and a stand.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I like the way you think. Thats a great idea that never crossed my mind - using a cart like this for a stand, sticks and backpack. The handle would need to be changed up a bit, otherwise I'm sure it would work just fine. Many public parcels I hunt have nice trails around or through so a bike with a child carrier works even better.

[@dalecessna]

Too bad the cart doesn’t fold up, would take up a lot of room in a canoe too. Ive had carts with only one side of the axle supported and the axle bends under heavy side loads. Hard to find a cart that is light weight, folds up small and will handle side loads without falling apart. Ive owned a bunch of carts and the beat one was using atv tires and a solid steel axle, was super heavy but worked well. For me and my kevlar canoe at 40 lbs ill just carry it as up in canada we have crazy terain

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Not folding down is a downside of this cart. However, for my personal use, I stash the cart away in the woods while fishing, etc. Having a 40 lb. canoe, that's nice! Won't need the cart for much, unless you put gear in the canoe while portaging.

[@ch11ew12y]

I live at the beach, have you tried it in beach sand. Thats my problem with the others.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I have not tried it on beach sand. I have gone through 10-12 inches of wet mud and it pulled through with some extra effort.

[@davidtully8130]

better to use nuts and bolts to assemble wooden frame ---screws will cause problems.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Agreed. I used what I had in my garage and it's been working for years now. I would encourage you to use what you believe will work best for your situation.

[@bluetsunami4005]

Could have used the material list at the end and show us how to build it

[@davidtully8130]

axle should be higher where i go there are many granite rocks that have to be navigated. i can see that the axle will hit most rocks that i encounter.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

When/if you build one, then make those modifications for your needs. Up to this point, for years now, this cart is exactly what I need it to be.

[@donho6856]

Where did you buy the wheels from? All the ones I find have the small axel attached. Did you have to remove it. ?

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I purchased them on Amazon. I typed in Marathon wheels and found them. When I purchased them, it was only the wheels, no axel. Here is what I probably bought: www.amazon.com/Marathon-92001-2pk-20x2-0-Flat-Assembly/dp/B076HF72M5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1POWXWPEOAZPH&dchild=1&keywords=marathon+flat+free+tires&qid=1630691015&sprefix=marathon+fl%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-4 It was awhile ago since I made the purchase. I typed in to the search box on amazon - marathon flat free tires

[@davidtully8130]

a more durable option would be to use alum for frame less screws even angle iron would work-- may cost more but longer life span.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Agreed. The idea behind this cart was to use what I had on hand and make it work somehow. I always encourage viewers to modify things to work better for them.

[@robertyoung9467]

I have a C-tug and I regret buying it.

[@juddi753]

Thanks for the share ! ...question...what happens to the cart once you off loaded the kayak to go out kayaking for the day. Do you strap it to the kayak or lock it to something on shore . GOT TO BE CAREFUL !!!

[@RelentlessSportsman]

That's a good question. I place the cart in the woods somewhere near the lake/river. Most places I fish, I'm the only person on the body of water to begin with. I rarely fish bodies of water that are popular or have easy access that will attract more people. I don't think this cart would fit well on most kayaks, it's too big with the wheels and all.

[@jackle842000]

Well, it would sure be hard to pack that to take with you on the water though. Other than that should work great

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I made this cart specifically for my needs. Which are taking a kayak to hard to reach lakes/rivers over somewhat difficult terrain. Once I get to the lake/river, I ditch the cart in the woods.

[@jackle842000]

@@RelentlessSportsman yeah, I'm sure it works great for that purpose. I was kind of looking for something I could pack up with me so it don't get stolen and in case I need to go down a river and there's rapids I need to travel around on land that are kind of long and too rough for my fishing kayak. It sure is hard to find a good one that's able to pack with you for sale for Rocky terrain. Need really big wheels like you got there

[@kyl272]

Cool build but the maTerial will cost almost as much as buying a all terain one with big wheels

[@RelentlessSportsman]

When I built this cart, the materials were approximately half the cost of a store bought all terrain cart. I'm not sure what it would cost now.

[@kyl272]

The wheels are 40 each

[@RelentlessSportsman]

They are. The entire build is around $100. Every cart that I have seen that can move over terrain as well, were more than $100. Not to mention, most carts come with tires that hold air, not flat free, all rubber tires.

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

A cart with a lower center of gravity and that folds up/collapses so it will fit in the bow of the canoe would be more useful. But, you do you.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Again, this was created for me and my use only. I've never once had a reason to fold up a cart. I agree with the lower center of gravity and have expressed that opinion in other comments.

[@doncoe5070]

Evidently the wheels were almost $40 each

[@everchevy]

Nice idea but this will not work if you are doing portages going down a river. It need to be collapsible. Simon, a bloke in the woods has the ticket.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

That's right - it's not for everyone.

[@euancrombie9683]

This guy is staring into my soul, jokes good video tho.

[@lawrencefox563]

Marathon 20" wheels ,solid tyres would it work for 3 wheel electric pedal car?but need canoe carry too .

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I have no idea.

[@brome306]

Too Bad you didn't make it so it comes apart for transport inside a canoe for portages, etc.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

You could make that for yourself. I have no need for that with my fishing trips.

[@tomwillmore1740]

Not quite enough demo of actual using the cart.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

I'll be making another video soon, using it in the woods on a fishing trip.

[@weedeater64]

Not all that strong, those screws that are going into endgrain. Speaking of screws, the worst option there is for connecting wood, they are prone to snap under shock loads. Exactly what you'll be doing to them. BTW, everything else being equal, larger wheels are harder to pedal on a bike, not easier. Larger wheels will be easier to pull over obstacles though.

[@RelentlessSportsman]

To this day, I haven't had any issues with the strength of the cart. I carry small boats, canoes and kayaks. Larger wheels make it easier to move, period. I've had smaller wheeled carts and they did not work nearly as well as this one with the larger wheels - regardless of the terrain.

[@weedeater64]

@@RelentlessSportsman "To this day, I haven't had any issues with the strength of the cart." And maybe you'll get lucky and won't, but fact is screws are the worst possible choice you could have made, as is the end grain connection. Absolute worst. Screws have zero give and are brittle. A horrible combination for this application. End grain connections are guaranteed failure points. It's just a matter of time on that. At least you didn't glue end grain. lol. "Larger wheels make it easier to move, period." Like is said for pulling like this, sure. But that isn't what you said with regards to bikes. You are flat out wrong about bigger wheels being easier to pedal. It's not too complicated physics, and very common knowledge to anyone whose ridden bikes much or knows the first thing about gearing.

[@concernedcitizen4581]

Just finished mine just wed to go buy some all thread for the axel 🛶🛶🛶👍👍👍

[@RelentlessSportsman]

Let me know how it works!