Cheap Kayak Cart Modification

This video describes how I modified an inexpensive kayak cart so it will work to transport my Lifetime Yukon Angler kayak. UPDATE Field Test: Here's the link to the field test of the modified cart. • Cheap Kayak Cart Field...
Materials needed for modified cart:
a. Calhome Duble Boat/Kayak Cart from Walmart: www.walmart.co...
b. 2-2X1-1/2 inch pine boards (cut down from a 2x4). A 2X2 should work okay.
c. 4-1/2 inch metal conduit straps (available from Menards, Home Depot and most hardware stores).
d. 1" screws.
e. Wood sealer such as spar varnish.

[@vaibhavva]

Your reason for building the cart was adding clearance under the keel, but I wanted to thank you as you’ve resolved a larger and painful issue too. This cart a notorious for folding up during the movement loaded with a kayak. You’ve fixed the wooden channels, thereby not allowing the legs to shut. This is going to help many more like me.! Thank you very much @‘George Bowman’ !!

[@georgebowman3051]

Mine folded the first time I tried it. The wood bunks cured the problem. It works great now. However, I know leave the wheels on the the cat while in the kayak. I bungee it behind my crate and it works great. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great summer kayaking.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are very welcome. Have a great summer on the water.

[@libbyguidinger6212]

Awesome I'm gonna do this

[@huckfin1100]

You are using the cart and straps wrong, use a four point connection to the cart with straps and your cart won't move no need to modify !

[@georgebowman3051]

I’m sorry but you are incorrect. The keel rocks on the cart regardless how you strap it down. I tried the strapping approach you suggested and it does not work on the Lifetime Yukon Angler. It’s as simple as that.

[@gbad1824]

Great video, I'm gonna modify mine this weekend. I've been building boats for over 20 years and my only suggestion is; where the kayak/canoe lands on the wood, wrap it with carpet, Seadeck or something that won't scratch or damage the hull.

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you for the comments. I have been debating adding carpet to my wood supports as well. By the way, I now keep the wheels on the cart when I’m on the water. Thanks again.

[@traviskrellwitz3075]

Great video thank you But I was really hoping you would take it around the block So we could see if it was Is good for long Halls A dog sitting on it would have been perfect But enjoyed the video thank you

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you for your comments. I do have a field test video where my grandson and I took our kayaks about 1/4 mile on a rusted trail through woods and a grassy area. The carts performed very well fully loaded (minus the dog though). Check it out in my channel.

[@tomcollier2406]

The Yukon Angler from Lifetime is one of the best kayaks for the money you can get. Your grandson is a blessed boy to have such a good teacher good job thanks for the info

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks Tom!

[@christopherhobby8391]

Have the same “kayak cart” and came across this video. Gonna do this project so I can use it. Thank you for your modification knowledge sir.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome. Please note that I now leave the wheels on the cart when I’m on the water. I also place the cart nearer the central part of the kayak which make it easier to haul. Thank you for the kind words.

[@litespeed151]

Lithium marine grease on axles has made mine bicycle-tow friendly. 3 miles to and from Lake Ontario...hubs holding up after 300 miles of towing!

[@georgebowman3051]

What an outstanding idea! I’m going to pick up some lithium grease this week. Thanks again.

[@JoeyIngles]

Bravo. A $2 solution to a $50 problem. 😊

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you!

[@teamcq9204]

Think you just saved my kayak cart from being returned. Thanks for the video

[@georgebowman3051]

I’m glad I could help. I was initially disappointed in the cart. However, after adding the wooden bunks I was really pleased.

[@zladatv]

*👍класс и привет от тренера по футболу!!!!!!!*

[@differentfins]

Thank you for the great idea video! I have an Old Town kayak and the exact same "cheap" cart you have. I like the idea of using the 2x4s and conduit straps. My Sportsman has a deep keel so I'll have to customize the depth and width so it fits my exact kayak. It will basically be the same design as yours just set up for my yak. Cheers!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you. It’s simple but it works great for my Lifetime Yukon Angler kayak.

[@alanreynolds8843]

The term " universal fitting" equates to fits nothing properly but , fits some things with some modifications.

[@tomgia1964]

Move the cart more to the middle of the yak , It will be lighter and easier on you I seen you struggling a little bit to pull it all the weight is to the front right now . Thanks

[@georgebowman3051]

You are absolutely correct. I have since done that and the cart handles much better. My Lifetime Yukon Angler kayak is a bit on the heavy side so the process of placing the kayak on the cart took me awhile to perfect. It’s second nature now. Thanks for the great advice.

[@BreAnaFla]

Great video. I knew about this mod, but wasn't sure EXACTLY how to do it. Thanks to you and your clear instructions, now I do 😊.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome!

[@lk4871]

Thank you, using the wood was genius. My trolly kept shutting and kayak was sliding off, it was so frustrating that it put me off kayaking. I’m going to try your idea with wood .

[@waterpatterns]

I've been picking up used Jogger strollers and bike trailers for free to $20, then converting them to Kayak carts for my yaks. They rock. It take an hour and they are free.

[@georgebowman3051]

Outstanding idea! I may try that approach if I upgrade my kayak. I’ve been thinking about going with an Ascend 12 footer or a Bonafide this year. We’ll have to see if I can convince my wife that I need a new yak.

[@waterpatterns]

@@georgebowman3051 Our conversation inspired me to make some videos, including this one about the jogger stroller. I didn't know how to feed you the link, otherwise. Not trying to promote on your video, please feel free to delete after you grab the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6exq6evgqucg7M

[@daver2964]

Pretty good video... But, what did you do to lawn....looks great....what's secret?

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you. The good news is the wheels are fairly wide and they didn’t damage the lawn. The cart rolls over the ground pretty well. It even traveled well over some pretty rough trails with tree roots and small potholes. I’m pretty satisfied.

[@skmorrow96]

Super cool idea. The only thing I don't like is this takes away the ability to fold the cart down and stow it in my hatch. I like to use the stern for my crate and cooler. Great idea nonetheless

[@georgebowman3051]

Hey Steve, Thanks for the comment. I would have liked to maintain a way to fold the cart but I just couldn’t come up with a way without comprising the metal frame. I’m sure open to ideas if you come up with one.

[@theruralindependent]

Do you lose the folding capability? Great video!

[@georgebowman3051]

@@theruralindependent yes. It no longer folds

[@daleweaver2558]

Move that cart forward under the seat and u will lighten the lifting and pulling load.

[@georgebowman3051]

@@daleweaver2558 I actually did just that shortly after I made the video. I actually put a note in the video description section that mentioned that as well. It really does make a big difference. Thank you for your advice.

[@onesaltyzombie]

Good video. Your lawn looks great too!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you!

[@kevinward4435]

This is where we are. We have to modify everything we get from China. Are we ahead by buying substandard stuff?

[@georgebowman3051]

I don’t believe it’s a China thing as much as a design issue. If price wasn’t an issue then you are probably correct that we just need to invest in better accessories. However, I must admit I like to tackle challenges.

[@6Sally5]

Outstanding! I have the same everything so I’m modifying my cart just like this. Thank you!

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome. Good luck.

[@jcee2259]

This ad-hoc won't by itself fit all hull bottoms. I can't roll those small wheels over my beach cobbles either.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are absolutely correct. You’ll need the wide wheels designed for sand. This cart works great for the fresh water lakes and streams here in Wisconsin, USA.

[@willywonkaredford1845]

Dude you got the best cart ozark is great just bought one I have the same yak too but I have the same problem

[@georgebowman3051]

The wood bunks should do the trick. Good luck!

[@brianvandy4002]

Why take the wheels off when you put it on the back?

[@georgebowman3051]

You are correct. I subsequently found it much easier to keep the wheels on the cart and just bungee it in behind my crate. Check out my my field test video linked in the description section.

[@kirstenl5695]

I have a one of the Costco recreational sit in kayaks and after having the wheels scoot out from under it, yet again and it getting dropped on the road, I was ready to huck the wheels. Thanks so much for this tutorial! I'll be modifying my cart for my kayak and hopefully that will make loading up more pleasant.

[@jcee2259]

Cheap too often includes the CCP. Who do respect the Non-Han less. I can build better than China has.

[@dougms9790]

2 years later your Walmart cart is $55 and similar ones on Amazon for the same price.

[@georgebowman3051]

Holy cow the prices have gone up significantly.

[@LoveFishing51]

Hello George. Thank you for the video. I am getting supplies to modify my fishing kayak cart. Just one question: what is the length of the one and a half by 2-in boards?

[@georgebowman3051]

@@LoveFishing51 It’s 16 inches long. I hope it works for you. I recently sold my Yukon Angler kayak and bought a Crescent Primo kayak. I’m 73 years old and the Yukon was getting a bit heavy to load in my truck by myself. The Crescent is only 55 pounds and it’s a foot shorter. It’s much more manageable and it’s an easier padding Kayak. Unfortunately, I had to modify my cart again to match the hull configuration of the Crescent. However, the cart is now working great and I made the changes.

[@LoveFishing51]

@georgebowman3051 Thank you, George! I really appreciate it! And good for you... still hitting the water at 73! I hope I'm that lucky! Thanks again, champ!

[@jameshunt585]

not a bad idea. If I choose to follow suit, I would probably go with a 2 x 2 covered with a 1/2 tube of foam or rubber pipe covers.

[@huckfin1100]

Put the damn cart in the middle of the yak !

[@georgebowman3051]

Yes I have after gaining some experience. It didn’t take me long after I posted the video to get this feedback. I thought I posted a note to that effect in the video description and in response to an earlier viewer. Thanks for your comment. You are spot-on!

[@acnud]

Great mod. I just got a trolley and thought it wasn't very steady but this will fix it thanks to you 🙏.

[@fishingandcooking-s5s]

Looks ok, I will try it. thanks for tip

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome. I will probably cover the bunks on my cart with indoor/outdoor carpeting this year to add a bit of cushioning. Have a great year out on the water.

[@edbrown3047]

Great tips

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks Ed. It was great fun trying to figure out how to make the cart work on my Lifetime Yukon Angler kayak.

[@64nightfly]

Thank you for the very helpful video!

[@stefanoskolovouris7223]

Very good patent.

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you.

[@joeskill4663]

Great idea..👍🏽

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks Joe! I used the cart today.

[@joeaguilar-teacherofthewor4166]

Thanks. I have one like yours and I will be making the modifications. Thanks again.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome!

[@mavrik1964]

Thank you for sharing, hope this modification works with my Aquaglide inflatable kayak. Very smart

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you. I hope it works for you as well.

[@crooked_arrow_farms]

Thanks for posting! I elected to use 1 1/2” PVC for mine and it worked great. Thanks again!!!

[@georgebowman3051]

Excellent! I’m glad the PVC works for you. I may try that myself when I upgrade my kayak. I’m working on that now.

[@johndickinson8848]

Appreciate the good audio. Also, if you center the cart under the center of the kayak you will carry less weight.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are absolutely correct. I have made some adjustments in placement based on my personal experience. It’s not quite in the center close. Good observation on your part.

[@melvinrubio2278]

Great idea. Definitely going to modify the one I have laying around in the garage. The C-Tug I bought does not work well with my Recon 120. Thanks.

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you. Let me know how it works on your kayak.

[@RobRilTube]

Great and simple modification. How is it holding up? I am debating buying the same cart and modifying it or just making my own out of threaded pipe and pvc. So many people have had issues with that cart that I am weary of even trying anything with it. Thoughts?

[@georgebowman3051]

It’s holding up very well. One of the commenters suggested adding carpet to the wooden supports. I may try that myself. However, for now it’s working fantastic. I no longer remove the wheels when I store the cart to the back of kayak when on the water. It stows just fine. One commenter also suggested using lithium grease on the axle. Picked some up last week and will try it the next time I go out. I highly recommend the cart with the modifications. Good luck.

[@osvaldoumana4494]

I think you just saved me about 120 bucks.... I had bought a cart that had the same issues...not too deep so my kayak would rock from side to side.....with this modification I am sure we can fix this.... thank you very much....!!!!!!

[@georgebowman3051]

Outstanding! Thank you for the supportive comments.

[@jesusislord-ht1nj]

good idea

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you. I’m working on some tweaks now.

[@hardrockminer-50]

I have that same budget cart and hate it for me NuCanoe Flint. This easy modification looks like it will be just the thing I need to keep the cart under the kayak.

[@georgebowman3051]

I hated the cart at first as well. I bought two carts; one for my grandson and the other one for me. I had to find someway to make them work. By the way, I leave the wheels on the cart now and it fits nicely behind my crate. I hope this simple modification works for you.

[@makapa2u]

Usually the wheel assemble mounts mid way close to center to load with only very lite up front when pulling to the lake. Pads hold steady center section under the kayak

[@georgebowman3051]

You are absolutely correct. It didn’t take long for me to figure that out myself. I now mount the cart almost in the middle of the my kayak. Thanks for the feedback and advice.

[@BranDon-db6zm]

Thanks! Just got the same kayak and cart and I'm having that problem. Seems like an easy fix.

[@georgebowman3051]

It really works great. I now leave the wheel on the cart while I’m out on the water. It stows behind my crate very well. Good luck

[@robinmcintosh8927]

Just modified mine, worked great! My square back canoe has a keel so I added 4” blocks. Thanks

[@georgebowman3051]

Outstanding!

[@janthorkelson4068]

Finally, someone who addressed the same problem I was experiencing. I will be modifying mine also now.

[@georgebowman3051]

Excellent!

[@donho6856]

Thank you!!! I have the same problem with the same cart. I'm def going to mod my cart.

[@georgebowman3051]

I think you will be pleased with your cart after the mods. Cheers!

[@crk1982]

Great idea, I will try this with my cart, thank you George, cheers from Colombia

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you Camilo.

[@donwyman1950]

Good idea! One question, why do you remove the wheels? They’re not in the way.

[@georgebowman3051]

I initially removed the wheels so the cart would fit better in the back of my crate.. However, after getting on the water a few times I decided to leave them on. You are correct that they really aren’t in the way. I added the correction to the post description but most people don’t read the description. Thanks for the feedback.

[@manuelquintanilla7691]

This is exactly what I was looking for thank you for sharing

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome! Thank you for the kind words.

[@wagneraquino2450]

a hug straight from Brazil, like the video

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you!

[@pozblitz]

very cool! but why not just leave the wheels on when you strap the cart to the back of the kayak?

[@georgebowman3051]

I just posted another video today where I did just that. I now leave the wheels on when on the water. Check out my channel for my first real field test. Thanks for the comment.

[@comando8919]

Awesome vid Thanks for the help

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome

[@aftech7268]

Aluminum pipe wrapped in foam noodles is better

[@georgebowman3051]

I’m sure aluminum pipe would work just fine but that would likely require drilling holes in the cart frame. I chose to use wood bunks because I could simply use straps to attach them to the cart. It’s simple and it doesn’t compromise the integrity of the cart. It’s also less expensive than using aluminum pipe.

[@johnkerr99]

Thanks!

[@tomballard8877]

Thanks for the new project.

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome.

[@NutmegThumper]

Great video. Where are the weeds in that lawn???

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you. The weeds are there but not visible. Check out my field test video linked in the description to see some real weeds. By the way the cart worked great on the 200 yard trail to lake.

[@mach179]

I bought 2-wheels ($5@) from Harbor Freight and a threaded rod ($3) from Home Depot. I put the threaded rod thru a sprinkler pipe so not to scratch the kayak and then I used an old bungee cord to keep the kayak on the wheels. Not as pretty as yours, but it has worked for 18-years.

[@georgebowman3051]

That’s great. You should post a video on how you built it. I did consider making a cart from PVC pipe and harbor freight wheels. However, many reported the pvc cart didn’t hold up. It sounds like you have a better design.

[@mach179]

@@georgebowman3051 I wasn't clear. The threaded metal rod or axle supports the weight of the kayak thru the Harbor Freight wheels. I had a 5/8-inch diameter rod laying around, but I'm pretty sure a 1/2-inch diameter rod would work. The plastic sprinkler pipe covers the threaded rod to protect the bottom of the kayak. The total part list was, threaded rod, 2-nuts, 2-washers, 2-wheels, plastic sprinkler pipe and bungee cord. I can barely use a cellphone, so a video is out of the question. Also, I duct taped the bungee cord to the axle, so I don't lose or misplace the bungee cord.

[@georgebowman3051]

I am sorry you misunderstood me. You were quite clear about the threaded Rod. What I meant is that many of the DIY PVC carts use a threaded rod but the physical support for the kayak hull is made of PVC pipe and that’s the part that breaks. I’m just trying to figure out how your sprinkler pipe matches up with the hull of your kayak. I think your cart seem pretty neat but I can’t quite picture how it attaches with bungees without rocking. I still think you could make a pretty decent KZbin video to show how it all goes together. You certainly can’t beat 18 years of durability. I’d love to see it.

[@rickrogers8455]

Great mod! Going to do that on my cart

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks Rick!

[@christopherjames3027]

Same kayak and cart!!! The perfect KZbin tutorial does exist!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you Christopher.

[@christopherjames3027]

@@georgebowman3051 it worked great! I added sections of a large diameter pool noodle to mine. Fits the contour of the hull perfectly. Thanks again George!

[@georgebowman3051]

@@christopherjames3027 Excellent! I’m glad it worked out for you. The pool noodle is a great idea.

[@roddwestphal2379]

Awesome mod. Nice job.

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you.

[@jennydaneeli6037]

Awesome result love it

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you

[@jny78]

Dude! 👍 Nice job

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you.

[@Snap10aa]

Genius. Thanks!!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks Dan!

[@natebonebusta]

Fantastic tutorial covering everything needed! Much appreciated.

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks!

[@georgebowman3051]

You are welcome. Thank you for your supportive comments.

[@damkayaker]

Nice lawn!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks

[@krisnickfffs]

Very nice

[@georgebowman3051]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@garyhudson4433]

Well done!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you.

[@richardmarsh7378]

Great idea!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you Richard.

[@rlsaxton1]

Great video. I have 2 kayaks and bought the same cart for both. Always had problems with the carts staying in place. After watching your video, I did the same thing using leftover 2x4 material. It works exceptionally well. Thank you, Sir!

[@georgebowman3051]

Thank you.