New Yak + DIY Modding part 1 (Kayak Trolley)

[allen_f]

Hi Raiders,

So recently I reached out for some kayak advice as I was looking to purchase one. SOOOOOO I've got one hehe. Brought it home yesterday and already started working on it. The progress thus far is below:

Here is a walkthrough for how to build your own super cheap kayak trolley (parts are from a big b warehouse).

Brand new yak, freshly unpackaged

Onto the workbench...

DIY kayak trolley parts list ( 25mm conduit pvc pipe cut into 4x20cm, 1x23cm, 4xT-intersections, 1x pool noodle, 1xWheel and axles sourced from an unused wheelie bin. Total build cost around $10 exc free wheels)

Lay out the parts so you know how to assemble them

Use pvc primer on every joining surface, then use pvc joiner to join the H frame.

Join the 23cm pipe to the T joint and slide on the pool noodle (this is to cushion the bottom of the kayak).

Complete the H frame with another T joint.

Glue in the 2x20cm pipes which will stick into the scupper holes.

Finish the H frame with another 2x20cm pvc

Place the remaining 2xT joints onto the axle so that they will be in the right position (I cut them earlier so it can fit nice and square)

Put it all together and set it aside to dry, check for squareness before the pvc cement sets completely then let it sit.

Back view of the trolley stored on kayak

Front view of the trolley stored on kayak

Top view of the trolley stored on kayak

Bottom view of the trolley attached on kayak

Bottom resting on the noodle.

Thanks for reading I hope it helps you build your own!! next up an outrigger

Edited October 23, 2015 by allen_f

[GreyNurse]

Hi Allen,

It's funny. When I built my yak trolley, I started out with this fancy horizontal H-frame design, with a threaded rod for the axle, nuts that never stopped turning and in short, more work than was worth it. In the end I pared it down to the same design as yours and lost the nuts securing the wheels and opted for some stainless split pins instead. Once I did all that, I've never had to do anything to it, other than service the bearings occasionally. So, good job.

Next practical thing you'll need is a storage crate with PVC rod and net holders. Then think about an anchor trolley. There's plenty of ideas posted here on this site, as well as you tube destructions that will keep you busy.

Another good little project is what I call a brag paddle. PM me for the details, but it's just a hand paddle made from PVC box downpipe with a folded rule attached so that you can measure and photograph your catch while sitting comfortably in your yak. I take it with me wherever i go, land based or not.

Anyway, I think you're going to have a ball kitting out your yak. Just remember to be patient when using adhesives and give them time to cure.

[allen_f]

Thanks for the tips Nursie!! Super keen to test out other stuff. If i have time I might make a fibreglass casing for the back storage place, if I'm lazy then the milk crate and esky is the go hehe. Once storage is out of the way, i'll try to get the outriggers sorted then an anchor trolley! Just needa get my hands on some marine goop so i can put a tad between the screws and rivots of the new add ons.

The brag handle sounds pretty cool!! I've never seen one before, do you have any pics? I was planning on getting a DPI sticker to stick onto the yak but they're out of stock

[BigRod]

A little tip with the wheels when your transporting the kayak is to use the scuppa holes closest to the middle it will make it alot easier

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

[allen_f]

A little tip with the wheels when your transporting the kayak is to use the scuppa holes closest to the middle it will make it alot easier

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

Oooo thanks! Ill give that a go tomorrow when the cement is dry see how the balance is

[krause]

I look at building one but i don't get the use. Sure you load up the yak and trundle off to the water. But how do you get it off and back on? Im surely overlooking something simple.

Ive had my kayak for a month or so and a big thing i did which i love is i enclosed a section of the hull. I have a hatch between my legs, but if i put anything in there it slid away never to be seen again. Do i made removable internal walls to compartmentalise it. They were a pain to make but they are worth it. All my gear stays in the yak, dry, and won't get lost if i flip it

Edited October 26, 2015 by krause

[GreyNurse]

Hi Krause.

If your kayak trolley utilises the scupper holes, then what you do is take the kayak to the water's edge and roll it over to one side. The trolley should just slide out of the scuppers and onto the sand (or whatever). I've seen some people advise to roll the kayak into the water and "float" it off the trolley, but you would want to have the wheel bearings absolutely water tight. Most kayak trolley wheels are usually not that good, so i wouldn't recommend it.

Of course, this means that you don't load the kayak up until after you take it off the trolley, but it's no big deal. Practice routines at home until you find one that suites you and your gear. Getting the kayak back on the trolley is the reverse of taking it off.

[krause]

Fair enough. I judy put it on a jetty or beach, load up and float away. But i see the advantages

[allen_f]

Thanks again for the tips Nursie! I'm going to hopefully test it out on either thursday or friday depending on weather. It will be interesting to see how i can remove the trolley from the kayak after getting it into the water.

On another note, I've installed an anchor trolley, storage crate with mini live bait well and my outriggers! Just need to get it onto the water to mark out the water line and pin the parts in place :') so happy. I'll upload an updated pic of the yak after assembling it all