UPDATE DO NOT follow my poor method of cutting PVC pipe on a table saw. That, I've learned from the comments, is NOT the way to do it unless you don't mind losing a few fingers. GaryNC was kind enough to refer me to the following video, which shows (at around 3:18) a much better way of doing it.    • Tips for Crosscutting on a Table Saw  
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This kayak cart is small enough to fit in the cargo hold of our kayaks, and is light (31/2 pounds), and easy to handle and carry. For reference, the cargo hold has an oval opening which is 16 inches long, 10 inches wide, 81/2 inches deep in the center and 7 inches deep at the sides. I bought the wheels at Harbor Freight Tools ($5.99 each) and all other parts from Home Depot.

This kayak weighs 54 pounds and although I have carried it by myself before, it is awkward. It seems like I'm just asking for back trouble carrying that thing. Even when my girlfriend and I carry each boat together, it is awkward, especially for the person holding the aft part of the boat. And we have to make two trips to get both kayaks down there, then two more trips at the end of the day to get them loaded up again. These carts will make it easy to transport the boats down and back up again making one trip only.

If you intend on stowing the cart in your kayak's cargo hold, put the cart together without glue first and then see if it will fit in your hold. If it's too big, you can then make adjustments. When you get it where you want it, glue it all together.

Notes: In the video I say to use 2inch pieces of PVC to attach the axle to the upper supports. I would use 21/2 inch pieces instead, at a minimum. The 2inch pieces make the gap between the two T's too narrow to place the ratchet strap hooks between them. Two and a half inch pieces will allow for plenty of room for the hooks. You could, of course, make them even longer so your kayak will ride higher off the ground, but doing so might make the cart too big to stow in your cargo hold. And the longer those pieces are, the less stable it will be due to the flex in PVC pipe.

#kayakcart #kayakcartpvc #kayakcartdiy