Hobie standard cart on sand? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Rocketfish · 03-08-2016, 04:39 PM

This question is for you guys that have Hobies with the carts that go in the scupper holes.

I have a standard cart for my outback and was thinking of traversing over the beach sand for about 100 feet. Is this a bad idea? I'm not super concerned about the damage to the cart, but I'm guessing the resistance from the sand may cause massive stress at the scupper holes, despite them being reinforced.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Mr. NiceGuy · 03-08-2016, 05:07 PM

I've had three of the 4 models available for my Outbacks.

The basic pulls/drags over the sand better than no wheels. The problem with this one is that my spokes immediately started to bend and it seems they would be breaking before too much time. I got rid of those.

I bought the bigger wheels in sand tires in both the smaller (Trax 2) and larger size (Trax 2-30).

The Trax 2-30 rolls easily over anything ... ice plant, ravines, pot holes, curbs, ... but it's kind of big/clunky/heavy for my Outback, and it's too big to comfortably strap behind my bait tank. I always walk it back to my van.

I think I like the more convenient size of the Trax 2, but I don't have a strong opinion on either of these. Both are OK.

The difference in price between both Trax 2 models is $35. For this small price difference and on the recommendation of Ron at FastLane, I splurged for the "best" but I think it's basically a toss-up for my Outback. If I had a PA I would use the bigger of the two.

Starsky · 03-08-2016, 11:29 PM

When I had the outfitter tandem I had the heavy-duty hobie cart, it was really tough to drag across fine sand. It was also difficult at times to lift the loaded kayak high enough to plug it in. I know you are supposed to lay it on its side but I got lazy unloading and loading the fishing gear.

Now I have a new oasis and I got the wheeleez cart, haven't tried it but I'm sure the balloon tires will work better on soft sand. Also being able to store everything in the hatches is a big plus.

RedSledTeam · 03-09-2016, 08:29 AM

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cart for your situation, but I'll be brief. In the past there has been some discussion on the stress induced on the scupper area while using a "plug-in" cart resulting in stress cracking in that area. I recall some of the recommendations included the use of a "strap-on" cart instead of the plug-in. This seemed to alleviate the issue. Enclosed is a link to the carts referenced:

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/kayak-accessories/wheels

octico · 03-09-2016, 09:05 AM

Go with this one

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/wheeleez-beach-cart

jruiz · 03-09-2016, 10:05 AM

Based on the types of failures I've seen from other users over the years and common sense, the majority of the failures result from the carts not being completely inserted into the scuppers. Loading the cart in that manner places a lot of localized leverage on the scupper. If used properly on kayaks with reinforced scuppers you shouldn't anticipate any failures.

On a related note, a damaged scupper is one of the most difficult things to repair on a kayak. Most shops, understandably so, aren't even willing to address it since the success rate is so low.

Rocketfish · 03-09-2016, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jruiz

Based on the types of failures I've seen from other users over the years and common sense, the majority of the failures result from the carts not being completely inserted into the scuppers......

This make sense jruiz. Fortunately, the scuppers in my outback are reinforced as well. I will make sure the cart is never partially in.

I can purchase just the wheeleez right and put them on my existing Hobie cart?

octico · 03-09-2016, 01:24 PM

The wheelez dont insert in the scupper holes. The weight of the yak is enough to hold it in place. I never strap down my yak when on the wheelz. I did make my own rails for it though.

Starsky · 03-09-2016, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octico

The wheelez dont insert in the scupper holes. The weight of the yak is enough to hold it in place. I never strap down my yak when on the wheelz. I did make my own rails for it though.

I have not used my new Wheelez cart yet but even going through rough terrain you dont have to strap the kayak on? Looking at the straps I know they will be way too long, I was going to look for some appropriately sized bungee cords to speed up the strapping process.

jorluivil · 03-09-2016, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octico

The wheelez dont insert in the scupper holes. The weight of the yak is enough to hold it in place. I never strap down my yak when on the wheelz. I did make my own rails for it though.

Same here, I never strap the wheels to the kayak. However, having the crossbars on the cart help out tremendously.

There is no doubt that the scupper holds well but having to turn the kayak sideways to get the wheels in/out is something I'd hate to do each time I launch/land.

jruiz · 03-09-2016, 01:24 PM

I have the older scupper cart

I've gone through several repairs of the pvc tire as well as replacements. I've since replaced the old PVC wheel assembly with the new PU seen below. I don't anticipate any failures in the foreseeable future.

03-08-2016, 04:39 PM	#1
Rocketfish Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: North O.C. Posts: 156	Hobie standard cart on sand? This question is for you guys that have Hobies with the carts that go in the scupper holes. I have a standard cart for my outback and was thinking of traversing over the beach sand for about 100 feet. Is this a bad idea? I'm not super concerned about the damage to the cart, but I'm guessing the resistance from the sand may cause massive stress at the scupper holes, despite them being reinforced. Does anyone have any experience with this?

03-08-2016, 05:07 PM	#2
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	I've had three of the 4 models available for my Outbacks. The basic pulls/drags over the sand better than no wheels. The problem with this one is that my spokes immediately started to bend and it seems they would be breaking before too much time. I got rid of those. I bought the bigger wheels in sand tires in both the smaller (Trax 2) and larger size (Trax 2-30). The Trax 2-30 rolls easily over anything ... ice plant, ravines, pot holes, curbs, ... but it's kind of big/clunky/heavy for my Outback, and it's too big to comfortably strap behind my bait tank. I always walk it back to my van. I think I like the more convenient size of the Trax 2, but I don't have a strong opinion on either of these. Both are OK. The difference in price between both Trax 2 models is $35. For this small price difference and on the recommendation of Ron at FastLane, I splurged for the "best" but I think it's basically a toss-up for my Outback. If I had a PA I would use the bigger of the two. __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 03-09-2016 at 12:25 PM.

03-08-2016, 11:29 PM	#3
Starsky Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Lancaster Posts: 187	When I had the outfitter tandem I had the heavy-duty hobie cart, it was really tough to drag across fine sand. It was also difficult at times to lift the loaded kayak high enough to plug it in. I know you are supposed to lay it on its side but I got lazy unloading and loading the fishing gear. Now I have a new oasis and I got the wheeleez cart, haven't tried it but I'm sure the balloon tires will work better on soft sand. Also being able to store everything in the hatches is a big plus. Last edited by Starsky; 03-09-2016 at 09:03 AM.

03-09-2016, 08:29 AM	#4
RedSledTeam Daddeo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: OC Posts: 660	Use a "Strap-on" There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cart for your situation, but I'll be brief. In the past there has been some discussion on the stress induced on the scupper area while using a "plug-in" cart resulting in stress cracking in that area. I recall some of the recommendations included the use of a "strap-on" cart instead of the plug-in. This seemed to alleviate the issue. Enclosed is a link to the carts referenced: http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/kayak-accessories/wheels

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03-09-2016, 09:05 AM	#5
octico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: The city of Orange Posts: 1,278	Go with this one http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/wheeleez-beach-cart

03-09-2016, 10:05 AM	#6
jruiz Large Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 1,011	Based on the types of failures I've seen from other users over the years and common sense, the majority of the failures result from the carts not being completely inserted into the scuppers. Loading the cart in that manner places a lot of localized leverage on the scupper. If used properly on kayaks with reinforced scuppers you shouldn't anticipate any failures. On a related note, a damaged scupper is one of the most difficult things to repair on a kayak. Most shops, understandably so, aren't even willing to address it since the success rate is so low.

03-09-2016, 01:24 PM	#8
octico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: The city of Orange Posts: 1,278	The wheelez dont insert in the scupper holes. The weight of the yak is enough to hold it in place. I never strap down my yak when on the wheelz. I did make my own rails for it though.

03-09-2016, 01:24 PM	#11
jruiz Large Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 1,011	I have the older scupper cart I've gone through several repairs of the pvc tire as well as replacements. I've since replaced the old PVC wheel assembly with the new PU seen below. I don't anticipate any failures in the foreseeable future.