Last year, I began kayaking. Of course, it's always more fun to go with a group. I wanted to modify my utility trailer into a kayak trailer. I can carry 6 boats on the trailer and 2 on top of my car. Some friends ride motorcycles to the launch point. We set up a dining fly, bring lawn chairs, fire up the grill, and make a day of it.
I started with a basic utility trailer that I have had for years.
The challenge was to have removable masts for the kayaks, so I didn't lose the utility of my utility trailer. After many hours of design discussions, we decided to weld box and angle steel into removable masts. We bought an arc welder from Harbor Freight for $99, had the steel cut to our dimensions by a local metal shop, and set to work. This is held to the trailer by 5 bolts, but is really strong.
The frame at the end of the first day.
I added pool noodles for padding to keep from scratching the hulls.
Other trailer mods. To keep the bow of the boat out of the back window of the car , I added an 18" extension to the trailer hitch. The trailer is a little light and needs some additional tongue weight, so I outfitted the trailer with forward weight in the form of cement blocks. Now, it rides smoothly down the road at highway speed. Total cost of the project, including the welder, under $200. (Of course, we already had the trailer.)
Who wants to come kayaking in the Adirondacks with me?
I started with a basic utility trailer that I have had for years.
The challenge was to have removable masts for the kayaks, so I didn't lose the utility of my utility trailer. After many hours of design discussions, we decided to weld box and angle steel into removable masts. We bought an arc welder from Harbor Freight for $99, had the steel cut to our dimensions by a local metal shop, and set to work. This is held to the trailer by 5 bolts, but is really strong.
The frame at the end of the first day.
I added pool noodles for padding to keep from scratching the hulls.
Other trailer mods. To keep the bow of the boat out of the back window of the car , I added an 18" extension to the trailer hitch. The trailer is a little light and needs some additional tongue weight, so I outfitted the trailer with forward weight in the form of cement blocks. Now, it rides smoothly down the road at highway speed. Total cost of the project, including the welder, under $200. (Of course, we already had the trailer.)
Who wants to come kayaking in the Adirondacks with me?