Have any of you ever constructed a set of beach transport wheels w/cradles for significantly less than the purchase price of a new set... that they have been happy with? If the answer is yes, how?

Make the wheels out of a 55 gallon plastic barrel. Attach a plywood disk on the ends of the barrel. put a 2" pipe throught the center of the plywood disks.



The cradles are made my chopping a piece of 10" pvc pipe into 1/3rds. Heat up in oven at very low (170 or so), and quickly mold to hull before it cools. Make sure to have padding on the hull when molding pipe.



If you have any questions or want some pictures let me know.



David Rogers

A few snapshots would be appreciated if not a big hassle to you.

buy yourself a couple of wheelbarrow wheels and make yourself some cradles for your hulls to sit in. all very cheap

Thought about that, too, but the more I think about it, the more I get the notion that I will have to choke up the $ for a set after all. I just think beach wheels are waaaay overpriced to begin with, but they are damn handy. The standard price seems to be $500 with cradles. What a rip!

i would have to disagree. have had my beach wheels for over 10 years now. saves my boat frrom scratches (helps the resale value), much easier to move the boat on the beach. i think they are a good investment when trying to sell you boat again. fork out $500 they will make your life so much easier

Leo,

Easy to make at a fraction of the price.

http://www.geocities.com/phillbrander/ttwp/ttbw.html

I too tried to look at making my own. However, if you start pricing wheels and tires, of the width and quality that the cattrax are, their price isn't that unholy. Those big balloon tires sure are great in soft sand (especially for your big 'ol N6.0). I've never regreted laying down the $500 - they really are built well.

Hi All,

I built some nice beach wheels for about $175CDN, which is about $.50US:



4 wheels: about 18"dia x 8": $20 each. These wheels have a steel rim (light) and bearing in each side, with a 3/4" hole.



1 SS shaft 10' longx3/4"



1 2" piece of 14" sewer pipe (get new not used!) from a local construction company $20



12 ss pipe clamps



2 small pieces of wood between the sewer pipe and 3/4" rod



2 small pieces of carpet.



It works great for my Nacra 6.0na. The wheels are a bit small, but still work fine, even in soft sand. I don't have any photos, but I can get you some by next week...

Dave

N6.0na #325

I am on my second and I hope last design for home made beach wheels. If they work I will have invested about $600 in them and 100 hours of design and testing. Buy the freaking wheels. dont be stupid like me. the other ideas are ok but if you price all of the little parts that go into them you dont save much. never mind the time. ok here is my idea for cheap wheels. all you have to do is......

Talk about a dichotomy of opinions... Thanks for all the great input (on both sides of the argument).

Looking for some really good wheels -found these that look really well made ,-

http://www.playaboule.com/cgi-bin/ams/shopzone30.cgi/Catamarans.html



Have a set on the way but does anyone have a set , and what experiences have you had with them -The list of materials and thought put into them seems excellent and talking on the phone sounded like very nice folks .



thanks for info in advance, i,LL ALSO LET YOU KNOW HOW i LIKE EM -

Carl