DIY Kayak Cart

Made up a cart for the kayak today. Had a shop around for wheels, but then realised it was cheaper to buy a sack truck and convert it into a cart. Buying two wheels was more expensive then s whole sack truck with wheels, axle and metal frame. I shortened the sack truck we currently have, and will buy a new one to replace it. I cut off the top and bottom and welded them together. I cut out most of the base to fit the sides of the kayak and attached some angled metal to fit the kayak sides. 

Foot Rests

After thinking and procrastinating for a long time, I've finally made the foot rests to go with the rails I installed in the kayak. Still need to oil or epoxy them, but they look like they'll do the job.

Launched!

Finally launched the kayak on Sunday. Stayed at the Milang Lakeside Caravan Park, on the shores of Lake Alexandrina. The trip down went well and the kayak didn't move at all on the roof racks. After a windy Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning was really calm. The first paddle went well - the kayak is very stable and paddled well. Very happy with its performance. Later in the day the wind came up and I went out for another paddle. Again the kayak was very stable even with the wake from boats and jet ski's around. With a cross wind however a rudder would be a useful addition to keep the kayak tracking straight. There were no leaks and no capsize, so all went well :)

Would like to do some capsize testing to see how best to board after a turnover. I did try and rock a bit when it was just me in there and I think it would take a bit to get over. I paddled along kneeling in the middle of the kayak and it still felt stable.

Greenland Paddle Finished

Finished off the Greenland style paddle yesterday with a couple of coats of Scandinavian Oil (didn't have any other oil around so thought I'd give it a go). Came out quite well, just need to see how it paddles now :)

Greenland Paddle - Planed to Thickness

Used the electric planer to shape the blades to their required thickness. Starting to look a bit like a paddle now. Also marked out the paddle shape, which needs to be cut out next. Still need to connect the end pieces and maybe add some contrasting timber to the blade edges.

Greenland Style Paddle

For my second paddle, I thought I'd have a go at making a Greenland style paddle. I found some instructions online and selected a nice looking piece of Oregon (Douglas Fir) and started marking out. I marked it all out and then cut roughly to size only to then realise how heavy the piece of Oregon actually was! Doh! Not impressed with wasting my time, especially as it was 40 deg C yesterday and VERY hot in the shed!

So plan B then - I have some nice lightweight pieces, but they weren't wide enough. So I laminated some pieces to the ends to make the required thickness.

The nice but heavy piece or oregon.

 All marked out ready for cutting.

Cutting to size...  

 Plan B - Laminating pieces of lighter Oregon together.

Glued and clamped together with thickened epoxy. 

The end pieces with some contrasting timber laminated in the middle.

Nice sunset.

Trial Roof Rack Fitting

Popped the kayak up on the roof racks yesterday to see how well it will ride. It was surprising secure with just the two straps over the racks, but I also tied bow and stern lines.Felt like it was quite secure and wouldn't move about at all. I also weighed the kayak and it was about 29kg with the seats.