Kayak Step Cart

An alternative to the DIY PVC cart - easy to make, doubles as a step for loading / unloading and folds for convenient transportation / storage.  It doesn't get much easier than this.

Step 1: Folding Step Stool

Needing a kayak cart, I was looking for alternatives to measuring / cutting / gluing (cursing*&$#! / re-measuring / re-cutting / re-gluing) a PVC cart.  In the process, I came across this folding step stool.  (ranging in price from $10 - $15 online or local store)

Step 2: Axle

Cut a 3/8" threaded rod to 17" in length - grab a few nuts and washers along with a couple of 8" wheels.

Step 3: Drill

Drill out the center of the hinge with a 3/8" bit.

Step 4: Insert Axle

Slide the threaded rod through the hinge and center it.

Step 5: Lock in Axle

A washer on either side of the step, double nut to lock in place (it also gives proper spacing/clearance for the wheels).

Step 6: Add Wheels

A washer on either side of the wheel and another double nut set on the outside (end cap optional).

Step 7: Ready to Roll

Done - ready for use as a step to help load and unload.

Step 8: Fold

Collapses for convenient transportation and storage.

Step 9: Flipped to Position

Flipped into position.

Step 10: Add Padding

Your basic foam noodle padding - slits cut to slip over stool feet / edges. (foam held in place with Velcro cable ties found in any office supply store)

Step 11: Good to Go

Comments

[B in Bel Air]

I like the simplicity and use of an off the shelf step stool. Nice design, I'll be building one soon. Thanks!

[macataq]

maybe a dumb question, but what supports the center of the sponge pieces?

thanx looks like a super idea

Mac

[Tear59]

Check the picture of the pool noodle on the bottom of the step stool, and the one above it. It's attached to the plastic piece between the feet of the stool.

[alvarezmia1414three]

You may think that I am stupid for asking this question. But here it goes anyway. Is the bottom of the kayak supposed to have 4 plugged holes? Or are they supposed to be opened?

[Tear59]

They are called scupper holes, and they let water out that splashes on to a sit on Kayak. You can buy plugs but, I have never used them

[acvanwijk4]

Thanks for the instructions. Realy easy, fast and cheap to make. Thanks fore sharing, Rik

[gcai_fwb]

just what I was looking - excellent double use of an everyday time - great creativity!

[mean_ls]

I made 2, but the hooks on my strap kept pulling out the side hinge so i drilled a couple holes on each side to attach a loop for the tie down. I used a 5/8 rod instead of 3/8 and also used that sticky shelf liner stuff and ponytail holders on the legs as the noodle was too slide-y. I wanted to use nyloc nuts on the ends but couldn't find any.

[3D-NM8OR]

Well done.

[tonyi]

What a great simple idea & design, for what could easily be a ~50 to $150 buy from the canoe shop.

i have one of thoes colapsable steps for the kids, but now they are growing up and somewhat taller, i can now see a good reuse for it.

Thanks for sharing.

[rickosaurus]

This was a great cart. I definitly pushed it to it's limits though. I tried to stack both my kayaks on top of each other on it and it ended up breaking. My own fault. I'm gonna see if I can find a step with a higher weight limit next.

[3D-NM8OR]

Glad you like the project. The limit for the stool I used is allegedly 300 lbs., but since the hinge is compromised and I'm sure the weight is not being distributed as intended/designed - that 300 number pretty much goes out the window. Just curious - what is the approx. combined weight of your kayaks and where did the cart fail/break?

[rickosaurus]

I'd guess and say each kayak is around 50lbs so total would be around 100lbs. I wasn't expecting the stand to still hold 300lbs but I was curious to test it's limit. I think the hinge was still intact but one of the sides of the top broke.

[chipper35]

Super extreme coolness!!

[michelle.caporali.9]

Thanks for posting this. I love the idea of using a folding step stool. It would give me the extra height I need to strap the kayak on the roof of my vehicle. BUT, can you use it as a step stool with the foam padding on there ?

[3D-NM8OR]

Glad you like the concept. I slip the foam padding off of the stool before I flip it over to use as a step, a seat or to store it. As mentioned, I use a couple of Velcro cable ties (similar to: http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/369220/VELCRO-Brand-GET-A-GRIP-Straps/) to hold the foam in place when using it as a cart. Hope that helps.

[demini]

This was super easy. 15 minutes at most for building 2 of them. Would have been faster if we hadn't stopped to admire our work and grab more beers.

[3D-NM8OR]

Looks good (sorry that I forgot to include Step 7B: Get Beer)

[Dryboater]

Thank you for a great and easy alternative to $150 boat carts

[dkrall]

wow, great idea. so simple. I'm going to use some old lawn mower wheels I have laying around. all I have to buy is a stool.