I'm currently looking into getting a cedar canvas canoe, and am looking into getting a cart for the canoe. I know some folks here like to make use of those so I was wondering:

- Any recommended brands?
- Are there specific features I should look for? Height, wheel size stuff like that?
- This may seem a tad silly...but why do the carts that are designed to be attached at the center of the canoe not come with four wheels? Is it just to save space? Wouldn't it be easier to wheel the canoe around? With a single pair of wheels, it looks like you have to push down or pull up on one end of the canoe while at the same time pushing or pulling the canoe down the trail.

Karior

I just purchased a set of Roll-eze wheels from MEC just before my last trip into Sproule. They did seem to work OK, but they were a pain when going over a trail littered with roots and rocks, and you needed one person at each end to lift. I used a set on the portage into Shirley from Crotch, and they worked perfect, as that trail is relatively smooth.
When putting packs in the canoe, do it so the canoe is as balanced as possible, so you're not fighting to hold the bow up or down. I found it best not to put too much extra weight in the canoe, just the loose odds and ends that are a pain to carry but don't weigh much, paddles, life jackets, rods, etc.
Skeeter

My guess would be 4 wheels would put some (albeit minor) limitations on your ability to go up a hill. You can pivot on 2 wheels, 4 wheels locks you in. I say "minor" because the canoe is so long that I guess you can't really pivot much in any case.

Canvas canoes are the lightest things around... doesn't it kinda defeat the purpose of having one if you need a cart? Also being canvas wouldn't it damage the canoe putting it on the cart?

That being said from what I have read the bigger the wheels the better. Many people have had better results modifying their carts and using bicycle wheels.

I have a 2 wheel cart with 20 inch wheels. I use 2 straps to tie down the canoe and put most of the weight inside the canoe directly above the cart, this way the canoe is very well balanced. Carts are only good on the nicer trails, too many roots and rocks make it harder than portaging.

I've been using the Paddleboy Heavy Lifter cart for 4 years now and have found it to be a real workhorse. It can apparently handle 400 lbs - I have tied a kayak on top of the canoe already strapped to the cart plus put 1 heavy canoe pack plus some loose ends right over the middle of the carted canoe without much trouble. Over big roots and rocks, you'll need a hand to lift it over whereas larger bike wheels may have cleared them. The tires on these carts are 10" x 4" pneumatic and I believe I paid about $250.00 for it (so they can be pricey!).

Harry

Harry,

Your cart is almost identical to the aluminum primex model sold at mec. I have used this cart on numerous cart trails and especially the bonfield dickson wheel cart route.Primex only carries about 200lbs but weights only about 7 lbs. Its a decent cart for most wheel cart routes in Algonquin.

I think this subject was covered off in the summer time with some pictures of the carts, might want to check some back threads if you are looking for pictures. I think if you look at a basic cart they use for Horse racing that you could make something similar to that and it would work.

Ground clearance to the axel is most important imo. I've seen models with 4" of clearance. No portage has a rock bigger than 4"!

Talk to someone who's good with bikes. Build yourself one. The best ones I've seen are home made from bicycle wheels and wood.


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Canvas canoes are the lightest things around...
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That's a joke, right? My old 16' cedar canvas is easy 70# bone dry and 100# after a day in the water. Practically every construction method used today is lighter than canvas.

heh I think he mixed up canvas with kevlar...I would definitely worry about trying to use a kevlar canoe with a cart.

I think you did too...

As mentioned by others - ground clearance is a key feature. This must be achieved with a center of balance that is low enough to avoid tipping and this means large diameter wheels. Large diameter wheels also make rough terrain easier to get over.
The next key feature is durability. This means tough wheels with strong spokes. bike wheels are narrow and will sink in the mud. I have seen several that look like a pac man disgarded on the side of trails over the years.
Here is some snaps of the cart I made out of moto-cross wheels. This cart has passed the fully loaded preasure test. It comes apart and has an adjustable wheel base for easier transport and flexability for narrow trails. It can be used for a canoe or tin boat. More detailed pictures can be supplied for those that are interesed