Do it Yourself Canoe Carts

Transport your boat to your favorite paddling destinations using your own homemade canoe cart. You can purchase ready-made canoe carts, or you can cut costs and build your own with a few tools and some construction supplies. Constructing your own cart with materials such as PVC pipes allows you to customize measurements based on your own boat size. When building a cart, pay attention to size and weight capacity and ensure that your carrier is sturdy, yet protective enough, to support your boat.

Things You'll Need

  • Hacksaw
  • Tape measure
  • 1-inch PVC pipe, 9 feet
  • 1-inch PVC T-connectors, 6
  • Drill with 1/2-inch bit
  • 1/2-inch steel rod, 24 inched
  • 1-inch PVC 90-degree elbows, 4
  • 1-inch PVC 45-degree elbows, 8
  • PVC cement glue
  • 2 cotter pins
  • 1/2-inch washers, 4
  • 2 lawnmower wheels
  • 1/2- to1-inch reducers, 2
  • Bungee cords
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the hacksaw and cut two pieces of 18-inch sections out of the 9-foot PVC pipe. Measure the pipe with the tape measure to get the proper length. The two 18-inch pipes are for holding your boat.

    • 2

      Cut more pieces from the pipe for your cross braces and connectors. You need two pieces of 12-inch cross braces and 16 pieces of 3-inch connector pipes. All these pieces will form the supporting structure of your cart.

    • 3

      Take the drill and make holes in the back end of the two T-connectors. The holes are for connecting with the cart's axle rod

    • 4

      Take the axle rod and drill 3/16-inch holes through both ends for the cotter pins.

    • 5

      Divide the pieces into two groups. You will need to dry fit and connect on each side: three T-connectors, four 45-degree elbows, two 90-degree elbows and eight 3-inch pipes to make your canoe cart.

    • 6

      Connect all the pieces together on each side to build two curved bars. Arrange and dry fit the pieces in this order: 90-degree elbow, pipe, 45-degree elbow, pipe, T-connector, pipe, 45-degree elbow, pipe, T-connector, pipe, 45-degree elbow, pipe, T-connector, pipe, 45-degree elbow, pipe and 90-degree elbow. Dry fit the other side in the same order. Follow the structure pattern on the diagram on the Turkey Country website.

    • 7

      Connect the curved bars by attaching the two 12-inch cross braces through the T-connectors. Next, attach the two 18-inch sections pipes on top of the 90-degree elbow PVC pipes.

    • 8

      Glue all the connecting pieces together one side at a time using the cement glue.

    • 9

      Attach the axle and the wheels. When sliding the wheel over the axle, use the reducers to insert through the other side and then place a washer on both the inside and outside of each wheel. Secure with cotter pins.

    • 10

      Let the cement glue dry completely before loading your canoe cart. Add bungee cords or ropes to secure your canoe when transporting with the cart.