How to Build a PVC Kayak Cart

A PVC kayak cart is used to move a kayak from for a vehicle to a boat dock or beach. PVC or polyvinyl chloride is an inexpensive plastic material normally formed into pipe shapes for plumbing. This is an ideal material for kayak carts because it is lightweight and easy to use. Kayak carts are made so that the kayak is rests on a base with two wheels and the sides of the cart are strapped to the kayak.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 PVC pipe reducers, 1-inch to 1/2-inch
  • 4 PVC 90-degree elbow connectors, 1-inch
  • 8 PVC 45-degree elbow connectors, 1-inch
  • 6 PVC T-connectors, 1-inch
  • 2 PVC Pipes, 1-inch diameter, 18 inches long
  • 2 PVC Pipes, 1-inch diameter, 12 inches long
  • 16 PVC Pipes, 1-inch diameter, 3 inches long
  • Steel rod, 1/2-inch diameter, 24 inches long
  • Washer, ½-inch, 4
  • Heavy duty lawnmower tires, 2
  • Cotter pins, 2
  • PVC cement
  • Drill
  • Bungee cords
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the flat sides of two T-connectors. The hole must be placed in the middle of the connectors so that the steel rod can slide into the connector and out of the port on the opposite side. Drill a hole through each end of the steel rod to slide the cotter pin into. The hole needs to be at least 3/16-inch diameter for the pin to fit.

    • 2

      Slide the steel rod through the holes on the T-connectors. The flat sides of the connectors face each other. Place glue on the inside of the 1-inch port on the reducers and place a reducer on the center port of the T-connectors with the rod.

    • 3

      Place a washer on the end of the reducer and slide a tire on each end of the steel rod. Place another washer on the outside of the tire and place the cotter pin through the hole in the rod. Bend the ends of the cotter pins to wrap around the rod and the T-connectors on both sides as far as possible to the end of rod.

    • 4

      Slide a 3-inch pipe into all the open ports left on the axle and tire base. There are two ports on each side of the cart. Insert the ends of the 3-inch pipes into 45-degree elbow connectors. All the open ports on the 45-degree elbow connectors point upward, away from the tires.

    • 5

      Insert 3-inch pipes into the open ports on the 45-degree elbow connectors. You now have what looks like two U-shapes with an axle and tires in the middle. Place the horizontal side of the T-connectors on the open ends of the 3-inch pipes and point the vertical ports to the middle of the cart.

    • 6

      Place 12-inch pipes into the vertical T-connector ports to connect the T-connectors together. Place 3-inch pipes into the last open port of the T-connectors. Place 45-degree elbow connectors on the ends of the 3-inch pipes and point the open ends upward.

    • 7

      Insert the last set of 3-inch pipes into the ports on the 45-degree elbow connectors and place the 90-degree elbow connectors on the ends, pointing toward the middle of the side of the cart. Place the 18-inch pipes into the elbow connectors.

    • 8

      Glue all the connectors and pipes together with the PVC cement and allow it to dry overnight.

    • 9

      Hook the bungee cords to the 18-inch pipe and slide the kayak into the cart. Stretch the bungee cord over the kayak and attach the free end of the bungee cord to the 18-inch bar on the other side.