The Equipment
The Kayaks
Four Old Town Dirigo 106
When we decided to invest in kayaks, my wife and I did a lot of research. First we went to a dealer in our area, but he came off like a bad used car salesman, trying to sell us a mish-mash of four different brands and styles he had in the shop. I photographed his offerings and went home and looked them up on the internet. I discovered his prices were very unfavorable. The only piece of advice he offered that made sense to us, was that we should probably buy four kayaks of the same length. The longer the kayak, the faster it moves, and the less effort it takes to paddle it. Our fear was that if our four family members had boats of disparate length, those with the shorter boats would always be struggling to keep up, and those with longer boats frustrated to have to hold back.... [MORE]
When we decided to invest in kayaks, my wife and I did a lot of research. First we went to a dealer in our area, but he came off like a bad used car salesman, trying to sell us a mish-mash of four different brands and styles he had in the shop. I photographed his offerings and went home and looked them up on the internet. I discovered his prices were very unfavorable. The only piece of advice he offered that made sense to us, was that we should probably buy four kayaks of the same length. The longer the kayak, the faster it moves, and the less effort it takes to paddle it. Our fear was that if our four family members had boats of disparate length, those with the shorter boats would always be struggling to keep up, and those with longer boats frustrated to have to hold back.... [MORE]
The Racks
The basement storage rack, for Maine's long winters. The upside down manner is one recommended method for avoiding hull-deformation during long-term storage.
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The mobile rack. At last, a design that gives me enough confidence that I can drive without constantly looking in my rearview mirror. Slides into stake pockets, and secured with hitch pins.
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The Trailer
I spied this little charmer as I passed it frequently throughout the winter and into the spring. It's one of the kinds of things that can turn a man's head. I was always on a mission, or running late, or the weather so foul I didn't want to get out and see what the sign on it said. I was also broke. But, finally I perceived the price had been lowered, the day was sunny though chilly, and I was beginning to sense that, if it was a deal, it wouldn't stick around forever. So I stopped to check the price. The owner came out - perhaps anxious to have a nibble - and explained he had other trailers and this one had been sitting, rotting, for about 4 years or so. The tires were dried out and cracking. The wood bed was punky and rotted. But hey, it was only $100. I had been thinking about it, and had a plan to make it a dual-purpose (at least) trailer. The photo captions tell the rest of the story.
I will say this, if you're after a cargo-only trailer, like mine is with the wood sides, maybe it's best to just buy a new one. My total materials investment probably hit about $800 to $900, by the time it had a new axle, new wheels, new tires, stake pockets, lights and wiring, wood sides, and new deck. And then there's the hours of labor, cursing, sweat, strain, and trial and error. You can find brand new trailers in the $1100-$1200 range. So if you have the cash, just buy one. But for me, it was helpful to spread the cost over weeks, cathartic to do the physical labor and problem-solving, and rewarding to rescue something from the junkyard in an otherwise disposable society. I have not, however, seen affordable trailers with the ability to convert from kayak carrier to general utility trailer like mine, and so its custom nature gives me great satisfaction.
I will say this, if you're after a cargo-only trailer, like mine is with the wood sides, maybe it's best to just buy a new one. My total materials investment probably hit about $800 to $900, by the time it had a new axle, new wheels, new tires, stake pockets, lights and wiring, wood sides, and new deck. And then there's the hours of labor, cursing, sweat, strain, and trial and error. You can find brand new trailers in the $1100-$1200 range. So if you have the cash, just buy one. But for me, it was helpful to spread the cost over weeks, cathartic to do the physical labor and problem-solving, and rewarding to rescue something from the junkyard in an otherwise disposable society. I have not, however, seen affordable trailers with the ability to convert from kayak carrier to general utility trailer like mine, and so its custom nature gives me great satisfaction.
