Author: fish

By Dave Bragg

Florida

We are 100 yards from the ocean but by road it is a block, so I need a wheel cart.
This is basically a cart design that I found on the Wavewalk site, with a few tweaks due to the weight.

I sourced the materials for about $80, over half was the no-flat tires and wheels. Stainless on the hardware except for the brass bushings and a piece of 1/4” flat bar aluminum for the kickstand.
I epoxied bushings to accept the 5/8” stainless bolts. The sides are beefed up to both hold more weight as well as to keep the wheels square. I glued and screwed the supports for more strengt.
I beefed up the ends to support the weight and pressure around the wheels. The brass bushings were epoxied into tight holes drilled into the sides.

Testing it: I pulled the S4 all loaded up for 2 blocks and it worked wonderfully. It tracked, turned and balanced great.

Now I’ll see how it works over time. Excited!

My S4 boat is outfitted with a new Tohatsu 6 HP with a 9″ pitch propeller. I drive using a jointed tiller extension.
I took my S4 to the Tomoka basin for a test drive and it worked well. Then I took it out for a 20 mile ride. Got it to 12 mph after breaking in the motor. That was really fun.

By Gary Rankel

I rarely take out my camera while fishing in my Wavewalk anymore, having already taken more pictures of my adventures on the water than I can organize, however, I had to do so yesterday after hauling in my first turtle. It took over a half hour to get it along side, but I managed to unhook it with no problem
I think it broke the speed record for turtle swimming after it was set free.

Boat launching during Corona Virus / COVID19 epidemic

These days, as states struggle to contain the Corona Virus (COVID19) epidemic, and issue new restrictions on the use of public facilities, including boat ramps, it’s important to remember that launching a motorized S4 cartop microskiff or a W700 motor kayak requires no boat ramp, and in fact no other special access to the water.
You can launch these ultralight and portable craft anywhere, be it a dock, a beach or a river bank, and even in a rock garden, namely a beach that features rocks and boulders on shore as well as in the water.

You can transport these cartop boats on top of your vehicle or inside it (e.g. in a bigger SUV or minivan), and on top of a truck bed, in case you own a pickup truck.

You can launch and beach these minimal draft and agile boats in extremely shallow water, and paddle them with the propeller raised out of the water. Technically and legally, these are kayaks, and they paddle well, especially the W700. Alternatively, you can pole them, although poling is harder than paddling.

 

 

 

By Charles Taylor

Florida

Tires are quick release, and cart fits perfectly.

 

The battery fits awesome

Coolest thing I’ve done in a dozen years. Cold, windy, pouring rain and a small craft advisory. Perfect for trying it out. I grew up in Cape Cod. Always have been an adrenaline junkie. But old and mature enough to have only put the 5 hp Mercury on it. Propane is awesome.

Not bringing the cart with me next time. But it was a one handed stroll to the boat launch fully packed. People kept saying “what is that”. I’ll have to print up some cards with the website  to hand people. I’m going to launch at the beach next.

 

After a long day it’s nice to back in and lock the gate. Got to watch the sunset for 2 hours tonight. Paradise.