Automatic Wheel Retrieval for Hobies

Try that with the big inflatable beach wheels and let me know how that works for you

How would that affect performance at various speeds?

I once struggled to paddle around on my Rev 13 after only 10 minutes in the water and decided to pedal instead. While peddling, I remembered there was a lot of resistance as I was moving around the bay. The kayak did not seem quite right but I could not figure out what was wrong. Upon reaching back to the cooler for my first water break, I noticed that the cart was not on deck. Thinking that I had left it behind at the launch site, I frantically rushed back (and struggled) to the beach where i was 20 minutes earlier. As I was walking the yak up on shore, I noticed the shiny post tops sticking out the scupper holes - there it is, I had forgotten to remove the wheel after launching. Back in the water with the cart on deck, I was relieved that I didn't lose the thing. And another pleasant surprise came after a few strokes, I then realized the kayak was moving normally again without any resistance.

I tend to pedal and paddle higher than average speed most of the times. Maybe this would not be so noticeable if the kayak is moving slowly??

...How would that affect performance at various speeds?....

The wheels are not left under they yak when you are on the water so it won't affect your pedal/paddle performance at all - When you put in - you retrieve them 'as normal' and store them upside down in the scupper holes behind your seat. The bungee in the 'modified' version of the Automatic Wheel Retrieval keeps them there, nice & snug - so even if you DID tip over, they shouldn't fall out.

When you are in the 'shallows' you hop out, pull the wheels out of the scupper holes & situate them at the rear of the yak, then (if deep enough) just pull the bungee to slip the 'legs' into the scupper hole UNDER the yak. If it is too shallow, you may still need to lift the rear of the yak a bit - but you don't have to tip the yak over, or go out in waist deep water to do it!!

cheers

Aprie

I've since found my old busted hobie wheels, so may get it welded up & leave it on my SPARE hobie Sport!

Umm yes I easily push my Cart with big inflatable beach wheels under the hull and strap it on.

It's easier to hand-tow for oldies than the plugin cart 'cos the weight is balanced and you don't have to lift any load.

Plus for me this is $AUD200 compared to $AUD260 for the Trax with the same wheels and it all fits in the hatch.
Jcanracer is right it's about you're individual needs.
http://beachwheelsaustralia.com/the-kay ... wz1-kcm-u/

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Fair Skies, Max.

I must not be mechanically minded because not sure I understand this... love the idea of not having to lift to put wheels on... but someone was talking about staying dry. so after you are ready to go, kayak in water, you still have to get wet to remove the wheels from scuppers and store on kayak, correct?? It seems the wheels would be too big and as the other guy said, mess up the steering if they were left under the kayak...

Attempts to go sailing and remain dry is something I would like to see.

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Fair Skies, Max.

The wheels DON'T stay under the yak when you are out - you remove them (with bungee attached) and store them behind your seat in the normal way or 'on the back' if you have a bait tank

You will ALWAYS get wet to a degree- just not up to your waist with this method ..... this is more for the ease of putting the wheels IN after a long day on the water ..... when you may be cold & cranky!