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C- Tug cart problems
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=43852
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Author:  canvas guy [ Sat Jul 14, 2012 7:53 am ]
Post subject:  C- Tug cart problems

Love the c- tug cart. rolling around the shop etc. today was my first shakedown on my new outback launching was as smooth as could be. and i was loaded with fishing gear. Problem getting tha hobie out was the cart would slide off the wet outback even before the wheels started moving. Tried different locations on the Yak but same problem. Any one with a solution???

Author:  Dr.SteelheadCatcher [ Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

If you load the Outback tail/stern on to the cart instead of bow first, then you can loop the straps under the carrying handles near the seat.
This will prevent the kayak from sliding off the cart.
I changed out the factory straps to a 1 1/2" wide, NRS heavy duty tie down strap....the 9' strap is about $10.00....just reuse the factory buckles that loops around the C-tug base.
The spring loaded metal buckle and heavy duty strap will not "pop open" as the C-tug strap clasp can/will do under load. :idea:
It's easy to pull the Outback by using the carry handle next to the rudder.

Author:  Revo_1756 [ Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

I bought the C-Tug cart simply because I got tired of having to unload my kayak of fishing stuff and cooler to tilt the revo on its side to insert the scupper hole cart and reload it for the tote back to the car.

The C-Tug cart has inherent issues too. The clasp continually pops open. I tie a slip knot at the clasp once tightened and this usually works but it has popped open even with a knot at times. The strap that comes with the C-Tug is too slick and the clasp has no teeth making for a very poor grip. The strap can also slip along the side of the kayak when hitting softer grades and the yak will slide off.

If you can strap through a carry handle great that helps but the revolution has recessed molded handles no help. I am going to mount a footman loop each side of kayak to pass the strap through and keep cart in place. I have a Sidekick Ama bar behind my seat and I put the strap in front of that and the cart did not shift last time out but once again the buckle did pop open. Great Cart.

Revo

Author:  Revo_1756 [ Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

I emailed C-Tug regarding the strap popping off. They were very quick to reply. I have to say that the Customer Service is excellent as in a previous problem they were prompt to respond to.
Turns out I was reverse threading the buckle. The printed instruction http://c-tug.com/images/pdf/english.pdf and the U-Tube demonstration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRPUtQEz ... r_embedded
show the strap entering the buckle then exiting the slot in the back of the buckle and back underneath the strap to tighten which seems backwards.

I will try the new threading next time out. Might even solve the slipping off issue.

Great Cart as I said and will see if the strapping issue is resolved. I still highly recommend the cart. Fits easily in the front hatch of the revolution.

Revo

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

Junk the strap. You need elasticity to allow for slight boat movement, shaking, temperature changes, etc.

A couple of thick bungee cords beats the stuffing out of a nylon strap for this purpose.

Author:  Dr.SteelheadCatcher [ Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

I wonder if canvas guy has tried reverse loading the Outback yet?
The original issue was the kayak kept sliding off the c-tug cart.
I know my suggested solution will work as I have encountered the same issue on a steep incline with my Outback......and looping the straps under the carrying handles prevents any additional movement on the cart.

Regarding the c-tug video on proper threading the strap through the cam closure....I have followed the instructions to a "t" and it does not work unless the cam closure is located on the side of the hull for support.....this is why I changed the strap over to the NRS cargo strap......it is not dependent on the hull, placing pressure on the tail end of the strap, to prevent the strap from slipping in the cam closure....try a wet nylon strap in the cam closure to see how slippery it is.

Tom has a point and I am sure he is happy with his solution.....I prefer my solution as the c-tug is better suited for a strap secured around the base/support vs a bungee hook and the ease of tension adjustment on the strap. :wink:

Author:  charlief [ Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

I use the Ctug on my Outback. As Revo has identified from the the manufacturers video the strap has to be fed back through the slit on the bottom of the the buckle before tightening. If you do his I gaurantee you will not have a problem with slippage. I have pulled my Outback over rocks, down small banks and over beaches without problem. I place the cart underneath the seat. I can store the Ctug in the front hatch of he Outback.
Being a patriotic Kiwi I am very proud that this local product is now a global kayak trolley :D

Author:  stobbo [ Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

Agree with Charlie - it is a very good product but not perfect:

The buckles on the standard strap are not up to the job of pulling a heavily loaded fishing kayak against heavy resistance e.g. up a steep slop or over soft sand. Under load the strap will pull through the buckle allowing the kayak to slip off the cart.

With a 'normal' weight kayak on a 'normal' surface, a heavy kayak on a 'normal' surface or a 'normal' kayak on a steep slope or soft sand the cart works fine out of the box.

The fix is very cheap - put stronger buckles on it - I did this for a dollar or two and it has never let me down since (I still have a spare buckle knocking around somewhere in the man cave). I also replaced the standard strap with a much longer one because I found it would only just go round the hull of my double.

I notice also that there are now wide-rimmed, non-pneumatic wheels available for the C-Tug - these will probably work better over soft sand than the standard inflatable tyres which can dig in under a heavily loaded kayak but I haven't tried them personally.

I have had occasion to speak to the owner of the company when I called up to get some replacement tyres - he is an excellent bloke with a real commitment to customer service; he exceeded my expectations by a mile and I would have every confidence that he will stand by his product for others as he did for me.

Author:  canvas guy [ Sun Jul 29, 2012 3:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C- Tug cart problems

problem solved. Threading the strap back thru the buckle as some of you suggested stopped the buckle from loosening. . I also glued non skid to the cradle and made two non slip sleeves for the straps as they lay against the hull. works great.

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