Here’s my solution to moving around a fulling laden Island to and from the launch. First, a robust motor mount made of ½” birch plywood doubled-up with west system epoxy (finished w/ 3 coats of spar varnish). 5/16” stainless steel bolts/nuts/washers and 1/8” thick aluminum 1 1/2” L angle (trimmed to fit top edge of hull in cargo area)......everywhere. Thru the hull bolts secured w/ ¾” aluminum channel for backing (nuts for 5/16” bolts fit perfectly in channel to aid in tightening, lucky). Second, using same L angle to hold 1” steel (not stainless, just what HD carries) square tubing for wheel supports. The top of the wheel supports (spray painted w/ black rust-oleum) are notched to hold the whole wheel assemble in place while mounting. One of the many got-lucky decisions was to have the top supporting/guide pin (where the notch goes), relieved away from the motor mount about an 1/8 inch so that when putting on wheels, the lower locking pin hole is held in place against the lower part of the motor mount…..not sure this makes any sense. In practice sure does. Anyhow, hope the pics help clarify.
Here's cheapo okay-for-hard-surface wheels on 1/2" galvanized bolt
Soooooo much better, 16.5" wheelez on same 1/2" galvanized bolt w/ 1" OD galvanized pipe threaded to match larger wheel axle size. Really, really happy with this set-up. Look closely at the locking pin area. See where the black support leg rests deeper in the lower part of channel? This allows the whole wheel assembly to hold well in the bracket before putting in the pin. Makes it easy to insert on land or in the water.
C-Tug cart up front balances the load
All four wheels stash in the "trunk" behind the motor mount
Doug
