Cart in Front Scupper Holes?

I have done a search on this topic and only found one mention of it without much discussion, so here goes. My apologies if this has already been covered and I missed it.

It seems like putting the cart in the front scuppers and pulling the PA around by the back handle seems to better balance the boat and put less stress on the handle.

When I use the rear scuppers and pull it around by the front handle it just feels like a lot of strain on that (smaller) front handle, especially with any weight in the front hatch.

However, I looked at the bottom of the hull using the front scuppers and even with an unloaded boat it seemed like the rounded middle part of the hull was taking most of the load on the axle of the cart. The collars on my HD cart did not seem to be taking much of the load at all. I saw Roadrunner's post about the tennis balls on the posts of the cart to put the stress on the scupper holes, and that seems like it would work well.

What do y'all think? Any problems with putting the cart in the front scuppers (with the tennis balls) and dragging it around backwards?

Thanks,

Flipside

Flipside,
I've been using the front scupper holes for about a year now with no problems. I have made sure that the support collars are adjusted to take most of the weight and use a piece of pool noodle on the axle. You can get a piece that's thicker than the little Hobie axle pad. Also, I've found those Trax II tires are way too small if you're trying to go through any kind of soft terrain. I've modified my cart by ordering a 34" piece of 3/8" stainless from http://www.OnlineMetals.com , having the ends machined just like the original axle. 3/32"x3/32" groove 1/8" from each end. Cut spot welds on cart with a Dremel tool and knock old axle out. Have the new one spot welded in it's place. Then order the 30cm tires from http://www.WheelEez.com
These larger tires make a HUGE difference over any terrain. See my old thread here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=29524
Also, if you don't want to go the modification route they have a readymade strap on beach cart that you can position anyway you'd like. It is here:
http://www.wheeleez.com/kayak-cart-beach.php
Hope this helps you out.

Hi and Happy Easter HH,

Great set-up! When you store the cart behind the seat, does it block the use of the built in rod holders (where I store my net)?

Halibut Hunter,

Thanks a lot for the info, I am definitely going to start using the front scuppers. Nice to know other people are doing it and I'm not going to tear anything up.

That's a slick setup with the big wheels, I can see how it would be way better in the sand.

Thanks again for the reply.

Flipside

Gr8 Laker,

According to the thread with the pics of HH's cart (link is in HH's reply above), the bigger wheels do interfere with the rod holders when the cart is stored upside down behind the seat.

It caught my attention because I also use the molded in rod holders with the Hobie extensions. Just thought I would let you know when I noticed it, hope it isn't rude to answer for him.

Thanks for the help fellas, the amount of good info on this forum is awesome.

Flipside

Halibut -- can you provide approximate cost for your custom wheelset, afer purchasing materials and hiring out the weldinf and all? I would love to go this route, but don't know where the costs stands on the make -vs-buy spectrum.
Thanks
Jim

WARNING -

Forward scuppers can not be used for carts on earlier model Pro Anglers. The width of the scuppers was different and not intended for cart use. If you have to push the cart in at all... do not try to use the forward scuppers. Carts should slip in / drop in easily.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

This was my concern exactly. I have tried to put the cart in the front scuppers of my 2010 Pro Angler, but I found it doesn't fit the same as in the rear scuppers and I don't want to damage my boat.

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Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

The cart in the rear scuppers make the PA become a lot heavier.

That's why in France (We don't have petrol but ideas ! ), we have develloped a cart which goes in the rear scuppers but where wheels are under the seat.

By this way, the only weight is the PA himself...

_________________
François - French Hobie fishing team - Outback 2019 papaya
ex: Revo 13 2007 - PA 14 2008 - PA 12 2009 - Outback 2011/2013/2015 - Compass 2017

i use the front scuppers on my 2011... the boat is FAR better balanced, and I load my boat stern first (bow facing rear) into my pickup truck. Until I get rid of the pickup, i merely just put the stern on the tailgate, and slide the boat in, and drop the wheels.

_________________
USCG Licensed Master 100GT Near Coastal
2011 Hobie Pro Angler

Interesting...can you post some pics of this type of cart?

Thanks in advance!

I like mine in the back so I can just walk it into the water spin it around, pull the wheels out and I am off. I just load it nose first in the bed of my truck. I t works best for me.

_________________
Brandon Boren

I helped a friend load his new PA on the top of his SUV both ways - cart in front and rear. The rear just seemd easier to set the footing on hte rear rubber stops.

Just my $0.02.