[quote=Edchris177]For those contemplating building their own, here are the real Cat Trax dissected.
[url]http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=119871[/url]
I think it would be very difficult to duplicate them for 1/2 price. All items can be sourced, except the rims. If you can find these, you could make a set of equal quality. IF the rims could be had for $75 ea, your total cost would be $286.
Pete Begle stated he has cut the original axles in half, then inserted a sleeve...in order to use the same set for 8' boats, & 10' Tornado class boats. 48" lengths AL tube,(1/8" wall) is readily available.
Parts breakdown is;
$150- 2 rims with 5" hub. (Assuming you can find the real rims for $75ea).
$56 - 2 Nanco tires 21x12-8
$17 - 17' of 3/8" Delrin rod. Cut it into 40 (20 each wheel) 5" lengths. Rod is .95/ft.
$28 - 2 pcs (48" each) of 2" O.D. 1/8" wall aluminum pipe. Easily sourced on eBay (pipe remnants).
$6 - 4 SS washers from Florida Sailcraft, hard to find them cheaper than here.
$4 - 4 SS cotter pins.
$25 - 2 end caps from FS, though many people could build something adequate.
$0 - 4 Retainer washers, anyone could McGyver these out of quite a few materials.
$0 - 2 pcs 14" automotive pressure hose (2 1/8" I.D.) Any garage will have tons of this in the dumpster.
$286 Total parts.
You could build your own end caps, & just spring for a set of tires/wheels from FS,($258). This would amount to $313 for the set, & you would probably incur a bit for shipping. Not really much of a savings.
I have not tried it, but have read that seating beads on ATV/Balloon tires can be problematic. You might incur further costs having tires mounted. I know some of the ultralight aircraft builders use propane/butane or ether to seat the beads.
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhn5lpy_fws&feature=youtu.be[/url]<!-- editby --><em>Edited by Edchris177 on Sep 11, 2015 - 02:29 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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