I came across a Cat Trax. It is bent outboard of one wheel, tip sag about 5 inches. I was going to get my super cheater bar, a 6 foot DOM tube and straighten it. It will be mostly but not perfect. We have only used home made dollies so this is a big step up. Will a little bend be a performance issue?
I was thinking of modifying it to be used on an 8 foot and a 10 foot beam boat. I would cut off the bend,, reposition cradle to straight tube. Cut in middle, and put an inner or outer telescoping tube that would be pinned into either position. Out would be stronger and heavier obviously. It may depend on material availability.
Any recommendations?
Sounds like you have a plan, you are going to like using "real" cat trax.
If the tube turns out to be too bad to save it can be replaced, it's just an aluminum pipe. The axle pipe is $75 from the Florida Sailcraft.
http://www.floridasailcraft.com/CatAccesories.htm
Thanks for the lead on store bought replacement parts.
ctcataman-
Contact Pete Begel here in the Beachcats.
He had made this mod to his cat tax and used it for years.
He switches between Prindles and a Tornado.
Should work for you.
Wasn't rocket science, just cut tube in half & put 3' floating tube inside with black marks denoting 8', 8.5', & 10' widths. Pete
Pete, That is what I had in mind. I would like to go with some quick lock pins, probably tethered. Will need to see what type is best for a sand environment. What type of pins did you use? John
Something like this would be handy for the pins.
That would be perfect. I was thinking the ball detent ones would get destroyed on the beach. These would last forever.