Flat bed trucks as kayak transport?

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    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 at 3:36pm
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I am about to make the move from boat fishing to kayak fishing. Most likely with a couple of Viking Profish GTs (3.6m). 

I am thinking about using something like an Isuzu Elf as the kayak carrier. With a flat deck of about 3.1m the kayak would only hang out about 0.5m. And with the cab over the motor the total length would fit in my 6m garage. This sort of set up would mean no lifting high onto roof racks - just trying to make things easy. And the kayaks would be left stored on the vehicle, ready to head out at a moment's notice.

A single cab flat deck ute might work, but the motor at the front might make the unit a bit too long.

Anybody out there use anything like this? Or any other hints on easy kayak transport? 

Thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Bouncerdog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Oct 2020 at 10:16pm
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So far, it's working well. The next modification will be creating a cover over the tray, allowing the kayaks to sit on top, but with secure storage below.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 6:07am
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote KCfishing Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 12:59pm
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Hi there,
I've just made the same move, boat --> kayak. I didnt have a spare truck lying around ;) so went with a 2.1m box trailer, added a deck and a couple of pvc pipes. Works fine so far. I've seen some comments around PVC pipes being not ideal for this, but i guess time will tell!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote kitno Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 4:17pm
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How are you fixing the PVC pipe down?
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Bouncerdog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 10:06pm
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My little truck is a Nissan Vanette with a tray size of 2450 by 1600. So pretty similar size to your trailer. 

I'm carrying two kayaks and currently using two cradles for each, cut from closed cell foam packaging. Today I glued a bit of carpet on to one of them to see if it slides better.

A couple of carpeted skids or PVC pipes might be easier. I don't know. 

I like the idea that I can hose down the kayaks without removing them from the truck as a a quick and simple end of trip clean down. It's plastic and stainless, so shouldn't be a problem. Just got to get the fish blood off.

For me, this is all about making things easy. I don't want the hassle of launching at the boat ramp, and this set up avoids having to park with a trailer.

The downside of moving from boat to kayak is that a whole load of tackle is no longer useable. Towing Rapala CD 18 bibbed minnows at 7kts is not going to happen!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote KCfishing Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Oct 2020 at 7:43am
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Originally posted by kitno kitno wrote:

How are you fixing the PVC pipe down?

I cut a couple of holes in the pipes and bolted them to the deck (12 mm ply plus 45 mm wooden frame underneath). I used the cut-outs as washers. Just like this guy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugsMOsLhSrE&t=216s ;

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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote KCfishing Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Oct 2020 at 7:52am
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Originally posted by Bouncerdog Bouncerdog wrote:

For me, this is all about making things easy. I don't want the hassle of launching at the boat ramp, and this set up avoids having to park with a trailer.

Same goal here ;) but i will have to travel at least 90-min one way to my fishing spots, and the travel cost (and comfortWink) had to be considered too. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote kitno Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Oct 2020 at 8:19am
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Originally posted by KCfishing KCfishing wrote:

Originally posted by kitno kitno wrote:

How are you fixing the PVC pipe down?

I cut a couple of holes in the pipes and bolted them to the deck (12 mm ply plus 45 mm wooden frame underneath). I used the cut-outs as washers. Just like this guy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugsMOsLhSrE&t=216s ;




I was going to suggest inserting a 45x45 inside the pipe and then screw upwards from underneath through the ply deck, not leaving any holes in the top to allow water in. The 45x45 should pull down tight clamping the pipe to the deck nicely. Just a suggestion.
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