Cat Trax Dissected

Many people have attempted to make a set of Beach Wheels, with varying results.
I picked up a used set of Florida Sailcraft Cat Trax. I had to move the wheels, to fit an 8' Cat, so I thought I'd put up an album with specs...might help someone trying to build a good set.
It is possible to save a little money building them yourself, if you don't mind ending up with an inferior product. The rims are the real secret. If you can find them, you could build an equal product, but the savings are not huge. You would probably also have to pay to have the tires mounted, the beads can be hard to seal. There are several videos showing the use of propane to seat them. In the end though, is the time & effort worth around $150?

Date: 09/11/2015

Owner: Edchris177

Size: 8 items

20150903_120337

Florida Sailcraft Cat Trax, with axle cover hose. This hose is available from FS for $15/pr. It appears to be regular automotive hose, such as you would see on a radiator.

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_111737

This is the axle, 2" O.D. anodized aluminum. Anodizing is a useful feature, plain AL pipe stains your hands easily.

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_111907

The axle uses .126 (1/8") wall thickness. This results in a bend free axle, yet still light weight. It is more difficult & costly to source this material, in 96" length.Pete Begle has stated he cuts the axle in two, then uses a sleeve, in

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_111619

The genius of FS product is the hub/bearing assembly. This is what causes the greatest problems with self builds. FS uses an anodized rim, with a 5" inner flange.

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_111528

A few "bearings" are inserted along the bottom of the rim, the axle inserted, & the remaining "bearings" slid in around the axle circumference.Bearings are retained via a large SS washer on each side. All are kept in place by a l

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_111401

Here are the "bearings". They are simply 3/8" delrin rod, cut into 5" lengths. You need 20/wheel,(100"). 3/8" Delrin rod can be had for 95 cents a foot, & comes in 5' lengths. You would need 17', (to allow for cutting) fo

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_111445

Delrin Bearings.

Date: 09/11/2015

20150903_112143

These are not factory tires. FS uses a slightly wider tire, 21x12-8.Mine have tubes, adding another 1-2 lbs. You can just see the inflation valve on the left hand wheel.Tires are available (Nanco or Nanking) for $28.

Date: 09/11/2015