Great to see such a good debate on the merits of the C-Tug Wheels.
I have been using the product since they first came out and have used it on both Adventure Island an the tandem island.
There are some issues with the product and from what I am seeing on the forum here it seems that each product that is listed has their own issues.
The C-Tug product(s) I have used is as follows
1/ Generation 1 - Rubber inflatable wheels
These tyres were good on the road, but not so good on the soft sand.
I had an issue with them, deflating and contacted the manufacturer, the service was excellent, a new pair were couriered to me overnight.
2/ Generation 2 - Hard Wheels
when the company bought out the first set of 'hard wheels' to replace the Pneumatic Tyres, I purchased a pair, and have used them ever since.
I have used them on seal, sand, concrete (slipways), and have even used them and carried them on my big trip
http://www.kayakfishingnz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6301.
It was good to have the wheels with me at the other end to get the yak out of the water, which it performed without a hitch even with the yak (over) loaded with all of the camping gear and much more.
(Note: In this case the Wheels were loaded well past manufacturers maximum weight specification).
3/ Generation 3 - Sidewinders - Hard Wheels
The Hard Wheels are a different design to the Gen2 Wheels, there is a different 'tread pattern' which is better at disbursing the sand than the previous design, stopping the wheels from digging in as they did previously.
I find the sidewinders/hard wheels combo much better than the Gen2 wheels (above) they dont 'bog down' in the sand anything like the narrower wheels, allowing the C-tug to get up and moving easier.
Comments:
a/ The C-tug is not specifically designed for the Tandem Island, and if you are like me using it to launch your TI (when it is loaded with fishing gear) you are using it outside the manufacturers specifications.
b/ The procedure seen earlier in this thread which explains how to thread the strap through the 'cleat' is not the way it is best done, I have found that the way the manufacturer now explains if far superior, (thread through the buckle and down through the end (and back) allows much more tension, as if used the other way, when you 'jam/lock' down the cleat, the way illustrated actually loosens the the strap, allowing additional movement.
c/ I have found the manufacturers to be amazing people to deal with and have been happy to provide positive feedback and seen the amazing changes that have taken place since I have been using their awesome product.
d/ none of the products in this thread are perfect, and all have their own little 'issues' I personally stay away from 'inflate' tyres, as in the past I have had tyres 'pop' or 'deflate' on me while I have been out and it is almost an unrecoverable situation when one tyre pops or deflates and you are on the beach singlehanded wondering how to carrt the TI by yourself.
I am using the same c-tug (different wheels) that I have used for the last 4 years, and have never had to replace the kayak due to ripping out scupper holes, I have always carried my C-Tug either on my kayak or in my kayak.
e/ assembly and disassembly is possibly the easiest of any of the kayak carts I have used and there aren't any split rings pins or other small bits that can fall off and disappear into the sand, which would render other devices useless.
There are no sharp objects to 'puncture' the hull in a 'bashing sea' or big steel axles to worry about when things get hairy out there.
f/ I am still using the chassis/axle setup I purchased almost 4 years ago.
g/ I live about 500m from the beach and have a mixture of terrain (seal, concrete, hard sand and soft sand) to cross to get to the water. the Gen3 C-Tug is the only product I have used that copes with all three.
summary and disclaimer.
I have used the C-Tug product for a number of years and I have been impressed with the build quality, design, innovation and their belief of 'constant improvement' and will no doubt be a user of this product for many years to come.
The
Tandem Island is generally too heavy for this product, however with careful use and avoidance of 'stupid risks' I will continue to use it.
I am not in any way affiliated with railblaza / or C-tug I have been in a unique position to be able to provide positive imput to their products and have been able to see the development of such products as the Railmount, which is an awesome product for mounting on the AKA's.
I am not a paid employee of Railblaza / C-tug.
My Yak is the one that Railblaza 'blazed' in the video
http://www.youtube.com/embed/514DMzfus8w?autoplay=1If you have anything that can assist C-Tug in the development of the product, I am certain C-Tug / Railblaza would welcome constructive comments and we can look forward to the next amazing developments that they have to offer.
Please feel free to PM me with your 'wishlist' and perhaps we might be able to help them to have the 'perfect' solution for us 'Big Waka' sailors.
regards
OldWetFish
Te Waka Nui VHF:ZMW4324
(the Big Canoe).