YakAttack carts - Bunkster vs BarCart

[jimanchower]

If I don't care about packing down or about the crossbar configuration, is there any reason to get the more expensive BarCart over the Bunkster for my Autopilot 120? 

[Bankc]

It looks a little better made.  Will probably last longer.  The Bunkster might last long enough for you though.  But since they're based on the same design, I imagine they'd operate about the same.  

[Crow Horse]

You might consider modifying a cheaper cart and save some serious change as long as you are handy. I modified all my carts as well my fishing buddy's cart with larger wheels and high quality bearings to fit carts purchased on Amazon for $35-$50 each.

 

They handled my buddy's fully equipped Predator without issue. I made the change to larger wheels because of the trail to the launch point was really gnarly, rutted and rooted. The larger wheels made traversing the trail much easier.   That was 6 years ago and no problems.

[flyfisher]

I see them as the same cart just one you can't switch to a non bunk style.  Me personally, I have never felt the need to have a cart that i could swith the bars differently than a bunk style.  I currently have the wilderness systems cart and if i was in the market for a new one, I would get the bunkster over the tow N stow.

 

[dickenscpa]

I came in here last week and searched this topic and found this thread before making a decision this past Saturday. I went to my local shop and brought my fully loaded Hobie PA and played with both.

 

I had a Wilderness cart that I bought 4-5 years ago when I had a Wilderness kayak. Worked great, no problems. With the Hobie it gave me heartburn. Granted I load mine down tournament fishing and I don't want to unload everything but it would never settle right on the bunks and wanted to roll out from under as I let the kayak down. The steeper the ramp the more trouble it gave me.

 

I also didn't get along with the Hobie cart. I know Hobie says a scupper cart is ok for theirs but I load mine down and I just can't see how that's good to put all that pressure in two small spots. Especially two spots that are difficult to repair.

 

It was a hard choice between the Bunkster and Bar Cart. Ultimately for how much stuff I carry and I get a 20% discount at our shop I went with the Bar Cart to spread that weight a bit instead of having four points taking the brunt. If I didn't get a discount I may have leaned toward the Bunkster, I'm all about saving a dollar.

 

In addition the Bar Cart has the ability to turn both runners 90* so if I'm at a rough ramp and having trouble I can just put it on the cart flat and strap it down.

[Zcoker]

When I was in the market for a good cart for my OT, all hands pointed to the Wilderness Systems cart as well. I currently use it on my sportsman 106, which has the same hull shape as the AutoPilot and absolutely love it! It can take a beating and lives up to its price tag, which is not the cheapest out there. It's probably the most expensive one out there but well worth the $, imho. It's super strong, super adjustable, and I've never had a single problem with it going on three years now. I can roll my fully loaded yak anywhere, down hills--steep hills, over rocks--you name it! I can even break it down and fit most of it in my front hatch hole. Thing is well made anodized aluminum with big removable wheels. 

[Koz]

I just ordered a Wilderness Systems cart on Amazon that was on sale for $188.

[Bankc]

On 11/26/2023 at 6:21 PM, Crow Horse said:

You might consider modifying a cheaper cart and save some serious change as long as you are handy. I modified all my carts as well my fishing buddy's cart with larger wheels and high quality bearings to fit carts purchased on Amazon for $35-$50 each.

 

They handled my buddy's fully equipped Predator without issue. I made the change to larger wheels because of the trail to the launch point was really gnarly, rutted and rooted. The larger wheels made traversing the trail much easier.   That was 6 years ago and no problems.

That's the same cart I have.  Only I kept the original wheels, as they work fine for me.  

But I did modify mine as well.  My kayak wouldn't stay attached to it very well (it wanted to twist), so I installed a pair of PVC pipes covered in pool noodles across the top, positioned front to back so the two channels in my tri-hull design kayak ride on them.  It basically looks like the Malone WideTrak ATB now, only didn't cost me anywhere near as much.   It's pretty easy to modify those cheap carts into exactly what you want and still save a bunch of money.

[Crow Horse]

7 minutes ago, Bankc said:

That's the same cart I have.  Only I kept the original wheels, as they work fine for me.  

But I did modify mine as well.  My kayak wouldn't stay attached to it very well (it wanted to twist), so I installed a pair of PVC pipes covered in pool noodles across the top, positioned front to back so the two channels in my tri-hull design kayak ride on them.  It basically looks like the Malone WideTrak ATB now, only didn't cost me anywhere near as much.   It's pretty easy to modify those cheap carts into exactly what you want and still save a bunch of money.

One item that needed to be replaced were the original straps that came with the cart. Pretty worthless. I used high quality straps and all strap related problems were history. I also used high quality bearings in the wheel hubs.

[Bankc]

1 hour ago, Crow Horse said:

One item that needed to be replaced were the original straps that came with the cart. Pretty worthless. I used high quality straps and all strap related problems were history. I also used high quality bearings in the wheel hubs.

Yeah, the straps on mine broke down too after about two years.  I kind of forgot about that.  But I had strap material and grommets from redoing some outdoor chairs a few years back, so it was like a 5 minute job.  I didn't even remember doing it until you mentioned it.  

[Zcoker]

On 12/21/2023 at 9:45 AM, Koz said:

I just ordered a Wilderness Systems cart on Amazon that was on sale for $188.

 

You're gonna luv that cart! Comes with two ties but only need to use one behind the rear wheels. I didn't do that at first because the cart seemed to fit my yak like a glove but my yak still slid off, mainly from some of the crazy launch areas I use. Once I got the hang of it, I've never had an issue for years with it. You also might want to get some spare Linch pins for the wheels at Home Depot. They carry nice cadmium plated ones for a good price. I've lost a few of those and it's a relief to have spares on hand!