Cat Trax vs Dynamic Dolly

[andrew....@gmail.com]

Happy New Year Everyone!

I wanted to tap in to the collective knowledge base of this forum since I've only been sailing my getaway for a few months. I usually sail with my two sons (6 & 8) who are unable to provide much muscle for launching and returning the boat. I've been using a truck and trailer to launch and return the getaway to its spot but some trailer components are rusting so I'm thinking about switching to cat trax or a dolly and getting the trailer out of the salt air. Which of these options do you think will be easier to manage single handed?

Cat Trax w saddles? Or Dyanamic Dolly?

https://dynamicdollies.com/shop/hobie-getaway/

Neither is cheap so I'm hoping I get it right:)

Thanks!

Andy

[Cullen Chong]

I would go with cat tracks. I am bias because that’s what I use.  I don’t know about the benefits of the Dynamic Dolly. The one nice thing about cat tracks is that they are just simple and not too many parts to eventually break.  I don’t like the look of all those plastic fittings on the DD.  

 

With Cat Trax You should still be able to launch you Getaway by yourself.  Maybe some other Getaway owners will chime in.  The Getaway’s forward crossbar will be a natural handle to lead the boat in and out of the water.  Also as you get more experienced you find what technique works best for you.

 

Lastly, look at all the boats stored at the club. I think I know of only one dolly, most of the others are on some sort of Cat Trax.  

 

Good Luck

Cullen

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[tom.h...@gmail.com]

The Getaway with her rotomolded plastic hulls is heavier than fiberglass hulled cats of similar size.  I bought Cat Trax with Hobie cradles in 2018 for my Getaway, and the weight of the boat crushed the cradles (see attached photo). 

I complained to the vendor.  They contacted Hobie and got back that the cradles made by Hobie were not intended to support the weight of the Getaway, so my purchase was refunded.  Maybe the cradles are made better now, but I would specifically ask the dealer if they can be used with a Getaway.  I ended up making my own wooden cradles out of plywood, 2" x 2" lengths and carpet scraps.  Launching and transporting on level ground with Cat Trax should be no problem for one person.  One person trying to push up the beach slope out of the water could be challenging, but I think that it would be manageable with the help of your 2 sons.  I've always been able to retrieve my boat with 2 people, even when one of them is pretty small.  One tip is don't pump the tires up too hard.  If the tires are really solid, it is harder to push the rig over small bumps etc.  Getting a running start as you come out of the water also gives you the momentum to make it over the beach hump.  

I don't really think the Dynamic Dolly would make it any easier unless it had some dynamic power of its own!  

Aloha,

Tom

[andrew....@gmail.com]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I'll check w/ Murray's if the cat trap w/ saddles they sell can handle the getaway's weight.

Thank you again!