Power Kite Forum - Cheapest way to get into buggying?

Cheapest way to get into buggying?

bigkahuna - 13-1-2008 at 02:45 AM

Hi all,

What's the cheapest way to get into buggying? I've been keeping my eye on eBay and read some of the DIY threads, but it seems that the bottom line is always $500 or more for a buggy. I'm pretty handy with wood, fiberglass, and a sewing machine, but never touched a welder before. I can probably afford $250 or so, but I haven't seen anything that cheap and if I build my own the welder alone will cost me about $200. Any brilliant ideas?

Bladerunner - 13-1-2008 at 08:39 AM

Keep shopping on sites like this. I got mine for $250. It's possible.

DAKITEZ - 13-1-2008 at 10:05 AM

just keep looking. The problem you will find even if you do find a good price on a buggy, if its not local it will cost you alot in shipping. On a budget in the $200 range your better building your own with used stuff you can dig up. You must know someone who can weld, if not try your local muffler shop. If they are slow I'm sure they would help you out. If it doesn't work out building your own just be patient and I'm sure you will find a good deal sooner or later. The problem is it maybe alot later :thumbdown:

Also where are you located, you might get lucky and be close to someone here on the forum who could help you out.

ripsessionkites - 13-1-2008 at 10:41 AM

borrow everybody elses gear. =)

buy second hand or demo gear from your local shop.

are you looking for kites and a buggy? dlish carries affordable kites. try looking for an older PL Comp or Classic

NPWfever - 13-1-2008 at 11:23 AM

I justified my welder because now there are "lots of things I can fix" :p
If you are pretty serious tho, unless you are popeye, I would buy yours.

NPW
i
c
k

bigkahuna - 13-1-2008 at 02:37 PM

To answer a few of the bits that came up:

I'm located in Eastern North Carolina, moved here from Hawaii 2 1/2 months ago. I go to the beach a couple times a week and have yet to see anyone with a buggy. To be honest, unless the winds are from the right direction you wouldn't be able to buggy here, but when they are from the right direction I think it would be a blast.

There aren't any shops here that sell buggies, so where ever I get it from, it will have to be shipped here.

I've got plenty of kites and have been kitesurfing for about 7 years. I'm just thinking that there are a number of days (during the Winter mostly) that the wind is either directly on shore or off shore which makes kitesurfing impossible but buggying very possible.

I've always wanted to learn how to weld. One of those self-feeding wire welders I read about in another thread for $150 - $200 sounds perfect. Can you weld stainless steel with those also? I'll need to find some "worthwhile reason" to get one (besides building a buggy) so my wife will buy into the idea though.

I'm a big guy (6'5" tall) and weight 250 lbs and the sand here varies from moderately soft (my footsteps sink 3" - 6") to moderately hard (low tide, I barely leave tracks at all). How big / wide should the tires be?

Thanks!

DAKITEZ - 13-1-2008 at 04:52 PM

I picked up a little 110 volt wirefeed from harbor freight for around $120 came with wire, and a face shield. Not the greatest welder in the world, but definatelty gets the job done for a beginner and you don't need 220volts. :thumbup:

strictlycarved - 13-1-2008 at 05:03 PM

hey so i am a welder and a miller welder is like 300 its a little pricey but top quality as far as welders go, and justifying it will be no problem, soon enough you will find needs for it. well good luck, building a buggy if you do, post some pics i would like to see it.

everding5792 - 13-1-2008 at 05:47 PM

Hi Paul

Your a big guy, Have you tried a Standard buggy? sat in one? i doubt you would be comfortable, I know i am not. shop around Look for a v-max or simular type buggy they come in differnt sizes. soft sand sucks for standard tires, bigfoot tires work on both so now your looking at spending over 1000$ new, thats alot of steel and rubber that will last you a good long time way longer than a 1000$ water kite,and keep its value, I have built my own buggies for a few years now I have learned alot over time but unless you really love the sport you will get fustrated with building your own, You can mig stainless but its even more dificult with a low end welder it needs a bottle and gas setup as there is no flux core wire for stainless. Tig welding is the prettiest way to weld stainless and thats a few more $ to set up. keep in mind stainless steel is probably 4 times the price, and buying in small quantities hurts even more, working with stainless is tricky as it expands and twists more than regular steel. you can stick weld stainless too but the tube is thin and can be a bit tricky but is in my opinion better option than ss mig welding.
So if you really love building then get to it and have some fun but don't build to save money that will come back to bite you.

cheers
Jim

bigkahuna - 14-1-2008 at 04:08 AM

Thanks Jim and all,

So if I build my (first) buggy out of mild steel, what do I do about rust? I'll definitely paint it and give it a fresh water rinse after every session, but what about all the "hidden" spots, won't they start to rust? What about using steel wheels on the beach, won't they rust also? Has anyone considered building a buggy out of aluminium? It oxidizes, but typically holds up in a marine environment fairly well. Just have to make sure the stainless fittings don't have direct contact.

As for a first welding machine, how's this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnu...

Thanks!

kitesurfer - 14-1-2008 at 04:33 AM

Hey Big K...who's following who around here?

I've been on the Arc forum forever and saw you come there with the big guy (like me) quetions about big arc's and light wind. You bailed on the arcs didn't you? (i've threatened that too many times!) I just bought my 1st buggy about 2 weeks ago for the same reasons you just mentioned--directly on shore and off shore winds. and it is a blast! currently using my phantom 12 but this summer i'll be on the v19 or 16 waiting for the seabreeze to build--or i'll stay on the buggy. I'm very satisfied with my $300 buggy off ebay, new from cloud 9 paragliders. I called them directly vs buying off ebay.

bigkahuna - 14-1-2008 at 05:56 AM

Haven't given up entirely on arcs, I still use my V19 regularly and kept my Phantom 15 for when I get a buggy. But I did buy an almost complete quiver of inflatos this past summer. PL's are just too expensive and the latest generation of bows / sle's have a lot of the same good qualities I liked about arcs.

I checked Cloud 9's eBay store and they didn't have any buggies listed. Where can I find info on this $300 buggy?

kitesurfer - 14-1-2008 at 08:48 AM

cloud 9 advertised on ebay a couple weeks ago--regularly 399 for 299 plus shipping. just call them and tell them that they just sold one to a guy in florida for 299 plus shipping and that you want one--KITE TRIKE. also the shop in St Augustine sells peter lynn and flexiful buggies for a bit more$$$. oceanextremesports.com--daryl- 904-461-9415 an steve at cloud 9, 801-576-6460

from the brief post about the synergies, i'm thinking the improvements are big enough to warrant a new kite for me at this time. trying to find a cheap v13 instead.

bigkahuna - 14-1-2008 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

...trying to find a cheap v13 instead.

Yeah, good luck, I've been keeping an eye out for one also. My wife's Bularoo 13 is pretty darn good though. A V13 would just be a bit easier to self launch and land, at least for me it would since I'm pretty used to them.

Bladerunner - 14-1-2008 at 04:48 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCKVILLE-KITE-BUGGY-TRIKE-Traction-USED...

Here's one to keep an eye on. Rockville is a bit of a starter bug' but should do the job ? Maybe someone who owns one can comment on how it's designed for big folks !

jellis - 14-1-2008 at 06:50 PM

Or you could save up and get a Libre V-Max II. Start with the last buggy you'll ever need. Then years down the road use it for a tow and go Hardcore. :D

Deadhead - 14-1-2008 at 08:20 PM

Hey, Jellis is right - if you end up with a Rockville, you'll want to upgrade just as soon as you can, if not sooner. I'm 210 lbs, and had to replace the seat after one session. (PL seat works good....). Best bet tho is to forego the Rockville and get a better bug right off the bat........

Bladerunner - 15-1-2008 at 07:33 AM

While folks are right suggesting to go for an expensive / Libra buggy right off.

I'm glad I DIDN'T :smug:

My route has been more to experience all forms of riding. Presently I would say I'm enjoying the Coyotes and ATB a lot more than the buggy. Organized racing is not for me so I'm happy with the compact little Flexi' putter I run. It has spent a LOT of time stored under the bed lately. The fact it fits there is good !

I guess you have to ask yourself how big you want to get with the thing ?

bigkahuna - 15-1-2008 at 08:24 AM

I'm not likely to go for a high end buggy, I just can't justify it. In fact, the title of the thread says it all, I need -cheap-. I'd guess that I'll only get to use it a half dozen times a year, the rest of the time I'll be kitesurfing or surfing. It's just that there is at least one day a week all winter that I think a buggy would be more do-able than my other water sports.

In addition to the above (and from my wife's perspective, more importantly) we're in the process of buying a house, so cheap is the only thing I've got any chance of getting past my wife.

jellis - 15-1-2008 at 10:17 AM

Sorry I thought someone asked for the cheapest way to buggy. That would be in a buggy that doesn't require you to continually buy or repair parts to keep it going, in my opinion.

kitesurfer - 15-1-2008 at 01:10 PM

i agree with the big K myself. I've spent thousands on kites and boards over the last 10 years and I know for a fact that I would rather be on the water than on land. so for 300, i can kill some time waiting for the wind to build and enjoy myself. i have no dry lake beds, sod farms, or pasture land to play on. just a 50 foot wide beach at low tide! but if i had to spend 800 or more, it would not be worth it. if my 300$ buggy breaks the seat or a strap, i still have my sewing machine left from my Gurilla mods. if my chrome plated steel rust, then i'll WD40 the thing regularly. there's not much to the buggys to repair is there?

everding5792 - 15-1-2008 at 07:51 PM

Well I guess if your pretty handy with wood well then I would lean in that direction, it won't rust, believe it or not seen a few pics of some pretty interesting creations made of wood and a used plastic school seat, maybe your the guy to take it up a notch, good luck play safe and most important just have fun.

cheers
Jim

bigkahuna - 15-1-2008 at 11:43 PM

Yeah, I thought about doing it in wood and/or epoxy and fiberglass. Do you happen to remember if the other wooden buggies were laminated wood or just solid boards? If you can find those photos I'd love to see them. I'll still have to build some parts of the buggy out of some sort of steel, but it might make an interesting project (although probably not cheaper). I would save by not having to buy a welder, but good wood and epoxy don't come cheap any more. I would definitely have more spring than steel... you've got me thinking...

Interestingly, I was in an auto museum many years ago and some of the first autos were manufactured out of wood, not just the body but also the frame. Real beauties...

popeyethewelder - 15-1-2008 at 11:57 PM

here you go

Wooden buggies http://pic7.piczo.com/Popeyethewelder/?g=41606848&cr=7

bigkahuna - 16-1-2008 at 12:06 AM

Thanks PTW. I just did a google and found this: http://designofwood.de/index.html That guy sure knows how to laminate wood, gorgeous!

Edit: This is a bit closer to what I had in mind: http://www.soutter.com/neal/buggy2.aspx

popeyethewelder - 16-1-2008 at 10:52 AM

Yeah thats one I havn't seen before

here's a whole host of home brews

here

if that lot can't inspire something nothing will lol...

bigkahuna - 16-1-2008 at 12:05 PM

Thanks PTW, lots of inspiration there. Thanks also for hosting such an awesome library of great ideas.

andya - 29-1-2008 at 04:11 PM

Have you guys discovered www.rsbuggy.com, or is shipping too much??

Germany handbuilt vmax alike with bomb proof construction. Lots of good reviews on Flexifoil or Racekites

DAKITEZ - 29-1-2008 at 05:55 PM

rs will not ship to the USA. No matter how many I tried to buy.

Sthrasher38 - 4-2-2008 at 09:49 AM

I am 220lbs and I got my rockville for cheap.It is fast and perfect for learning not the most duriable thing made but for the price cant beat it.

ripsessionkites - 4-2-2008 at 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dlish89
rs will not ship to the USA. No matter how many I tried to buy.

thats odd, I can get them to Canada. But the shipping is a killer, unless its shipped by Freight - 4 to 6 weeks.

Buy local its faster. =) Words from a guy who waited 2 months for his XXtreme ApeXX buggy from Ruudje.

Bladerunner - 4-2-2008 at 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ripsessionkites
[
thats odd, I can get them to Canada. But the shipping is a killer, unless its shipped by Freight - 4 to 6 weeks.

Buy local its faster. =) Words from a guy who waited 2 months for his XXtreme ApeXX buggy from Ruudje.

You say waited ..... Does this mean the BEASTS have landed !!!!!!! :singing:

Now you can start a new thread, NOT the cheapest way to buy a buggy :wink2:

Does this mean the P.L.is now Juniors baby buggy :wink2::wink2:

DAKITEZ - 4-2-2008 at 09:46 PM

I guess they don't like us dirty Americans :smilegrin:

silvereaglekiter - 4-2-2008 at 09:47 PM

Hay Big K how close to the VA/NC line are you? My rockville buggy jest arrived would be nice to compare notes. :spin:

ripsessionkites - 4-2-2008 at 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by snowbird

Quote:

soon, very soon ... should be here by next week, the 2 months was just sorting out the measurements I wanted, and the build time. somehow it felt longer. **DROOL** :thumbup:

ApeXXs are not cheap, just like one of those Libre Protask, PTW Cougars, etc. But its totally worth the money from Civic to Porcshe. :spin:

No more P.Ls for me, but I do need one for tandem for Junior. He seems to be obsessed with holding handles right now.

Bladerunner - 5-2-2008 at 09:43 AM

Good news !

It's times like these I'm glad we are similar in size ! :P

Scudley - 7-2-2008 at 07:23 PM

If you want to go the mild steel route, find someone who can hot dip galvanize it after you're done welding. Becareful about welding galvanized; zinc fume can make you feel pretty sick.
A chromed steel buggy will not last long around salt water. Any scratches to the chrome and you will have perforations.
S

Scudley - 11-2-2008 at 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dlish89
I guess they don't like us dirty Americans :smilegrin:

I suspect it is more that they do not like your liability law suits.
S

Sthrasher38 - 17-2-2008 at 12:02 PM

P.S. Is there any such thing as getting into this sport at all cheap? You may get something at a good price but that just means you will need something else. Then after that there is always, Always wanting another kite.

Scudley - 20-2-2008 at 03:20 PM

Buy a decent gear the first time out and not fork out twice.

S

barnes - 20-2-2008 at 06:09 PM

So, I'm going to pick up welding equipment. Its the cheapest route to a buggy, and I learn a useful trade! (Tall bike to ride around this summer, YES PLEASE!)

WELDNGOD - 21-2-2008 at 02:48 PM

Big Kahuna ,You summoned the weldngod? I live in tidewater area and I may be able to hook you up.I build buggies out of .. you got it, aluminum! Where in carolina do you live,I need more places to ride as I might not be allowed to ride my usual spot much longer. PM me if you would like any help.

Sthrasher38 - 21-2-2008 at 03:11 PM

How is the aluminum for durablity? Oh, Welcome to the forum. Almost forgot.:P

WELDNGOD - 21-2-2008 at 03:27 PM

I got no probs. But then if I break or tear it up I can fix it or make it better. And I love to be the test pilot :spin:

Sthrasher38 - 21-2-2008 at 03:31 PM

Can you post any pics? I bet you get good speed out of them being so light. But I don't know about jumping in one. Don't worry it will be awhile before I get to that stage. :borg:

WELDNGOD - 21-2-2008 at 04:10 PM

depends on how you build it.But aluminum has a short fatigue life compared to say austentic stainless steel or chromoly steel. which means if you repeatedly stress a peice of "ally" after a while it will crack. All metals do it ,it's just some metals take alot more for longer periods of time. MmmmmmmTitaniummmmmm now that's some alien stuff there.:alien: That is what I wanna build, but I don't have 100,000 dollars . Then again Mega millions is tomorrow!

Sthrasher38 - 21-2-2008 at 04:33 PM

pics?

WELDNGOD - 21-2-2008 at 04:47 PM

I'm workin on it

1127071151b.jpg - 204kB

Sthrasher38 - 22-2-2008 at 02:17 PM

Not bad nice welds Looks pretty duriable. Thanks.

bigkahuna - 23-2-2008 at 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WELDNGOD
Big Kahuna ,You summoned the weldngod? I live in tidewater area and I may be able to hook you up.I build buggies out of .. you got it, aluminum! Where in carolina do you live,I need more places to ride as I might not be allowed to ride my usual spot much longer. PM me if you would like any help.

Sorry for the delayed reply. I'm on Atlantic Beach until the end of March while we fix up our new home in Morehead City, NC. I bought one of those big ply landboards from DaVinch (with the 12" wheels) and it works great during low tide. We've got a nice 5 mile unobstructed run right out side our condo, but the wind needs to be exactly from the South or North for it to work, otherwise the sand above the high tide mark is too soft. I haven't seen anyone else kite buggying or landboarding here, and I rarely see anyone else kitesurfing. The water's about 49-50 degrees, so still a bit too cold for me.

I'm guessing it'll be a pretty long drive from VA to here, there aren't any straight routes unfortunately. We're about 2 hours south of Greenville. I'm guessing Hatteras and the banks up there would be a much closer spot for you guys up north.

WELDNGOD - 23-2-2008 at 03:40 PM

sorry to hear that.I might go to jockeys ridge this summer, but that is still a drive.Feelfree toPM me if you need weld help.

kullas - 23-2-2008 at 03:55 PM

there will be a kite fest up there on the dunes this summer i was there last year. nice place

WELDNGOD - 23-2-2008 at 04:30 PM

when is kite fest? I might just have to go!:singing:

silvereaglekiter - 23-2-2008 at 04:48 PM

I went to this last year It's ware i got hooked on tractions. KHK finaly updated there calendar, the Rogallo Kite Festival June 14 - 15 is the biggest. I have pics someware I'l try to find them
http://www.kittyhawk.com/community/events.cfm

Sthrasher38 - 23-2-2008 at 04:57 PM

Where is this?

silvereaglekiter - 23-2-2008 at 05:25 PM

June 14 - 15 - 26th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival - Jockey's Ridge State Park (mp 12.5), Nags Head. The Rogallo Kite festival, presented by Kitty Hawk Kites, will continue honoring Francis M. Rogallo, NASA scientist and inventor of the Flexible Wing. This two day festival will feature our signature kite flying on the dunes of Jockey's ridge as well as nightly entertainment celebrating the history of kiting. Throughout the two day festival, there will be exhibitions and demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons, free children's games and activities, and much more! 877-FLY-THIS or 252-441-4124

Kitty Hawk Kites has events all year.

pics of Rogallo 07

P1020187.JPG - 64kB

WELDNGOD - 24-2-2008 at 01:26 PM

I just realized that I posted pics of my new frame(not ready yet) so here is my current aluminum buggy. I have rolled it, flipped it . cartwheeled it,and it's fine! :yes:

Sthrasher38 - 24-2-2008 at 05:56 PM

Looks pretty solid.