How Do You Attach A Trolley To A Kayak (Find Out How)

If you’re like me, you love kayaking but hate lugging your kayak to and from the water. A trolley can make life much easier by allowing you to roll your kayak instead of carrying it. But how do you attach a trolley to a kayak?

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to attach a trolley to your kayak in three easy steps. By the end, you’ll be able to load up your kayak and hit the water without breaking a sweat.

Key Takeaways

  • To attach a trolley to a kayak, you must first find the proper attachment point on the kayak. 
  • Once you have found the attachment point, you need to secure the trolley to the kayak using straps or bungee cords. 
  • Make sure that the trolley is properly secured before attempting to move the kayak with it attached. 
  • Attaching a trolley to a kayak can make moving and transporting the kayak much easier. 
  • Always double-check your work to ensure that everything is properly secured before using it.
How Do You Attach A Trolley To A Kayak
How Do You Attach A Trolley To A Kayak

Here’s The Answer To How Do You Attach A Trolley To A Kayak

There are a number of various ways that you can attach a trolley to your kayak, depending on what sort of kayak you have and what type of trolley you are using. 

  • If you have to scupper holes in your kayak, you can use a kayak cart that attaches to these holes. This is a highly popular alternative, as it is robust and can be used for fishing and leisure kayaking. 
  • To attach the cart to the scupper holes, place the bow into the front hole and the stern into the rear hole. You may need to use additional straps to secure it in place. 
  • If your kayak does not have scupper holes, or if you are using a different type of trolley, you will need to attach it to the cradle of your kayak. First, position the trolley at the water’s edge so that the cradle is level with the top of the cart.
  • Then lift your kayak onto the cradle, ensuring it is centered. Once it is in place, use a pulley system or rope to secure it to the trolley’s frame. 

In order to utilize your trolley with a surfboard or SUP, you might also need to make some adjustments to it. For example, some people add silicone pads to their carts to prevent scratches.

Others replace the wheels with larger ones that can better handle sand or other uneven terrains. 

To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak, First Identify The Location Of The Kayak’s Tow Point

To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak, First Identify The Location Of The Kayak's Tow Point
To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak, First Identify The Location Of The Kayak’s Tow Point

You can attach a trolley to your kayak with the help of a tow point, which is found on most kayaks. The location of the tow point varies by manufacturer and style of boat. Still, it is usually located somewhere on the front or back of your boat.

The tow point may be an oval loop of fabric or plastic situated near one end of your boat’s hull that extends upward from its surface. It might also be a hole in your boat’s hull where you can attach a piece of rope and secure it with duct tape or some other means.

Next, Thread The Trolley’s Strap Through The Loop At The End Of The Strap, And Then Secure It By Tying A Knot

A kayak anchor trolley kit is a good option for those who want to move their kayak around easily. At the end of the day, it also has the added benefit of keeping your kayak secure.

There are two main cart strap-style carts: those with silicone pulleys and those with metal pulleys. Silicone pulleys are a good option because they are more durable and have a lower downside risk than metal pulleys.

However, they are not as good at cradle support trolleys in sandy areas. Metal pulleys are a good idea for heavy kayaks or those that will be used in different things like fishing or camping.

They are sturdy and can handle more weight, but they can be difficult to maneuver in confined locations. They thread the trolley’s strap through the loop at the end of the strap and then secure it by tying a knot.

This will ensure that the trolley does not come undone while moving your kayak around. It is also a good idea to tie a second knot near the top of the trolley so that you can easily adjust the height of the trolley if necessary.

Thread The Other End Of The Strap Through The Tow Point On The Kayak

Once you’ve decided how to attach the strap, thread it through the tow point on your kayak. You can use either a grommet or loop for this purpose.

If using a D-ring, make sure it is strong enough to support all of your gear and securely fastened.

The bowline knot is another option for attaching your bag to a trolley system—one that won’t lose no matter how much movement on your boat or in the water.

This knot has been around since at least the early 17th century and was popularized by sailors during this time period because they could easily untie themselves if they became trapped on board a ship while working below deck during bad weather conditions (or if they needed to perform other duties quickly).

Finally, Secure The Strap To The Trolley By Tying Another Knot

Finally, Secure The Strap To The Trolley By Tying Another Knot
Finally, Secure The Strap To The Trolley By Tying Another Knot

You’ve already secured your trolley to the kayak, and now you need to secure the strap holding everything in place. Like before, tie a knot at the end of the strap and then tie it around both parts of the trolley.

To ensure that when you pull on it, there is sufficient slack, some tension can be applied to ensure that everything stays put while you’re paddling down the river.

Double Check And Make Sure That The Kayak Is Secured Correctly And Is Safe To Transport

Next, ensure the kayak is secure and will not slide around. If you doubt that your kayak is securely fastened, ask someone who knows or check with the retailer where you bought your kayak.

If your trolley has a locking mechanism, this will keep it in place. However, if the trolley does not have a locking mechanism and there are no other methods of keeping it in place (such as straps), be sure to tie down or secure the trolley, so it doesn’t move while transporting.

What Is The Best Way To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak?

What Is The Best Way To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak
What Is The Best Way To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak
  • Use a trolley with a tow point.
  • Use a trolley with a strap.
  • Use a trolley with a strap and a tow point.

How Do You Secure A Trolley To A Kayak?

Attaching your kayak to a trolley is a simple process, but there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of before you start.

First, identify the location of the kayak’s tow point—this will be either on the stern (back) or bow (front) of the boat and can vary from one type of vessel to another.

If you haven’t already done so, thread your strap through one end of your trolley and secure it by tying a knot at this point.

Thread the other end through your boat’s tow point before securing it with more ties or knots if necessary. Make sure everything is fastened securely before setting out on your journey.

Is It Difficult To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak?

Is It Difficult To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak
Is It Difficult To Attach A Trolley To A Kayak

No, attaching a trolley to a kayak is quite easy. First, you need to attach your trolley to your kayak. A trolley is a device used for transporting kayaks.

There are different types of trolleys with different features. Still, they all do the same thing: they allow you to transport your kayak without having to carry it yourself or have someone help you by carrying it in their car while they take their car.

Trolleys are available in many different sizes and shapes, so if you want one compatible with your particular kayak, then make sure to choose one that fits well before buying it.

What Are Some Tips For Attaching A Trolley To A Kayak?

When you’re attaching a trolley to a kayak, there are several things that you need to keep in mind.

  • The kayak needs to be secure and not damaged in any way.
  • There can’t be any water leaking, which could cause damage later on.
  • It shouldn’t be too heavy for either transportation or lifting during transport, so you’ll want to find a lightweight kayak if possible (and maybe even a smaller one if your budget allows).
  • Ensure the vessel doesn’t have any sharp edges sticking out and causing damage when loading onto your vehicle or trailer.

Conclusion

You can attach a trolley to your kayak in a few different ways. The most common way is to use the D-rings that are located on the back of the kayak. You can also use bungee cords or rope to secure the trolley to the kayak.

If you use a trolley to transport your kayak, ensure that you securely attach it to the kayak. This will ensure that your kayak does not become detached from the trolley and float away.

Check out similar articles on our website for more tips on transporting your kayak. And be sure to follow us on our social media channels for updates on new articles and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of kayak should I buy to attach a trolley?

The type of kayak you purchase to attach a trolley doesn’t matter. However, if you are using a kayak that is smaller in size or lighter in weight, the trolley may be more difficult to transport. If your budget allows, consider purchasing a kayak that has been specifically designed to transport and attach trolleys to it.

Will attaching a trolley make my kayaking experience more enjoyable?

Some people believe that attaching a trolley to your kayak can make the kayaking experience more enjoyable. Others feel that it can be less enjoyable because it takes some of the Adventure out of kayaking. Ultimately, if you enjoy using a trolley to transport your kayak or simply find it easier to transport it with a trolley attached, then attach one.

Can I use the trolley to transport a tandem kayak?

Yes, you can attach a trolley to a tandem kayak. However, the trolley may become less stable when transporting a tandem kayak because of the increased weight. Consider using two trolleys instead of one to transport your kayak easily and safely.

How much does it cost to get a trolley for transportation kayaks?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each trolley is different and can cost different amounts. You will need to find a trolley that is the right size for your kayak and the budget that you are able to afford. It’s also important to consider how often you plan on using the trolley, as well as where it will be stored when not in use.

Looking to add a trolling motor to your kayak? In this post, we show you how to do it in just a few easy steps!

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