Anchor trolley systems are a necessary piece of gear for kayakers who frequently paddle in shallow, rocky waters. They allow you to quickly and easily anchor your boat in place, so you can fish, relax, or take a break without worrying about drifting away.
How does a kayak anchor trolley work? The simple answer is that a kayak anchor trolley system pulls your kayak’s anchor in towards the boat.
In this article, we’ll explain how anchor trolleys allow you to stay in one spot, even when the wind and waves are against you.
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How Does A Kayak Anchor Trolley Work?
Anchor trolley systems are a necessary piece of gear for kayakers who frequently paddle in shallow, rocky waters. They allow you to quickly and easily anchor your boat in place, so you can fish, relax, or take a break without worrying about drifting away.
Why Do I Need A Kayak Anchor Trolley?
A kayak’s ability to turn quickly makes it very easy for wind and waves to push you around while you paddle. And if you accidentally drift into shallow water that is filled with rocks, logs, or other obstacles you can easily damage your boat or even hurt yourself by running into these hard objects.
Anchor trolleys solve this problem by allowing you to quickly and easily anchor your kayak when you need to. They mean you can stay in one spot, even in strong winds and choppy waves. According to a comprehensive survey by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, “nearly all states require boats being operated in state waters have anchors or anchor-type devices.” It’s also a good idea to carry some rope so that if your trolley breaks you’ll still be able to safely secure your boat.
Which Kayak Anchor Trolley Should I Choose?
There are many different types of kayak anchor trolley systems available today. All of them do the same thing, which is pull your boat’s anchor toward your kayak, but some are better suited to certain styles of the boat. We’re going to break down the three most common types below:
Tension-Based Trolleys:
Tension-based trolleys use a system that allows you to adjust how far back your anchor drags. This type works well with inflatable boats because it gives you the freedom to choose exactly where your kayak will sit in the water.
Weight-Based Trolleys:
Weight-based trolleys have an adjustable weight at the end of a rope so that you can easily move them around. They work best on hard shell boats because they allow you to raise or lower the anchor line depending on the current depth.
Pulley Systems:
Pulley systems are easy to use and very effective for smaller groups of kayakers who want to fish together. They’re also good for less experienced kayakers because they make it easy to control how much tension is placed on your anchor line. You can push down on a pulley handle in order to quickly pull up your anchor, which makes it easier when you need to move in a hurry.
Tips For Choosing The Right Kayak Anchor Trolleys?
Here are some tips for choosing the best kayak anchor trolleys:
- Look for one with an adjustable weight so you can easily control the tension on your anchor line.
- If you regularly paddle with a friend, consider purchasing a pulley system that allows you to set up multiple anchor points. This is especially useful if one of you wants to fish while the other rests or swims.
- Make sure your anchor trolley is attached securely to your kayak. It’s best if it is tied directly to the center of your boat’s deck because this puts it in a convenient spot where you can easily grab and pull up your line.
- If you’re shopping for an inflatable kayak, choose a tension-based trolley system that lets you adjust the line. This is especially important if your boat comes with multiple air chambers that you inflate to different pressures.
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful and answered your question about how does a kayak anchor trolley works? An anchor trolley keeps you anchored in one spot no matter how windy it is outside. I know how important it is to choose the right kayak anchor trolley so you can safely fish in shallow waters.
FAQs
Q1. What are some tips for choosing the right kayak anchor trolleys?
It’s best if your trolley is attached to the center of your kayak’s deck, and choose one with an adjustable weight so you can easily control the tension on your line.
Q2. What is a good example of a pulley system that allows you to set up multiple anchor points?
A pulley system that allows you to set up multiple anchor points is especially useful if one of you wants to fish while the other rests or swims. This type of kayak anchor trolley works well with two people.
Q3. What does a tension-based trolley work well with?
A tension-based trolley works best on hard shell boats because they allow you to raise or lower the anchor line depending on the current depth. They also work well with inflatable boats because it gives you the freedom to choose exactly where your kayak will sit in the water.
Q4. Do I need an anchor trolley on my kayak?
No, you don’t need an anchor trolley on your kayak, but it can be helpful in certain situations. For example, if you’re fishing from your kayak and want to keep your bait in a particular spot, or if you’re paddling in windy conditions and want to keep your kayak pointing into the wind. Anchor trolleys can also be helpful in rescue situations, allowing you to quickly and easily secure your kayak to a nearby object.