Kayak fishing is a fun and exciting sport that allows you to explore the beauty of nature while getting a great workout. However, transporting your fishing kayak from one place to another can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you are doing it alone or don't have a roof rack system. That's where a kayak dolly comes in handy. A kayak dolly, also known as a kayak cart or wheels, makes it easier to transport your pedal kayak from your vehicle to the water and back. In this blog post, we will discuss how to choose the right kayak dolly or wheels for your modular fishing kayak or traditional kayak.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a kayak dolly is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing one. You need to ensure that the dolly you choose can support the weight of your fishing kayak, especially if you have a pedal drive kayak that may be heavier than traditional paddle kayaks. Most kayak dollies have a weight capacity of between 100 to 200 pounds. If your sit-on-top fishing kayak is on the heavier side, then you need to choose a dolly with a higher weight capacity. This is particularly important for anglers who load their kayaks with fishing gear and accessories.
Wheel Size
The wheel size of a kayak dolly is another important factor to consider. The size of the wheel will determine how easy it is to move your pedal fishing kayak on different types of terrain. If you plan on using your kayak dolly on rough terrain like sandy beaches or rocky launch points, then you need to choose one with larger wheels. Larger wheels can roll over rough terrain more easily than smaller wheels. However, if you are going to use your kayak dolly on smooth surfaces like pavement or concrete, then smaller wheels will suffice.
Material
Kayak dollies come in different materials, including aluminum, plastic, and steel. Aluminum dollies are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for people who need to transport their lightweight fishing kayaks over long distances. This is especially beneficial for those with portable fishing kayaks or modular kayaks that prioritize easy transport without roof rack systems. Plastic dollies are affordable and lightweight, but they may not be as durable as aluminum or steel. Steel dollies are the most durable, but they are also the heaviest.
Size
The size of the kayak dolly is also an important factor to consider. You need to ensure that the dolly is the right size for your fishing kayak, whether it's a traditional model or a modular fishing kayak with unique dimensions. If the dolly is too small, then it will not be able to support your kayak, and if it is too big, then it may not fit in your car boot alongside your gear. Most kayak dollies are adjustable, which means you can adjust the width of the dolly to accommodate different kayak widths, including wider pedal drive kayaks with fin drive or propeller drive systems.
Portability
Portability is another important factor to consider when choosing a kayak dolly, especially for anglers who value convenience and apartment-friendly storage solutions. Look for dollies that fold or break down easily for compact storage. This is particularly valuable if you're already maximizing space with gear that fits in car boot storage, eliminating the need for roof rack systems. A portable dolly complements the convenience of a modular kayak system, making your entire kayak fishing setup more manageable.
Fish More. Haul Less. No Roof Rack Required.
Reel Yaks modular pedal fishing kayaks break into 2–3 compact sections that fit in your car boot, store in your apartment, and assemble in 5 minutes — no roof rack, no garage, no heavy lifting. Browse all Reel Yaks modular fishing kayaks →