Do You Really Need a Kayak Trailer
The only people who really use kayak trailers are guides and outfitters who needs to transport a number of boats at one time. If you fit this bill, then a trailer is a good investment. Trailers are usually aluminum and can be carried by two people (without the kayaks, of course). Be forewarned that driving a vehicle towing a trailer can be a challenge, so practice first.
When You Need A Kayak Trailer
Transporting kayaker from one point on a river to another is the job of the kayak. Transporting the kayak to the water is another job altogether. The usual boat trailer is entirely wrong for a kayak. Most boat trailers are built for large powerboats, not lightweight, v-shaped, short kayaks. You can get your kayak from point A to a wetter point B in a variety of ways, including the kayak trailer.
Driving The Boat
A kayak can be as short as six feet and as narrow as 18 inches. As for weight, a rigid plastic kayak doesn’t weigh very much but is heavy compared to one made of an aluminum frame covered with fabric which is a monster compared to an inflatable kayak. In short, the type of kayak will determine the transportation device needed, but weight will not be an issue.
Obviously, an inflatable kayak can be packed in the car trunk along with the lunch cooler and an extra pair of dry socks. A skin-on-frame kayak is also called a folding kayak. Again, the name says it all. There’s probably room in the car for a folding kayak. It’s the rigid kayak that calls out for help in transportation. For most, carrying a single kayak is easy enough for a roof rack or special roof ties.
Remember that a car roof is usually flat and a kayak usually isn’t. Some kayaks, especially the sea kayak, is kind of flat on the bottom. Some of these will fit on a car roof without much trouble. A v-bottom kayak will need a rack of some sort to allow for its shape. However you affix a kayak to a car, remember to fasten it well. They are light enough to fly away.
While a kayak is usually made for one person, a kayaker doesn’t always want to be alone. A kayak trailer is definitely called for if you are transporting several kayaks. While you can easily find a kayak trailer built for one, they are also made for four or more. For a family of kayakers or a club or team, the kayak trailer is a necessity. The car is the place for the kayakers and their other equipment. Even for four kayaks, a kayak trailer is usually a lightweight device made of aluminum tubing with a pair of small wheels and secure fastenings for the kayaks. However you transport your kayak, let your kayak transport you to a fun and exciting adventure.
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