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A Kayak Wheels Primer

Having the right kayak wheels is an essential part of enjoying your recreational boating. If you don’t have the proper wheels, you won’t have a good time out on the water, and that means no boating at all. Make sure you take the time to look into the various types of wheels that are available so you can choose one that best suits your needs. A durable wheel will be able to withstand the weight of the boat as well as provide enough traction on the water.

kayak sit on top

If you are planning on long distance traveling or travel in a kayak for long periods of time, consider buying a cart with two seats and a loading ramp. Three-seater carts with a loading ramp are great for people who like to travel alone. However, if you plan on taking trips where you will have company, a four-seater cart with two seats and a loading ramp will provide you with plenty of space to load supplies and other things along the way.

In addition to size and weight, think about the strength of the frame that the wheels are fitted to. Make sure the kayak wheels will be able to handle at least three to four pounds of pressure before they become too weak. The stronger the frame, the better off you’ll be. You don’t want to spend money on a piece of equipment only to find out that it’s not up to par after some time. Even if you are planning on replacing the wheels, check the frame to make sure it is sturdy enough to support another replacement. Also, if you plan on adding a decker deck kit, this may also require stronger frames.

Another thing to consider is the stiffness of the wheels. Dull wheels will cause resistance when trying to paddle in one direction while a shiny steel wheel will run smoothly and give a smoother ride. Dull wheels also tend to wear more easily than wheels with a coat of enamel. Kayaks with plastic hulls are very common and are usually cheap. However, plastic hulls can be brittle and cracking can occur without proper care.

Finally, consider the weight capacity of the wheels. Obviously, the more weight capacity the wheels can handle, the better off you’ll be. Remember that it’s better to have more weight capacity than less so you can go farther with less effort. Smaller kayaks may need smaller, stiffer wheels than large kayaks, especially if you have a small kickstand and limited kicking ability.

Whatever your choice in wheels, there are a few features that are important to look for. Check to see how securely the wheel locks in place. You want to be able to lock the wheel from both the inside and the outside. Finally, check the universal kayak dolly that the wheels will be mounted on for stability. If you’re shopping locally, this shouldn’t be a problem, but if you’re ordering online, make sure you know the weight capacities and weaknesses of the wheels as well as their locking mechanisms.