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The 7 most popular boat dollies?

by Laura

boat dolly
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Carrying the boat from the shed or van to the water is a chore. In addition, extreme care must be taken because the material must not be damaged to ensure optimum swimming suitability. A boat dolly helps with this.

Recognize quality:

In our recommendations, we present the 7 best boat dollies 2024 in various categories. In our guide, we explain exactly what to look out for when buying a boat dolly. Thanks to these tips, nothing stands in the way of safe transportation.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best boat dollies 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important.
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular boat dollies.
  4. Guide: How to make the right decision.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about boat dollies.

The best boat dolly 2024 reviewed.

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

We present the best and most popular boat dolly models in 2024. The articles are always assigned to a specific category of person.

1. best boat dolly for kayakers

High quality
Eckla Canyon kayak trolley*

    The Eckla boat dolly is made of lightweight aluminum, giving it a weight of just 3.4 kg. The wheels are removable for transporting the trolley and are fitted with high-quality rubber tires. Rubber padding on the carrying frame provides additional protection for the kayak.

    What we like:

    • Load capacity
    • Mobility
    • Longevity
    • Weight
    What we don’t like:

    • Price

    Why we like it: The kayak trolley impresses with its particularly high load capacity and robustness. This gives it a particularly long service life. The rubber tires make it easy to transport the boat on any surface.

    Recommended for: This boat dolly is particularly suitable for transporting kayaks.

    2. best boat dollies for SUP riders

    Practical
    KESSER surf trolley Surfboard transport trolley*

      The boat dolly is made of robust aluminum, which is particularly strong and lightweight. It offers two attachment options for SUP boards, which are secured with the safety straps supplied. It is also easy to fold up.

      What we like:

      • Robustness
      • Load capacity
      • Mobility
      • Weight
      What we don’t like:

      • Suspension

      Why we like it: The SUP trolley is equipped with high-quality, removable tires, which roll well even on the beach, but do not bounce very well. The carrying frame is equipped with foam padding for extra safe transportation of the boards.

      Recommended for: This boat dolly is ideal for transporting one or two SUP boards.

      3. best boat dolly for folding boats

      Compact
      Wiltec aluminum transport trolley*

        This boat dolly has a robust aluminum construction with a low dead weight. The maximum load capacity of the trolley is 90 kg and the support surface is adjustable in width up to a maximum of 40 cm. The sturdy PU wheels roll well, but have a sharp edge on the rim.

        What we like:

        • Load capacity
        • Robustness
        • Contact surface
        • Pack size
        What we don’t like:

        • Wheels

        Why we like it: The boat dolly is particularly easy to assemble and disassemble without tools. The large carrying frame is padded with foam and is ideal for protecting the boat from damage. Two high-quality carrying straps are supplied for fastening.

        Recommended for: This trolley is suitable for kayaks, canoes and even inflatable boats thanks to its large support surface.

        4. best boat dolly for leisure time

        Safe
        Duramaxx Sea Mule - kayak trolley*

          The Duramaxx boat dolly has a maximum load capacity of 60 kg. The frame is made of robust yet lightweight aluminum. The trolley can be folded and partially dismantled, which means it has a small pack size. A folding support is also fitted to ensure a firm stand.

          What we like:

          • Robustness
          • Load capacity
          • Fastening
          • Pack size
          What we don’t like:

          • Price

          Why we like it: This trolley impresses with its treated and corrosion-resistant metal surface, which means it can even be used in water. The rubber tires are easy to remove and allow the boat to be transported comfortably on all surfaces.

          Recommended for: The large carrying surface makes the trolley particularly suitable for transporting kayaks or canoes.

          5. best boat dolly for catamaran dinghies

          Upholstered
          Navyline aluminum canoe trolley*

            This aluminum transport trolley can be disassembled into several parts to save space and stowed away with a size of 95 x 44 x 21 cm. Its maximum load capacity is 55 kg and the trolley's own weight is 7 kg. The rubber tires run well on any surface, but are rather small.

            What we like:

            • Fastening
            • Stability
            • Longevity
            • Weight
            What we don’t like:

            • Wheels

            Why we like it: Thanks to the foam padding and the straps supplied, every boat on this trolley is well protected during transportation. The aluminum frame makes the trolley particularly robust and durable.

            Recommended for: Thanks to the particularly secure fastening straps, this trolley transports even large and heavy canoes or kayaks.

            6. best boat dolly for sport

            Light
            Prijon boat trolley*

              With a weight of 1.8 kg, this is the lightest boat dolly in our review. The elastic round rubber bands are quickly and easily attached to the boat. Thanks to its minimalist design and removable tires, this stroller has a particularly small pack size.

              What we like:

              • Robustness
              • Impellers
              • Load capacity
              • Weight
              What we don’t like:

              • Price

              Why we like it: The stainless steel wheels make it easy to transport boats weighing up to 90 kg. Together with its low weight and small pack size, it can be transported on board even the smallest boats.

              Recommended for: This trolley is particularly suitable for the short transportation of the boat from the car to the water.

              7. best boat dollies for rental companies

              Comfortable
              Navyline canoe trolley with seat*

                The Navyline boat dolly has a maximum load capacity of 75 kg and is equipped with high-quality rubber tires. The overall size of 71 x 42 cm and the tensioning straps make it easy to secure larger boats. It can also be quickly dismantled to save space.

                What we like:

                • Load capacity
                • Robustness
                • Mobility
                • Weight
                What we don’t like:

                • Price

                Why we like it: In addition to transporting boats, this trolley also serves as a practical seating option when camping. The high-quality aluminum makes the trolley particularly robust, making it suitable even for use in water.

                Recommended for: This boat dolly is suitable for transporting kayaks, canoes and SUP boards.

                Boat dolly Checklist: These features are important

                • Tires: The tires are crucial for the mobility of the boat dolly. Large pneumatic tires allow for good maneuverability off-road and on the beach. Although small tires are easier to fit and remove, they do not have the same suspension performance as large tires filled with air.
                • Size: The size of the boat dolly also plays a major role. It must be large enough to transport the required boat such as a kayak, canoe or SUP board. A large support surface makes it easier to attach and safer to transport the boat. However, the trolley must not be too large so that the packing size fits the boat’s storage space.
                • Material: Most boat dollies are made of aluminum. This makes them particularly light for transportation without losing their robustness. Aluminum is also extremely corrosion-resistant and therefore suitable for use in water.

                Also interesting: The most popular swim vests 2024.

                Bestsellers: The most popular boat dollies

                What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

                (**Last update 2024-09-16)

                Buy a boat dolly:
                How to make the right decision

                boat_cart_guide

                A boat dolly is used to transport the kayak, canoe or SUP board safely over short distances. It is then stowed on the boat to save space.

                When buying boat dollies, you should

                Size: What dimensions should the boat dolly have?

                Experts distinguish between 3 categories of boat dollies:

                1Small, light and compact trolley/folding boat trolley:

                They are suitable for one person kayaks or folding boats and are easy to stow in the boat behind the seat. This is possible thanks to their small pack size. The sturdy frame is solid and cannot be folded.

                The frame of the small boat dolly can usually be dismantled into three small parts (frame and wheels). This allows small boats to be transported short distances with ease. A great companion for your next paddling expedition.

                2Medium-sized boat dolly/kayak trolley:

                They are suitable for single and double kayaks. This category of boat dolly can cover short and medium distances.

                There are variations in terms of tire size: models with large wheels run particularly well on uneven terrain; those with small wheels are lighter. This category is very popular, versatile and the trolleys have a high load capacity.

                3Large boat dollies:

                They are suitable for larger (paddle) boats such as two-person kayaks, inflatable boats and canoes. These trolleys have a high construction, which means that the boat has a relatively large amount of space on the support down to the ground. This prevents damage.

                Another feature is the extra wide support surface. Thanks to its wide and large wheels, such a trolley can also be used on sand and rough terrain.

                Material: Which material is best suited for boat dollies?

                The choice of materials for boat dollies is not very diverse. Almost all boat dollies are made of aluminum, as this is particularly light for transport and is very weather-resistant. In addition, the carrying frame or the carrying surface of the trolley is padded with rubber or foam. This prevents damage to the boat during transportation.

                Good to know: The material of the trolley also determines the load capacity. Most boat dollies have a maximum load weight of 50 to 90 kg. For this reason, the weight of the boat must also be taken into account when choosing the right boat dolly.

                Tires: How mobile is the boat dolly?

                The wheels are another important feature. The larger the diameter, the easier the boat can be pulled over obstacles. But the larger the pack size is accordingly.

                Pneumatic wheels are an advantage on uneven terrain and sand. Hard rubber tires or EVA tires, on the other hand, are indestructible and easy to handle.

                FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

                What is a boat dolly?

                A boat dolly is suitable for transporting the (paddle) boat from the car, shed or boathouse to the water and back. It can also be taken on expeditions and make shore leave easier.

                These trolleys are also known as canoe trolleys or kayak trolleys, depending on which boat is being transported. The most commonly used material for these trolleys is aluminum and stainless steel.

                What do you need a boat dolly for?

                This type of transport trolley is suitable for kayaks, inflatable kayaks and paddle boats of all kinds. It is a kind of “trestle” with tires that makes transport much easier when reviewed than without a trolley.

                Not only can a boat be pulled effortlessly from A to B, but paddle jackets and other accessories can also be stowed in the boat and rolled to the destination.

                What alternatives are there to the boat dolly?

                There are several manufacturers who offer a selection of products that also facilitate the transportation of boats. An alternative option is, for example, a foldable handcart with pneumatic tires – very light boats can be placed on it and simply pulled to the beach.

                What does a good boat dolly cost?

                The price depends on the material used. Robust models usually have higher prices. Another factor is the size: the larger the size, the more material was used and the higher the purchase price.

                There are also models available with accessories, which also affect the price. These are, for example, built-in seats or simply special tires with a strong profile.

                What are well-known boat dolly brands and manufacturers?

                There are several manufacturers in Germany who are known for very solid boat dollies. These are, for example, Eckla and Prijon. Their products perform well in many independent tests. The latter also offer sustainable clothing.

                Which boat dolly is the best?

                A good boat dolly has a high load capacity, appropriate size and is very mobile thanks to good wheels. We present the 7 best boat dollies 2024 in our recommendations.

                Is there a Consumer Reports or Öko Test on boat dollies?

                Consumer Reports or Öko Test have not yet tested boat dollies. However, our bestseller list includes the test winners from buyers.

                Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

                *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

                Laura

                Beach and snorkeling expert
                Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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