Kayaking is all about paddling and paddling and discovering unexplored sports on the water. However, there are times when you simply want to stay put at a spot for multiple reasons. You might want to give your arms a bit of a rest, or you might want to snap pictures of the gorgeous surrounding scenery. Or, you might simply want to pop a cold one and fish, and maybe even dock the kayak somewhere to go to sleep peacefully at night. However, you can’t do anything with the kayak drifting away. This is where kayak anchor trolleys and systems come in which, which prevent kayaks from drifting away.
Today, kayak anchors are sleek units that make your kayak stay securely in one place, no matter the kind of underwater terrain. What’s more, kayak anchors today are portable and lightweight, making it easy for you to even store them on your kayak without any problems. To that end, here are the 13 best kayak anchor trolleys and systems.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Anchors?
Kayak accessories such as the Best Kayaking GPS Units or the Best Kayak Bimini Tops and Canopies need to be chosen only after you’ve read up enough about them. There are a fair few aspects when it comes to kayaking anchors as well. So, what are the attributes you need to look for while investing in them? Read on.
Types and positions
Broadly, anchors are classified as grapnel and mushroom anchors. Grapnel anchors are lightweight, usually weighing between 1.5 and 3.5 lbs, and come with 3-4 arms. It’s these arms that actually grip the surface and can easily be folded up for easy portability. Mushroom anchors, on the other hand, are shaped like mushrooms and are very heavy. As more debris accumulates at the bottom where it’s dropped, the anchor’s holding power increases.
Another aspect to consider is anchoring positions, which are namely side, stern, and bow. If your kayak can’t handle water from the side, then it shouldn’t be anchored from the side. Thus, you might have to use either the bow or the stern. If you anchor your kayak from the stern, then the line might be carried to the front by the current. On the other hand, if you anchor it from the bow side, it’s a more natural presentation since you’re casting up the current.
Coating/Material
Usually, kayak anchors are made from galvanized or stainless steel, of which galvanization isn’t exactly permanent. So, galvanized steel or iron could corrode after a while, while stainless steel will not. Of the two, stainless steel is also the more durable material.
Anchor trolley
A kayak anchor trolley is a wonderful device that allows you to switch from the stern anchoring position to the bow (and vice versa) without having to leave your craft. Hence, it allows you to change anchoring positions if need be, while you’re comfortably seated in the kayak. Kayak anchor trolleys run along the length of your boat, and your anchor line actually runs through a ring that’s connected to the trolley. Moreover, the ring is movable and is actually what you’ll use for changing your anchoring positions.
Anchor scope
An anchor sope is the ratio of the depth of the water to the amount of line or rope between the anchor and the kayak. Basically, this ratio needs to be such that the anchor line tips over on its side and snags on the bottom. According to experts, the ideal ratio of the scope is 7:1, which basically means that if the water is 10 feet deep, then you need a line of 70 feet. If it’s too less, then it’ll simply skate along the bottom. If it’s too much, the rope might get tangled on debris.
Anchor weight
The weight of your kayak anchor system is another factor, which generally weighs either 1.5 lbs or between 3-3.5 lbs. For calm waters, an anchor weighing 1.5 lbs is sufficient. However, rougher whitewater or a heavier kayak will require an anchor weighing at least 3 lbs or more. However, don’t go for kayak anchors weighing more than 3.5 lbs as they’re simply too heavy.
What is the best rope for a kayak anchor?
Anchor ropes are usually made of nylon, and come in two builds. One is the laid/twisted type, while the other is the braided one. Since a braided rope is more durable, long-lasting, flexible, and softer than twisted nylon rope, we’d suggest going for anchors that come with braided ropes. Braided ropes might be less stretchable, but are on the whole better than twisted ropes.
Yak Gear Kayak Anchor Kit
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One of the best kayak anchor trolleys is the Yak Gear Kayak Anchor Kit, which easily secures your kayak, canoe, or boat in one place. Made from high-quality galvanized steel that’s also corrosion-resistant, the anchor can be used in both fresh and saltwater. What’s more, the anchor features four 6-inch prongs or tines that fold out of the way, making it easy to even pack and store the anchor on the boat itself and that too not take up too much space. Since it also boasts a heavy head, the anchor can be submerged into the anchoring surface very quickly. This is especially truer if the water is fast-moving or deeper.
What’s more, the anchor rope is made from nylon and extremely durable. Moreover, it’s 30 feet long, making it suitable for deeper waters too. Thanks to the installation manual in the package, it’s very easy to set up and use this anchor. Finally, it packs away very well in a storage utility bag that comes with the package.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 30 feet
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable.
- Comes with an instruction manual.
- Suitable for deeper waters.
- Quick submersion into the water.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- None, really.
Aitreasure Kayak Anchor Kit
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Made from galvanized carbon steel, the Aitreasure Kayak Anchor Kit is yet another excellent anchor system. This durable and powerful anchor is ideal for multiple environments, be it rocky, sandy, or even weeded bottoms due to the four-fluke grapple design. What’s more, the four flukes fold up into a compact and small unit that makes it easy to pack and store this kayak. It’s lightweight also, and yet can be used on canoes, paddleboards, and other small boats. All you need to do to use this anchor is lift the anchor collar and release the four flukes while snapping the collar back in its place – and you’re set.
Since the rope is long, it can be used in different water conditions. Moreover, the durable buoy ball is easily visible too, thus protecting your kayak especially in low-light conditions. Rounding up the features is the storage bag that makes it easy to store and transport the anchor.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 32.8 feet
Pros:
- Suitable for different waters.
- Easy to use and versatile.
- Portable and compact.
- Durable and powerful.
Cons:
- None!
Obcursco Kayak Anchor Kit
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Another good kayak anchor trolley is the Obcursco Kayak Anchor Kit, which comes with a zinc electrical plating surface that’s resistant to corrosion. Thus, this anchor can be used in both freshwater and saltwater conditions. Just like other good anchors on this list, the Obcursco anchor Like the other anchors on this list, the Obcursco has a weight of 3.5 lbs which allows you to carry and store the unit with ease. Despite being lightweight, the anchor is more than durable and strong enough to tether your kayak in one place.
With the rope being 50 feet long, the anchor can be easily used in deep waters as well. If that wasn’t enough, the rope can load up to 2,000 lbs of load, making it suitable to be used for everything from paddleboards and canoes to jet skis and different-sized kayaks. Finally, the extremely visible and stylish buoy makes it easy to find the position of the anchor and pull it back up.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 50 feet
Pros:
- Durable.
- Extra-long length.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Easy to install and use.
- Resistant to corrosion.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Extreme Max BoatTector Kayak Anchor
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The Extreme Max BoatTector Kayak Anchor is one of the best and most versatile anchor systems. The folding grapnel anchor is equipped with four foldable shanks that make it packable and portable. Add to that the anchor’s weight which is just 3.5 lbs, allowing it to be sored easily on your kayak too. Furthermore, this versatile kayak can be used in different water conditions and with different vessels too. So, whether the place you’re kayaking has heavily weeded bottoms or full of rocks and corals, this anchor shouldn’t have a problem anywhere. Also, since the anchor line is 25 feet long, it can be used in deeper waters too.
But, that’s not all. The anchor’s hollow braid polyethylene build makes it incredibly durable and long-lasting too. Moreover, the steel-made snap hook is easy to snap and remove from your kayak. Finally, the marine-grade foam-made buoy is durable and visible, while the nylon storage bag makes the anchor a nifty carry.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 25 feet
Pros:
- Comes with a nylon carry bag.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Versatile and easy to use.
- Corrosion-resistant for longevity.
Cons:
- Nothing, really.
Gradient Fitness Marine Kayak Anchor
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If you’re looking for a slightly higher-end kayak anchor trolley, then we’d recommend the Gradient Fitness Marine Kayak Anchor. Weighing just 3,5 lbs, the stainless-steel-made anchor is rust-resistant, allowing you to use it in both freshwater and saltwater conditions. Plus, it can even withstand rugged elements such as rocks, coral, and weeds at the beach. The four-prong design makes the anchor very packable and portable too, and will occupy very little space on your craft. When it comes to the 25-feet anchor line, it allows the anchor to perform in many water bodies.
Besides the above, you’ll also find a very visible flotation safety marker buoy that protects both you and your kayak. Moreover, the strong and tough snap hook allows you to easily connect the anchor to the craft and removing it is equally easy. Rounding everything up literally is the padded drawstring bag that allows you to carry the anchor easily everywhere.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 25 feet
Pros:
- Durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Long anchor line.
- Lightweight and compact design.
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger vessels.
Best Marine Kayak Anchor
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If there’s one kayak anchor system that performs well in every water condition, it’s the Best Marine Kayak Anchor. The versatile anchor can be used for a wide variety of paddleboards, canoes, jet skis, and kayaks. To begin with, this anchor kit has all you need besides the anchor, including a storage bag and a buoy. Made of steel, the anchor and its four shanks are both robust and durable. Moreover, they can easily be folded up, making the system very compact and portable. Plus, with a weight of 3.5 lbs, the anchor is an easy and lightweight carry anyway and can be stored in your vessel too without adding to its weight.
With an extra-long rope length of 40 feet, the anchor is suitable for use in deeper waters too. To add to that, the rope is made of very high-quality marine-grade materials, making it anti-fraying and anti-tearing. Rounding up the features is the durable steel hook and the equally long-lasting and visible buoy.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 40 feet
Pros:
- Durable.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Very long anchor line.
Cons:
- The carry bag could be slightly more durable.
BeGrit Anchor Kit
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If you’re looking for the smallest kayak anchor trolley on the market, then look no further than the BeGrit Anchor Kit. With the smallest folded dimensions on this list, this anchor is ideal for smaller crafts due to its superior portability. That said, don’t let its small stature fool you, as it’s very durable and robust thanks to its galvanized steel build. Thus, the anchor can resist corrosion and provide more than sufficient stability in both saltwater and flatwater. What’s more, it also holds on strongly to different objects such as weeded, sandy, and rocky bottoms.
One nice surprise about this small anchor is its rope length of 32 feet, which is longer than other similar products in the same price range. Moreover, operating it is a fairly easy job and doesn’t even require an instruction manual. All you need to do is lift the grapple collar that’ll slide the four flukes. It’s also what locks these into place when the anchor is not in use.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Rope length: 32 feet
Pros:
- Easy to use and simple.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Corrosion-resistant, durable build.
Cons:
- Too lightweight and small for larger crafts.
Crown Sporting Goods Anchor
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If a large, heavy-duty kayak anchor system is what you want, then probably the Crown Sporting Goods Anchor is perfect for you. Weighing 17.5 lbs, this anchor made from galvanized steel is perfect for larger, sturdier kayaks. It’s also what assures the anchor excellent longevity and anti-corrosive properties as well. So, you can use it continuously without rusting. The next feature is the one-of-a-kind manual-locking design, complete with a locking ring that secures the flukes. Hence, the flukes don’t budge in the locked position, providing stability and security in open waters.
Going further, the flukes also feature small hook-like designs near their tips, allowing them to grapple onto different objects at the water’s bottom. This includes but isn’t limited to heavy weeds, gravel, stones, and corals. Finally, the hooks neatly store inside the locking ring too.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 30 feet
Pros:
- Neat storage.
- Can be used for different surfaces.
- Corrosion-resistant build.
- Optimal durability due to galvanized steel build.
Cons:
- Cannot be used on smaller crafts.
Attwood 11959-1 Grapnel Anchor
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It’s easy to “get hooked” to the Attwood 11959-1 Grapnel Anchor, one of the best kayak anchor trolleys in business. The anchor boasts a durable galvanized steel build, complete with a 20-feet rope. So, if you’re kayaking or fishing in shallower waters, then you don’t need to look further than this one. What’s more, it weighs 3 lbs, which is less than most of the other similar anchors on this list. Moreover, it’s compact, lightweight, and can easily be stuffed into one corner of your craft without any problems.
Besides the anchor holding the kayak well in currents, the anchor and its flukes tested well even while skiing! Finally, the entire unit comes with a mesh carry-on bag, thus keeping everything in one neat place. It’s also what makes the anchor an easy carry.
Specifications
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Rope length: 20 feet
Pros:
- Durable, compact, and lightweight.
- Perfect for shallow waters.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons:
- The mesh carry bag isn’t padded.
MarineNow Portable Folding Anchor
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Yet another of the best kayak anchor systems is the MarineNow Portable Folding Anchor, which provides superb stability despite having a lightweight design. Since it weighs 3.5 lbs, this portable and packable anchor efficiently holds down everything from rafts and kayaks to even jet skis and small sailboats. So, if you want to get away for a freshwater fishing trip, you know what accessory you’re going to need the most. What’s more, the anchor is easy to store away in the included bag that’s padded for enhanced longevity. It’s also what prevents the anchor from scratching the kayak.
Meanwhile, what works for this grapnel anchor is that its flukes that are 7 inches long open with a ring. Furthermore, the anchor’s build is both durable and robust, making it rustproof and last longer. It’s even resistant to mold and mildew. Finally, the red-colored marker buoy makes the craft extremely visible, and thus safe, on the water.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 25 feet
Pros:
- The red-colored buoy marker is easy to spot.
- Resistant to mold, mildew, and rust.
- Comes with a padded storage bag.
Cons:
- The rope could have been longer.
Olivia & Aiden Kayak Anchor
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If you’re specifically looking for a kayak anchor trolley system for deeper waters, we’d highly recommend the Olivia & Aiden Kayak Anchor. With a rope length of a whopping 40 feet, you can take it out in deep waters of even up to 10 feet. Besides the excellent rope length, there’s a lot more to like about this anchor. To begin with, its flukes automatically pop open when it goes deep into the water. So, you don’t have to manually open them up, saving time and effort both.
The anchor’s superior galvanized steel construction makes it resistant to both rust and corrosion while enhancing its durability and longevity in general. Moreover, galvanized steel is quite easy to maintain and care for. Rounding up the anchor’s qualities is the fact that it folds up to a very packable and portable size, and can even fit beneath the seat of the kayak.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: 40 feet
Pros:
- Flukes deploy on their own and can be packed down to a very portable size.
- Durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Rope length of 40 feet perfect for deeper waters.
Cons:
- The marker buoy is slightly small.
Airhead Grapnel Anchor
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The Airhead Grapnel Anchor is one of the best-looking kayak anchor trolley systems, what with its beautiful red-colored powdered finish. What’s more, this color pattern even trickles down to its accessories, especially the rope and the buoy. That said, don’t let the good looks fool you about just how useful this anchor is. Plus, the extra coating on the anchor protects it from the harsh conditions underwater, making it resistant to corrosion and rust both. In fact, the anchor is perfect for a plethora of underwater terrains, including sand, mud, and gravel.
When packed, the anchor is reasonably compact, complete with 3.33 lbs of weight. So, you won’t have any problem stashing it beneath the seat of the kayak. In addition, the kit features a padded nylon storage bag making it easy to carry. Even though the rope length is just 25 feet, the anchor is great for kayaking in shallower waters.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.33 lbs
- Rope length: 30 feet
Pros:
- Comes with a padded nylon storage bag.
- Compact and lightweight.’
- Durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
- A powder-coated finish provides additional durability.
Cons:
- The rope is slightly shorter.
Extreme Max 3006.6545 Anchor
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Topping the list of the best kayak anchor trolley systems is the Extreme Max 3006.6545 Anchor. This one has the least fancy bells and whistles as compared to other anchors, and that might just be what you need. To begin with, this anchor costs all of $15 and is the least-priced anchors on this list. Secondly, it packs down to a very small size and can be carried as well as stored easily anywhere on the kayak. Plus, it weighs just 3.5 lbs, which makes it even better as an anchor as a whole.
However, the highlight about this anchor is that it doesn’t come with a rope, or any other anchor accessories such as shackles, rings, etc. That means you can buy a rope of any length that you want, and even have ropes of different lengths for different destinations and depths. So, if you were looking to replace your older anchor with a value-for-money new one, then we’d suggest you go for this one.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Rope length: No rope.
Pros:
- Durable, lightweight, and compact.
- Versatile due to lack of rope.
- Very inexpensive.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with other accessories.
