YakGear Anchor Pulley/Locks

Anchoring a kayak or canoe is not as simple as dropping a weight over the side. Wind and current push a small, light hull around, and an anchor tied off at the bow or stern can leave you broadside to the flow, swinging back and forth. YakGear addresses this with anchor trolley hardware that combines pulleys and a locking cleat. This page covers YakGear's work in the Anchor Pulley/Locks category.

The Deluxe Anchor Trolley with Pulleys

YakGear's anchor pulley and lock offering centers on the Deluxe Anchor Trolley Kit with Pulleys (model AK1). The idea is simple. A continuous loop of line runs along one side of the boat through pulleys. An anchor line clipped to that loop can be slid anywhere from bow to stern. The kit mounts just off one gunwale of a kayak or canoe, uses a nylon pulley system to choose a position, and holds that position with a 2-5/16 inch mini zig zag cleat.

This matters on the water because without a trolley you are limited to anchoring where you can reach, causing your boat to swing back and forth. With a trolley, you can also deploy an anchor, drift chute, or stake-out pole first and then judge the wind and current. The setup lets the bow of your vessel turn into the current for a smoother experience.

What Sets YakGear Apart

The standout feature is the pulley hardware. The deluxe system uses Harken pulleys to pass the trolley rope from bow to stern without the rubbing you get from running line through smoother-than-average pad eyes. Harken is a well-regarded name in sailing hardware, so low-friction rope handling is built into the kit. Less friction means the trolley is easier to adjust with a loaded anchor line, and the rope sees less wear over a season of use.

Hull protection is also considered. The mounted pulleys sit raised off the boat to help eliminate rubbing and scratching. The mini zig zag cleat locks the line without knots, so you can reposition quickly when conditions change.

What Comes in the Kit

• Harken pulleys for smooth bow-to-stern line travel
• A mini zig zag cleat to hold your chosen trolley position
• Installation instructions and hardware, plus 30 feet of rope
• Rigging tips from YakGear to help with setup

Waterproof silicone is recommended for sealing any holes drilled during installation. An anchor is also needed, and neither is included.

Shopping Considerations

When choosing anchor pulley and lock hardware, consider how you fish or paddle. Anglers working a river seam or a windy flat benefit most from being able to shift the anchor point as conditions change. Mount the trolley on the side you can reach comfortably from the seat, and make sure there is enough clear gunwale space for the pulleys and cleat. Pairing the trolley with an appropriately sized anchor or stake-out pole completes the system.

For the full range of gear, visit the YakGear brand page. To compare pulleys, cleats, and trolley components from other makers, see the complete Anchor Pulley/Locks category.