If you’re looking for a convenient way to get your boat to the water, a set of launching wheels is a great idea. Inflatable boats can be very heavy, especially when packed with gear or when they have a motor attached. With the best boat launching system, you won’t have any problems moving the boat around, even if it’s fully loaded.
Various types of launching wheels exist, and selecting the right set depends on your boat, the terrain, and how much money you are willing to spend. Take a look at the top rated boat launching systems we carefully picked for you, with plenty of strength to transport your vessel smoothly over any surface.
OUR TOP PICK
Seamax Portable Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Designed as a launching dolly that goes under the vessel
- Adjustable length to fit various boat sizes better
- Powdered steel frame for increased corrosion-resistance
- Safe for towing (up to 10 kilometers per hour)
Capacity: 250 pounds
Dolly Size: 8 to 10 feet (length) x 38 inches (width)
Tire Size: 16 inches (diameter)
Tire Type: Inflatable (15-20 PSI)
EDITORS CHOICE
BRIS Inflatable Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Anodized aluminum frame resists damage from water
- Pneumatic tires work equally well on grass, sand, and dirt
- Quick-release pins for swiveling and detaching the wheels
- All the installation hardware is included in the package
Capacity: 300 pounds
Arm Length: 24 inches
Bracket Size: 12 x 3 inches
Tire Size: 15 inches (diameter) x 4 inches (width)
Tire Type: Inflatable (up to 14 PSI)
BEST VALUE
BRIS Stainless Steel Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- High-quality stainless steel brackets and arms
- Solid tires that can’t be punctured or damaged
- Pins for locking the wheels in an upright position
- Great weight capacity considering the wheel size
Capacity: 300 pounds
Arm Length: 15.75 inches
Bracket Size: 5.9 x 3.35 inches
Tire Size: 10 inches (diameter) x 3 inches (width)
Tire Type: Solid
Seamax Deluxe 4 by 4 Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Highest load capacity (up to 600 pounds)
- Adjustable arm length for various surfaces
- Four lockable swivel positions
- 2-year warranty and customer satisfaction guarantee
Capacity: 600 pounds
Arm Length: 23 to 30 inches (adjustable with 2.5-inch increments)
Bracket Size: 8 x 3 inches
Tire Size: 12 inches (diameter) x 4 inches (width)
Tire Type: Inflatable (15-20 PSI)
Garelick Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- No drilling holes in the board required
- Quick and easy installation on any boat
- Large knobs for tightening the frame
- Extra-wide solid tires with deep tread patterns
Capacity: 250 pounds
Bracket Size: 7.25 x 4.25 inches
Tire Size: 7 inches (diameter) x 1.5 inches (width)
Tire Type: Solid
Aquos Aluminum Transom Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Anodized aluminum frame won’t corrode from saltwater
- Quick-release pins allow the wheels to swivel up and down
- Large inflatable tires perform well on soft surfaces
- Corrosion-resistant hardware included in the package
Capacity: 300 pounds
Tire Size: 15 inches (diameter) x 4 inches (width)
Tire Type: Inflatable (up to 14 PSI)
Davis Instruments Wheel-A-Weigh Standard Boat
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Tough frame made of 316 stainless steel
- Precision-molded with non-corrosive wheel hubs
- Package comes with steel hardware
- All-terrain tires for a smoother ride
Capacity: 220 pounds
Tire Size: 10 inches (diameter)
Tire Type: Inflatable
Davis Instruments Wheel-A-Weigh Extra Duty
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Pivot bracket makes lifting and lowering the wheels easy
- High-quality frame made of 316 stainless steel
- Extra-large wheels conquer any hard or soft surface
- Easy installation with instructions and provided hardware
Capacity: 330 pounds
Tire Size: 14 inches (diameter)
Tire Type: Inflatable
How To Choose The Best Boat Launching Wheels – Buying Guide
Wheel Size and Tires
Generally speaking, most launching wheels have between 10 and 15 inches in diameter and are 2 to 4 inches wide. Larger wheels with deeper treads are better on surfaces like sand or dirt. Also, if you know you’ll be moving your boat across rough terrain, they are worth giving a thought. Otherwise, smaller and cheaper wheels may suffice.
The tires are usually made of rubber and can be solid or inflatable, both have some ups and downs. Most products in our boat launching wheel reviews have inflatable tires, which allow high PSI and have a good performance.
Boat Size
All boat wheels have a maximum weight capacity. While on some models this number is very high, they are still made for inflatable boats or smaller vessels made from aluminum or fiberglass. If you need to transport a larger boat, boat trailers are a better option.
This being said, some launching wheels are mounted on the boat transom using brackets, while others are designed more like dollies. Both have their limitations when it comes to transom height or overall boat length, so pay attention to these parameters before buying.
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Material
The frame (usually the bracket and wheel arms) needs to be made from materials that can handle being exposed to saltwater. Otherwise, it could quickly corrode. In this regard, the best boat launching wheel set will be made from either stainless steel or anodized aluminum.
This way you know the wheels are going to be fairly durable, at least when it comes to water-resistance. As we’ve mentioned, the wheels themselves are made of rubber. If they are inflatable, inform yourself about the pressure and rubber quality, and get a model that won’t puncture the first time you hit a rock.
Installation
Installing boat wheels is usually not difficult. In some cases, the boat will have markings on the transom where you should drill the bracket holes. If not, carefully measure everything, mark the spots, and drill them yourself. Be mindful of the bracket height, so that the wheels can properly lift the boat off the ground.
You should also pay attention to width, so the wheels don’t come in the way of your outboard motor. Luckily, most manufacturers will give you instructions on how to do this properly. It’s not a bad idea to test out on dry land first to see if everything’s in place because you don’t want to lose a wheel while you are in the water.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Boat Launching System?
It is a set of wheels that helps you launch your boat and move it from your car down to the water. These wheels are usually permanently installed on the boat and lifted above the waterline once the boat is in the water.
Q: Why Do I Need Boat Launching Wheels?
Wheels will enable you to get the boat in the water all by yourself, without dragging it across the ground or needing someone else to assist you. This way you get a bit more freedom and you can get to the water quicker.
Globo Surf Overview
Adding a set of wheels to your boat will make transportation much easier and save you a lot of energy. Considering that they are easy to install and the price isn’t too high, there’s no reason not to try them out. We hope that our reviews have helped you find a set that fits your boat so that you can enjoy your water adventures even more.