Best Kayak Trailer and Carriers for Two or Four Kayaks

Question:

Im interested in purchasing kayak trailer for 2 yaks most of time Hobie Quest 13 with option for 3 or 4. Im considering Yakima Easy Rider and Rack and Roll 78 trailers and would appreciate insight/comments. It doesnt look like 2 yaks could be placed on lower lever 54 max but 1 below and 2 on top. Do you recommend Hobie cradles saddles or megawings for mounting? Other recommendations. I’m particularly interested in the Malone LowBed MicroSport Trailer. And I’m leaning to the 2 Bunks, but am open to your insight on Mega Wings, Saddles (Big Catch ?) or the Hobie Cradles. I like the idea of being able to add a 2nd tier later if desired. I’m primarily interested in general paddling/adventure but have some fishing yakkers that I may trailer on occasion with me, For the 2nd boat may be a smaller recreational kayak.

asked by: Jr P

Expert Reply:

For a kayak trailer, I'm a fan of Malone's trailers. I personally did a video on their Malone MegaSport Trailer with Saddle Style Carriers # MPG550-U since I'm a big fan of the saddle style carriers as well as their cargo boxes designed for fishing trips. Since it's such a heavy-duty kayak trailer (I jumped on the fenders to test them), it's a smooth ride and was also surprisingly easy to maneuver by hand. If you want an extra strong and sturdy kayak trailer, the MegaSport is the way to go. Attached below is the video review.

Since your kayaks are only 70.5 lbs though, the Malone LowBed MicroSport Trailer # MAL32FR is also a fit for you. I personally like the Saddle-style # MPG110MD cradles because of how I can adjust them for the best fit on my kayak, and move them around when I need more/less space. This is compared to the V-style # MPG113MD which offers great support, but is more useful for larger and heavier kayaks. Same concept for getting Hobie cradles. They have the support of a v-style carrier, and the custom fit design for your kayak, but when you have the lighter of the Hobie kayaks, it's not as necessary. The Yakima BigCatch # Y04091 cradles you were asking about are great for when you will be taking a friend's heavier fishing kayak since they conform to the hull and provide maximum support.

When you want to upgrade to carry 3-4 kayaks though, usually you will only put one kayak on top with the added load bar # MPG474 for the Microsport - 100lbs- or possibly two kayaks side-by-side with the 2nd tier MegaSport Load bar - 150 lbs. The top tier only has 50" bar space compared to the bottom's 78" so using the Malone FoldAway 5 # MAL38FR which can be configured in different positions will be good when you need that flexibility.