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During this COVID-19 time it came to me that I can complete some installations of some kayak accessories. One of these is installing a anchor trolley for when I use an anchor or a stick-it pin. I opted for installing the YakAttack LeverLoc™ Anchor Trolley HD on the Jackson Kilroy HD. So why did I decide on the HD version of their anchor trolley as they do have a non-HD version. The “HD” stands for “Heavy Duty” which comes with backing plates that contain nuts and provides a more secure installation. These backing plates are behind the kayak gunnel wall and are used to secure the stealth pulleys and the leverloc component. The other reason for me to use the “HD” version is that the backing plates will also protect myself and gear from the exposed fasteners if I had used the regular anchor trolley kit offered by YakAttack.

How-to do an Anchor Trolley Install on a Kayak

So what is an anchor trolley used for? A kayak anchor trolley is a method of not just staying in one place but to have the ability to remain in one place and face the direction you want to face. The anchor trolley is used so that you are able to fish into the wind, with the wind at your back, or cross current with the wind.
So the first thing I would recommend is to follow their installation instructions as it identifies the required tools, inventory of parts and fasteners, and the steps for installation. I will fill in some of the steps that I have added along with my preferences for the installation.

How-to do an Anchor Trolley Install on a Kayak

First is the placement of the pulley system. I like to place the pulleys above the waterline of the kayak. For me this is that hard line along the gunnel of the kayak. I prefer to install the trolley along the left side as I sit in the kayak. The reason is simple based on I prefer when using a anchor pin that it is to my left as I cast right handed. I also like to have the pulleys as close as I can reach to the bow and aft of the kayak. So with the Kilroy HD this is roughly 22” from the bow and aft section for reach into the kayak. Drill your holes and install the pulleys along with the backing plates.

How-to do an Anchor Trolley Install on a Kayak

Next as the instructions describe run the end of the paracord from the top of the pulley out of the bottom. Do this at both pulleys. Then insert an end of the paracord through one of the holes on the leveloc component that looks like a donut sort of and secure with an overhead knot. Do the similar process with the other loose end; except remove the slack of the paracord. How much is up to your preference.

How-to do an Anchor Trolley Install on a Kayak

Third step is to install the leverloc and backing plate. I prefer to have this position just close to the seat so I can just reach down to lock the paracord in place once I have positioned the kayak at the area when the fish are located. After the leverloc component has been installed position the padhooks evenly between the pulleys and the lovelock. For me I only needed one padhook between the leverloc and the aft pulley. I used two padhooks between the bow pulley and the leverloc component.

How-to do an Anchor Trolley Install on a Kayak

I hope that you found this informative on why I install an anchor trolley. Oh by the way I use my Orion 25 Coolers for my workstation for any kayak projects.