Double anchor trolley

So I'm going to install an anchor trolley on my Prowler big game 2. With a bow to stern trolley line. One line rides over the top edge of the kayak. Was thinking of installing two trolleys . One for the bow and one for the stern. So four pulleys. My question is how often do you anchor using the front setting for the anchor pulley? I don't see myself fishing backwards. Was thinking of just running pulley 12'' from stern to the front of my knees. And skip trolley on the from end. Does anyone else use this setup? Thanks

Im new so im not speaking from experience but I just had a great conversation with Dave on saturday when he dropped of the kayak and he was telling me that some rivers like the willamette you want to anchor from the front so you can keep a watch for trees and debris floating down the river so that you have time to react and cut or release your anchor line. So I'd have to say it depends on the body of water and the situation.

There are quite a few situations in rivers and lakes where you may want to anchor with your nose into the wind and/or current.  So I suggest that you install a single bow-to-stern anchor trolley, so you have the flexibility to anchor from either your bow or your stern.  Two half-length trolleys would add to the cost of the system(s) and be more cluttered.

I like the zig-zag cleat in the Capt Dick Enterprises anchor trolley system.  You can lock off your trolley line and anchor line off the same cleat by zigging one line where the other line zagged.  I like the section of shock cord in the Hobie anchor trolley system, because it makes it easier to get the trolley line in the cleat and to keep the trolley line taut.  I replace the ring or rings in both systems with a small climbing carabiner so I can clip my anchor line into the trolley system.

I like the anchor line spool system which Wobbler devised, which is based on a plastic tie wire reel.  That system is described in a posting at http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=15510.0 .

I don't anchor up very much so I didn't want to get carried away. I put pad eyes bow and stern. A couple of inches of stout bungee to some little hog rings. Run a slick dock line with a larger hog ring tied in the middle. When not in use it was a little intrusive on deck at the midline without being in the cleat so a biner holds the ropes to the side carry handle. Installs quickly when you want it, and it's not there when you don't.

My philosophy is that the more complicated things are, the more likely they are to fail.....  Also, I don't ever want to have a hard connection to the bottom in moving water.  So, I simply run 3/8" bow an stern lines to a jam cleat.  The stern line simply drops into the jam cleat.  The bow line goes thru one of my seat rings and back to the same jam cleat.  This allows me to anchor either direction without a lot of gear or drilling required. The jam cleat also works well with a drift anchor arm to the back of my kayak for fishing fast water. 

-Mark-

I have a standard rig with two pulleys on my yaks.  Current and wind direction are the two main factors to consider when anchoring to get the best positioning.  I don't see a need for two separate trollies but others might.  You can route the line through pad eyes installed along the gunwales to get it off the deck. A good anchor line quick-release system is essential because you can flip yourself in a heartbeat if you get crossed up in a current or squall and have a line jamb.      

 This is not my original idea, but it is my take on what Spot described. I have anchor trolleys and never use them any more unless I use an anchor with a drift sock (which is almost never). This is such a simpler way and ensures you anchor directly off your bow or stern that is not the case with the trolley. 

My philosophy is that the more complicated things are, the more likely they are to fail.....
-Mark-

You know Mark, had you shared your stupid philosophy before I got married the first time, you could have saved me a ton of money. 

My philosophy is that the more complicated things are, the more likely they are to fail.....
-Mark-

You know Mark, had you shared your stupid philosophy before I got married the first time, you could have saved me a ton of money. 

Ha!  Some things you just have to learn for yourself my friend.

Went salmon fishing on Nehalem Bay today. Anchored like Mojo to center handle. Used a slip knot so I could dump it if needed. My kayak is 34''. But need to install a length of chain to the top of anchor. Caught myself drifting a bit. A lot of info from everyone. Going to hold off installing the trolley for awhile. Thanks everyone.

A single trolley makes more sense to me.  I bought the Bass Proo Shops kit, and added some skid tape under the pulleys to protect the hull and quiet the noise a little.

If you anchor and need to adjust the trolley, a transfer between trolleys may be just what you don't have time to manage.