The Complete Malone Kayak Trailer Buyer's Guide
The beauty of kayaking rests in it's simplicity. Put the boat in the water and paddle around to your heart's content.
What is not simple is getting the kayaks to the water. Heaving a kayak on top of your vehicle after a long day's paddle makes roof racks unappealing for some. Not to mention the difficulty in strapping down the boats so far above your head.
Kayak trailers are the perfect answers to those who struggle with the above. They stand only a couple feet high, which makes loading a breeze. However, trailers are much more of an investment than a traditional roof rack. The trouble is determining the best trailer for your specific needs.
Lucky for you, we are here to help! Malone is the giant in the kayak trailer industry so we have methodically broken down their fleet to wriggle out the best trailers for you!
If You Read Nothing Else..
The trailer base is the most important aspect to consider when making your buying decision. The carriers can be easily removed or replaced, but that cannot be said for the frame.
Breaking Down Malone Kayak Trailers
There are a bunch of different packages provided by Malone kayak trailers but they share three base trailer setups. The Xtralight, Microsport, and Megasport are the three base trailer setups produced by Malone. As there name suggested they get bigger and more heavy duty as you go from Xtralight to Microsport to Megasport. The analysis below will help you to choose which rig is best for you.
Malone XtraLight Series
Featherweight Trailer
Perfect for 14ft. or Less Kayaks
Marine Grade Galvanized Steel Frame
Category |
XtraLight Base |
Construction |
11-gauge pre-galvanized steel |
Trailer Weight Capacity |
275 lbs. |
Maximum Recommended Kayak Length |
14' |
Crossbar Length |
58" |
Trailer Dimensions |
134" L x 58" W |
Trailer Weight |
164 lbs. |
The Every-Man's Trailer..
For 2 kayaks you will want to get the 2-V Malone XtraLight. Transportation kayaks in this position is the most fuel efficient and the most natural for the boat. The hull of the boat is supported by two arms front and rear and straps run over the boat to pin it to the trailer.
For 4 kayaks, the only package Malone offers is the stacker option. This consists of two padded towers and four sets of foam blocks. The kayaks are rested on their sides on the foam blocks with straps securing them to the tower and trailer.
Malone MicroSport Series
Category |
XT |
Base |
Weight Capacity |
355 lbs. |
355 lbs. |
Max Boat Length |
20' |
20' |
Crossbar Length |
65" |
65" |
Trailer Dimensions |
159" L x 55" W |
159" L x 55" W |
Trailer Weight |
195 lbs. |
193 lbs. |
Trailer Length With Tongue Retracted |
103" |
N/A |
Why Buy the XT?
Upright Storage
Aesthetics
Overall Thoughts
My recommendation is similar to that of the XtraLight as the MicroSport is simply a bigger version of that trailer. For 2 kayaks your best carriers are the Malone SeaWings. They are simple to use and very effective at safely transporting your kayaks.
For 4 kayaks, I differ from my XtraLight review and say to get the 4 J-Pro carriers. The MicroSport is wider than the XtraLight so there is no need for stackers. J-style carriers provide a more secure ride than stackers and are easier to tied down and manage.
Malone MegaSport Series
Great for Every Kayak Shape and Size
1000 lbs. Load Capacity
Perfect for DIY Modifications
Category |
MegaSport Base |
Construction |
11-gauge pre-galvanized marine-grade steel |
Load Capacity |
1000 lbs. |
Maximum Recommended Boat Length |
21' |
Crossbar Length |
86" |
Trailer Dimensions (Without Crossbars) |
14' 6" L x 68" W |
Trailer Weight |
325 lbs. |
The Big Guns..
The Megasport category of trailers are most heavy duty of Malone trailer series. It was designed for two specific niches, but can be customized for pretty much any one. Malone targeted serious kayak anglers and people running day camps.
Category |
The Ultimate Angler |
Construction |
11-gauge pre-galvanized marine-grade steel |
Trailer Load Capacity |
1000 lbs. |
Maximum Recommended Boat Length |
21' |
Crossbar Length |
86" |
Trailer Dimensions (Without Crossbars) |
14' 6" L x 68" W |
Trailer Weight |
325 lbs. |
For a Small Army of Kayaks
Category |
The Ultimate Angler |
Construction |
11-gauge pre-galvanized marine-grade steel |
Trailer Load Capacity |
1000 lbs. |
Maximum Recommended Boat Length |
21' |
Crossbar Length |
86" |
Trailer Dimensions (Without Crossbars) |
14' 6" L x 68" W |
Trailer Weight |
325 lbs. |
For the Serious Angler
Kayak Trailer vs. Roof Rack
Roof racks and trailers both have their advantages and disadvantages. Most kayak carriers will work on either one, in fact. The best transportation method will largely come down to your physical ability/will and your wallet.
Roof racks create more physical strain because you most lift the load on top of your vehicle. Small cars may mean this is not much of an issue, but it can be a real problem for taller vehicles. Since your car acts as the frame, roof racks are usually less than $500.
Kayak trailers offer the user more flexibility and customization than a roof rack will. The load only needs to be lifted to waist height, so it is much less stress on the back and shoulders. Additionally, the trailers can hold significantly more weight than a roof rack. You do not have to choose what will stay and what will go.
Yakima vs. Malone Trailers
Yakima is an industry giant when it comes to kayak roof racks, but they have neglected the trailer business. Currently, Yakima offers only the Rack and Roll trailer. This trailer is in the 250-300lbs. load capacity range and almost identical to the Malone MicroSport.
Yakima is synonymous with quality and for that quality, they charge a huge price tag. The trailer is well built and appears to have a leg up on Malone by being easy to construct out of the box. You must ask yourself if paying double the price is worth saving two hours on a one-time build.