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(Last Updated On: )Launching your boat into the ocean either down the beach or a slipway can be hard work without functioning boat launching wheels.
Installing wheels to an inflatable boat is fairly simple with just a few bolts through the transom.
The best boat launching wheels are the Seamax Deluxe 4, which is suited for a range of inflatable and aluminum boats to offer easy maneuvering.
Adding wheels will not only add value to your boat but reduces the hassle of carrying it around when it is out of the water.
Instead of requiring a few other people to move the boat, with high-quality launching wheels, you are are able to move it by yourself.
Table of Contents
Best Boat Transom Wheels For Launching
| Launching Wheels | Preview | Wheel Size |
| Seamax Deluxe 4 |  | 12 Inch |
| Brocraft |  | 12 Inch |
| Bestauto Boat Launching Wheels |  | 10 x 3 Inch |
| Saturn |  | 12 Inch |
| BRIS Stainless Steel |  | 10 Inch |
The idea of boat transom launching wheels is that they fold down to help to move the boat when it is out the ocean.
If you leave them down when in the ocean, you will feel a drag that results in a lack of speed on the waters.
For this reason alone, it’s essential that the devise is easy to use and lightweight for folding.
Many inflatable boats designed for the ocean will come with mounting points for the launching wheels.
This will make installing boat wheels a simple and direct modification that will add value to your boat.
Adding wheels to your boat provides so many benefits that make them highly desirable.
Below is a list of the best boat launching wheels that attach to your transom to make boat movement much easier.
#1 Seamax Deluxe 4 Wheel System
Seamax is a reputable marine brand that provides premium products on a large scale.
The launching wheel construction is made from T6 aluminum alloy with CNC processing so that it can withstand extreme weather for long periods.
All smaller parts are made from stainless steel that ensures the launching wheels are safe to use in saltwater.
The all-terrain 12″ tires are tested up to 1,000 LBS and the wheels will easily support a maximum load weight of 600 LBS, which is perfect for the majority of inflatable, aluminum, and fiberglass boats.
There are 4 different lengths at which you can have the wheelset at with a range of 23 to 30 inches.
In terms of folding the wheels up, there is a 60 or 90-degree locking position angle, which is ideal in most situations.
Overall, the Sea Max Deluxe 4 is the best boat launching wheels with everything you require for maneuvering easily.
From adjustable and removable legs to aluminum and stainless steel construction that is suitable for saltwater, it has it all.
The only drawback is that it is slightly pricey to purchase but it is certainly a worthwhile investment and it comes with 2 years warranty for peace of mind.
#2 Brocraft Boat Launching Wheels
The Brocraft is a marine-grade aluminum constructed with a pressurized wheel that is 12 inches in diameter with a weight capacity of 500 LBS.
The wheels simply lock up using a stainless steel button to operate the folding mechanism.
Installation of the Brocraft boat wheel is very simple with just two brackets that require connecting to the transom.
Once they are bolted down with the hardware included, the legs simply attached directly for a hassle-free installation.
Overall, the Brocraft launching wheels are a great alternative to the Seamax at a much cheaper cost.
With aluminum and stainless steel construction with all-terrain 12-inch wheels, it is very similar to the Seamax apart from the cheaper cost.
There are a few features the Seamax does better but for boat owners looking for the best on a smaller budget, the Brocraft wheels are ideal.
#3 Bestauto Boat Launching Wheels
This launching wheel is designed to enable one man to launch an inflatable boat.
It’s got 78% of 5 stars. You can confidently use them on grass, hard or soft sand, dirt; they won’t let you down.
The heavy-duty marine-grade anodized aluminum provides the strength needed. The wheels swivel up and down with stainless steel marine quick release pins whenever you need them.
The warranty extends over a 2-year period.
#4 Saturn Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
Saturn is a reputable brand in the marine space and has developed budget launching wheels for boats that are constructed with heavy-duty marine-grade anodized aluminum for maximum durability.
The 12 inches wheels are 3 inches wide and are all-terrain including sand. When not in use, the wheels simply swivel up and lock into position.
The maximum load weight stated by Saturn for these wheels is 300 LBS, which is fairly low but so is the price.
Overall, they are the cheapest boat launching wheels made from aluminum and comes with excellent 12-inch wheels.
For those that don’t you the boat that much but simply want a cheap option, the Saturn wheel is ideal.
#5 BRIS Boat Transom Launching Wheels
The stainless steel boat launching wheels use 10-inch foam wheels and stainless steel construction to produce a heavy-duty setup.
The max weight is only 300 LBS, which is on the low side but it will be perfect for the majority of inflatable boats.
When the wheels are not in use, they simply fold upwards and can then be locked into place using the stainless steel lock.
Overall, the BRIS Boat Transom Launching Wheels are excellent all-rounders and offer everything you want from the wheels.
However, there are many that offer more features and cheaper but if the smaller foam wheels are meet your requirements, then these are ideal.
Boat Launching Wheel Buying Guide
Dragging an inflatable boat without wheels can be very hard and made virtually impossible when there is no one around to help out.
Simply by adding some boat launching wheels to the transom of the boat will transform the way you move the boat around.
Clearly, the launching wheel is only for inflatable, fiberglass or small boat.
You will not be able to simply install the wheel to the back of a large vessel and move it around with ease, this will require a trailer of some sort.
There is a range of choices in terms of launching wheels but there are some factors to consider.
Wheel Size and Material
The average wheel size is between 10 and 12 inches with a diameter between 2 and 3 inches. This wheel and tire size combination is ideal for cutting through the sand using all-terrain tires.
There are other alternatives that are cheaper and have smaller wheels.
This is fine for moving around the boatyard or on solid surfaces but it makes maneuvering the inflatable boat on the sand a nightmare.
A cost-cutting exercise by many manufacturers of the cheap examples will use standard rubber tires.
Paying the extra for all-terrain tires is highly advisable to ensure easy movement no matter the rolling surface.
Installation of Launching Wheels
Many inflatable boat manufacturers will leave cut-outs or marking for the bolts and brackets.
If there is no indication of any marking, you will need to carry out a few measurements and ensure the wheels are wide enough apart and have enough height so that the small outboard motor is not catching on the floor.
Once the measurements have been noted, it is simply the case of drilling 2 or 4 bolts and attaching the brackets.
You will then be able to slide the legs and connect the wheels. It is advised to oil up the folding mechanism and tests it works as you do not want to lose one of the launching wheels in the ocean.
Conclusion
If you are yet to purchase a launching wheel for your boat, now is the time to do it.
They have the potential to be the best accessory you have ever bought for your boat and any of the alternatives will provide the ease of movement.
Budget plays a big part in terms of the quality but personally, the Seamax and Browlift are the clear winners with the larger wheels and heavy-duty construction.
Although it is quite clear but launching wheels must not be used for towing purposes as they have not been designed for this.
Heavy-duty boat trailer tires are what is required due to the structure of the rubber. It is common sense but many boat owners are guilty of doing towing using the wrong wheel.
