Rubber Boat Carrier Folding Wheels (Transom Launching Wheels)

Make launching and retrieving your small boat a breeze with the Rubber Boat Carrier Folding Wheels. This set of transom-mounted launching wheels is engineered to take the hassle out of moving boats on land. Each wheel assembly is built around a heavy-duty stainless steel bracket that mounts permanently on the transom (rear) of your dinghy or inflatable. The brackets are crafted from AISI 316 stainless steel, meaning they will not rust or weaken even with continuous exposure to spray and salt. Once installed, the system adds two large wheels to your boat that can be deployed when needed and retracted when under way.

Operation is simple: when you’re ready to move the boat on shore, just flip the wheels down into the lowered position and they automatically lock in place, aligning under the boat’s weight for stable transport. The wheels, measuring 260 mm in diameter, are made of robust, marine-grade rubber with solid hubs, so they won’t go flat and can roll over rough ground with ease. Thanks to their big diameter and tread width, they won’t sink into soft sand or mud as smaller wheels might, making it easy to pull your boat across a beach. One person can then effortlessly wheel the boat like a wheelbarrow – the transom wheels take the weight, while you lift the bow and steer. This is especially useful for inflatable RIBs or dinghies that are often too heavy to carry once the outboard motor is attached.

Once the boat is in the water, the folding wheels can be swung up. The design features a spring pin or locking latch that you pull to release each wheel assembly and then pivot it upward so that it rests against the transom, out of the water’s flow. In the raised position, the wheels won’t create drag or interfere with your engine. They’ll remain securely stowed during your voyage. When it’s time to haul out, the process is reversed – swing the wheels back down and lock them, and you can roll the boat up the ramp or onto the beach. The entire mechanism is intuitive and can be managed by a single person, eliminating the need for a separate launching dolly or asking others for help.

Installation requires basic tools and is straightforward. The mounting brackets are typically positioned on both sides of the transom, high enough so that when the wheels are folded up they clear the water, yet low enough that the axle sits below the boat’s bottom when deployed (to lift the stern). Stainless steel thru-bolts, backing plates, and nylock nuts are provided for a secure installation (it’s important to use the included backing plates or large washers on the inside of the transom to spread the load). Detailed instructions guide you on the proper placement and angle for mounting. Once installed, maintenance is minimal – just rinse the assemblies with fresh water after use to remove sand and salt. The stainless steel and aluminum components are largely maintenance-free, and the wheels themselves have plastic bushings so no greasing is needed.

These folding transom wheels are a game-changer for owners of inflatable boats, tenders, and small craft up to around 3–4.5 meters. They enable you to launch and retrieve on your own schedule, without waiting for crowded ramps or needing a trailer. They’re equally useful for moving your boat around in a yard or marina – for example, bringing your dinghy up the beach for overnight storage or moving it out of rising tides. With a capacity typically around 100–150 kg, they can handle the weight of a dinghy plus outboard and gear. By making your boat highly mobile on land, these wheels protect the bottom of your boat from dragging damage and save your back from heavy lifting. In summary, the Rubber Boat Carrier Folding Wheels are a smart, efficient upgrade that delivers convenience and extends the freedom of your boating adventures – from the parking lot to the shoreline and back again.