Best Kayak Cart: Definitive Guide (2023)
Kayaking can be fun, especially when the weather is warm. But it can be quite a challenge to get your boat or kayak to the waterside from your car.
Well, here’s some good news…
Kayak carts are there to make this easy for you. These carts are built to carry kayaks and other watercraft safely and quickly to the water.
We’ve done some research. These kayak carts came out best. They will make kayaking more fun for you if you’re an outdoor-loving human.
In this review, you’ll learn about:
- The best kayak carts on the market;
- The unique features and capabilities of each one;
- Their value and mobility levels;
- Lots more…
Let’s get on!
- Best Material Kayak Cart
- Best Budget Kayak Cart
- Best Easy To Assemble Kayak Cart
- Best Kayak Cart For FreshWater
- Best Kayak Cart For Sandy Areas
- Best Kayak Cart For Smaller Kayaks
- Best Resists Corrosion Kayak Cart
- Best High Weight Capacity Kayak Cart
- Best Secure Kayak Cart
- Best Durable Kayak Cart
- Buyers Guide:
- How To Choose The Best Kayak Cart
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- 1. Value for Money
- 2. Weight/Portability
- 3. Capacity/Versatility
- 4. Build Quality
- 5. Movability
- Our Final Verdict: Best Kayak Cart
- Conclusion: Best Kayak Cart
Best Material Kayak Cart
1 – TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK
- Manufacturer: TMS
- Frame Material: Aluminium
- Weight: 8.18 lbs
- Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.25
- Capacity: 150 lbs
Bottom Line : High-quality material for hassle-free transport of your kayak
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Very stable
- Quick assembly
- Solid materials
Cons
- Tire odor
- Strap issues
This kayak dolly has a weight limit of 150 lbs, and its wide aluminum frame and tires will traverse any terrain. The tires will quickly clear all gravel and dense sand on your way.
Also…
The universal cart carries any type of kayak or canoe with its smooth-rolling tires. But make sure the tires are in good condition before heading out.
Read Full Review: TMS CART-CANOE Or KAYAK
Best Budget Kayak Cart
2 – Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley
- Manufacturer: Bonnlo
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity: 165 lbs
Bottom Line : Kayak dolly with build and capacity worth the money
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Foldable
- Solid tires
- Comes with a spring-loaded stand
Cons
- Tires cut into the sand
- Not suitable for large crafts
This high-quality Kayak cart is foldable. Also, you can slip off the tires with a lynchpin, making it easy to store in a kayak hull or car trunk.
There’s more…
You can assemble and disassemble the kayak dolly without any heavy-duty tools. There are also well-fitting foam bumpers to protect your kayak from falling when on rough terrain.
Best Easy To Assemble Kayak Cart
3 – RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart
- Manufacturer: Yak-Gear
- Frame Material: Composite Polymers
- Weight: 9.6 Pounds
- Dimensions: 6 x 10 x 30 inches
- Capacity: 300 lbs
Bottom Line : Portable kayak and canoe cart for a smooth ride
Pros
- It has a solid construction
- Airless tires roll easily
- Kickstand is adjustable
- Works in all conditions
Cons
- Flimsy straps
- Kickstand is quite short
The Railblaza C TUG kayak cart is a portable kayak cart with a top-notch weight capacity.
This kayak dolly carries 300 lbs comfortably without adding to the lifting weight.
The C TUG Kayak trolley comes with solid wheels and tight rubber bumpers that make for easy rolling through the woods or rough terrain. There’re adjustable hull pads and ratchet straps for securing your kayak, too.
Read Full Review: RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak Or Canoe Trolley Cart
Best Kayak Cart For FreshWater
4 – ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
- Manufacturer: ABN
- Frame Material: Plastic, Metal, Rubber
- Weight: 7.78 pounds
- Dimensions: 22 x 9.2 x 13 inches
- Capacity: 200 lbs
Bottom Line : Versatile kayak and canoe cart for use on Freshwater
Pros
- Spring-loaded kickstand
- Sturdy construction
- Suitable for most watercrafts
Cons
- Strong plastic odor
- Not for heavy kayaks
The ABN Universal Kayak Carrier is light. It has 12 ft straps and solid bumper pads to hold your kayak tight as it chugs on with its removable all-terrain tires.
This best kayak cart is suitable for floating vessels, paddleboards, and more. It carries up to 200 lbs, and its wheels are reliable, whether you’re traversing a soft surface or rough terrain.
Best Kayak Cart For Sandy Areas
5 – Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak
- Manufacturer: Wistar
- Frame Material: Aluminum pipe, anodized Stainless steel
- Weight: 9.48 Pounds
- Dimensions: 27.95 x 12.99 x 6.3 inches
- Capacity: 220 lbs
Bottom Line : Best Kayak Cart for a rough terrain
Pros
- Foldable cart
- Thick large tires
- Sturdy aluminum frame
Cons
- Not suitable for longer kayaks
Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak has solid tires and aluminum frame material to make the trip from your car to the seas as enjoyable as a mountain bike ride.
The tires are made with heavy-duty nonslip rubber and plastic to protect your kayak and other items. And its foldable design makes it easy to transport and store.
Best Kayak Cart For Smaller Kayaks
6 – Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart
- Manufacturer: Suspenz
- Frame Material: aluminum frame & stainless-steel hardware
- Weight: 13.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 16 x 29 x 15 inches
- Capacity: 125 lbs
Bottom Line : Kayak trolley with strong frame material and fast action for smaller kayaks
Pros
- Folds into mesh bags
- Durable non-slip rubber pads
- Solid two-pole stand
- Wheels move smoothly
Cons
- Hard to load on uneven ground
- It is quite pricey
Suspenz DLX balloon tires carry smaller kayaks weighing 125 pounds on sharp twigs or rocks without puncturing.
The canoe trolley cart’s aluminum frame material and balloon wheels offer smooth rides for several seasons.
There’s more…
The frame material has two stands for easy loading and unloading. And the soft rubber pads prevent scratches while keeping your kayak from slipping out.
Best Resists Corrosion Kayak Cart
7 – Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires
- Manufacturer: RAD Sportz
- Frame Material: Powder-Coated Aluminum
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 28 inches
- Capacity: 140 lbs
Bottom Line : Cart with well-coated frame and solid tires for smooth rides and durability
Pros
- Double kickstands
- Puncture-proof tires
- Lightweight foldable design
Cons
- Straps are quite short
- Not the perfect fit for kayaks with keels
This kayak trolley has puncture-proof polyurethane tires that’ll make moving your boat a breeze. You can traverse any terrain with these solid tires.
What’s more…
The kayak’s aluminum frame is powder-coated to prevent corrosion. Also, the best kayak cart is foldable, so it’s easy for you to transport and store. Plus, you can release the pins.
Best High Weight Capacity Kayak Cart
8 – Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
- Manufacturer: Confluence Accessories
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Dimensions: 32 x 25.5 x 16 inches
- Capacity: 450 lbs
Bottom Line : Solidly built trolley with an extremely high load capacity
Pros
- Adjustable length
- Low center of gravity
- Tires roll smoothly
Cons
- Assembling takes time
- Straps are unreliable
The Wilderness Systems cart carries 450 pounds!
You can adjust its height to fit both wide and slim hulls. And there’re straps to keep your kayak intact as you ride over sticks, sand, or sharp rocks.
You won’t need a kickstand to use this cart, thanks to its freestanding design. And the wheel design will help you push smoothly without hurting your shoulders.
Best Secure Kayak Cart
9 – Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak
- Manufacturer: Seattle Sports
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Dimensions: 30.4 x 18 x 8.3 inches
- Capacity: 300 lbs
Bottom Line : Reliable carrier with solid kickstand and spring loaded mechanism
Pros
- Padded top bars
- Easy to adjust
- Heavy-duty kickstand
- Solid urethane tires
Cons
- Fragile wheel spokes
- Provided strap not enough
Seattle Sports Paddleboy All-Terrain Kayak Cart comes with narrow urethane tires that reduce vibration as you move through different terrains.
This cart has a spring-loaded kickstand that provides stability during loading. And there’s a cinch strap for fastening your boat.
And…
The frame is solid steel and coated for more durability. And you can fold it into a portable size for storage.
Best Durable Kayak Cart
10 – Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart
- Manufacturer: Malone Auto Racks
- Frame Material: Anodized aluminum
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Dimensions: 29 x 14 x 7 inches
- Capacity: 200 lbs
Bottom Line : Extremely durable cart chugging through all terrain types
Pros
- Long straps for stability
- Well-balanced tires
- Saves a lot of space
- Works on all terrain
Cons
- Can’t pull behind a motorbike
- Straps are quite ineffective
The Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak cart comes with tires that can never go flat. That’s why it can survive hard rides through rough surfaces.
The frame has extra padding and a long strap to protect your watercraft. After loading, the kickstand locks to keep your cart from slipping off.
There’s more…
You can fold the kayak and remove its airless tires for easier storage.
Buyers Guide:
How To Choose The Best Kayak Cart
1. What are the Different Types?
Strap on style kayak carts
These heavy-duty kayak carts are better for longer and heavier boats. The boat is placed in the middle so that the kayak weight is balanced for pushing or pulling.
Here’s the thing…
This strap method uses lateral straps to hold the vessel on the hull. And most Americans use this type of trolley or cart.
Plugin kayak carts
These kayak carts are designed to plug kayaks or boats into the carts with scupper holes, which means that they are unsuitable for kayaks without scupper holes.
Here’s the truth…
These kayak carts lock in the vessel but are only suitable for sit-on-top kayaks with scupper holes.
2. Things to Consider
Weight Capacity
Pick the best kayak cart only after considering whether or not it has the load capacity for your boat. Also, bear in mind the possibility of a boat upgrade. Don’t choose from the menu, one that won’t accommodate your kayak’s functional design.
The Wheels
Consider your terrain while shopping for your boat or kayak. While solid composite wheels require less maintenance and are perfect for rough terrains, sit-on-top kayaks with balloon tires will move easily on loose sand or beaches.
The Frame Material or Structure
The average best kayak trolley has an aluminum frame material.
But…
Other composite materials like stainless steel and polymers are also good. Just make sure the design will allow you to assemble or disassemble the cart when it’s necessary. That way, you can leave the cart on the boat during a ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Use A Kayak Cart?
Place your kayak by the cart. Then, slide the watercraft into the cart seat. After that, go to the vessel front area to bring the bow in line with its stern. Make sure the kayak is well balanced. Your best bet is a 2/3 position to the stern.
What’s next…
Attach your craft to the cart. And where there are scupper holes, tighten the pegs.
What base material is good for a DIY kayak cart?
If your kayak is a heavy duty one, use aluminum to make kayak carts, but if you’re looking for a kayak cart for faster vessels, a composite polymer is your best option.
Related Article: How Do You Make A Kayak Cart?
How To Secure A Kayak To A Cart?
To secure a kayak to a strap-on style cart, all you need to do is to place the kayak in the middle of the hull. For Plugin kayak carts, fit the plugs in the boat cart to lock in the vessel.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
1. Value for Money
While kayak carts come in various designs, sizes and capacities, you need one that can transport your kayak with minimal effort and assured safety.
These kayaks made out of durable aluminum, stainless steel, or polymer materials are lightweight and still carry 450 lbs!
They are also resilient to last several summers, giving you your money’s worth.
Rating
2. Weight/Portability
Since you don’t want any stress at all, a portable cart with minimal weight is the best fit for your kayak.
Here’s the thing…
These carts are collapsible, they have removable tires, airless wheels, and they’ll go on the boat. That way, you won’t have to walk to and fro your car each time you want to go kayaking.
And when you’re done, you can find a small space to fit them in.
Rating
3. Capacity/Versatility
You need a cart that can carry your kayak’s unique weight and perform well in different situations.
The kayak carts on our list carry between 150 and 150 lbs. You can also adjust their width and flexibility.
But that’s not all…
Foam bumpers, paddings, airless tires, and more features will make sure your kayak cart conveys your kayak just the right way.
Rating
4. Build Quality
These carts are made with the best aluminum, polymer, or steel. They are also mostly powder coated to prevent rusting or corrosion.
But…
Consider your type of kayak and water body before opting for a particular frame material. That’s because some of them are better for rougher surfaces than smooth sand.
Still, aluminum is preferred because it is usually a lasting investment.
Rating
5. Movability
It’s pointless when a kayak cart does not move smoothly or decides to hang in the sand.
Not to worry…
These kayak carts come with solid tires that roll easily and quickly. Just make sure you choose the correct tires for your terrain type.
The bolts are well screwed and the tires well fixed so you can enjoy the ride before water cruising.
Rating
Our Final Verdict: Best Kayak Cart
After researching and testing out 11 best kayak carts on the market today, everyone on the team agreed these are the very best you’ll find anywhere.
While they vary in terms of portability, capacity, versatility, and durability, each one of them will get your kayak to the water safely without a hitch.
For instance, the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart can carry as much as 450 lbs, and you can easily assemble the RAILBLAZA C Tug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart and fold it into your kayak.
Conclusion: Best Kayak Cart
After in-depth research and rigorous tests, here’s our top three kayak carts.
Our Editor’s Choice is the TMS Cart-CANOE/KAYAK, a cart built with high quality material for reliable mobility and better durability.
Next is the Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley, our Best Value Winner, thanks to the features that come with a lightweight and portable kayak cart.
Then…
Our Top Pick award goes to RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart. This particular cart is popular for being portable, easy to assemble, and store.
