Every kayaker will tell you that getting from the car or campground to the water edge is frequently more time-consuming and exhausting. This cannot be compared to the hours of glorious paddling on the ocean, lake, or river that motivates and inspires them to go out in the first place. If you’re smart, a kayak cart will be one of the first purchases after purchasing the best fishing kayak and paddle, unless you opt for the best inflatable fishing kayak.
These two simple wheels will eliminate one of the most irritating aspects of kayaking: the dreaded portage! The good news is that, because this is such a widely shared problem, several manufacturers have stepped up to provide us with a variety of kayak carts that are suited to each unique portage challenge you may have with your kayak.
Although a kayak cart does not remove all of these procedures, it does make them a lot easier. The ease of assembly and disassembly is the most crucial aspect to consider when purchasing a kayak cart. It’s unlikely that you’ll want to leave your kayak cart at the beach. Instead, invest in a kayak cart that you can simply transport with your kayak. This review and buyer’s guide discuss some of the best Kayak carts you can get in the market right now. Read on.
Top 8 Kayak Carts
Bonnlo Kayak Cart
For people who like kayaking in salt water, I think this model is fantastic.
The Bonnlo Kayak Cart is a multi-functional kayak dolly that checks all boxes for a high-quality kayak transporter. It’s simple to understand why this cart is one of Amazon’s top sellers in the kayak cart category. The significant advantage is the tires, which are entirely airless and can pass through various trains with ease (from sand to gravel and even rocky terrain).
At the same time, this model is durable, easy to transport, and made of high-quality materials to meet various kayaking demands.
Key Features and Benefits
The hull of your canoe or kayak is protected by a solid aluminum frame with foam bumpers on each arm. The 165-pound carrying capacity is provided by the lightweight 2mm tubing aluminum frame and sturdy 10″ x 3″ broad PU tires.
Effortless loading is made possible with a sturdy 2mm metal pipe kickstand. The Leader Accessories has a maximum weight capacity of 165 pounds.
It comes with two additional 12-foot tie-down straps that are long enough and of high quality to attach a full-size kayak or canoe while still allowing you to store and carry the cart.
A 12″H spring-loaded stand is part of the support platform, and it maintains the dolly cart propped up onshore for fast loading out of the water.
The cart is designed in a way that the wheels are simple to put together. The only effort needed is to slide the wheels onto the axles, then use the supplied pins to attach the wheel. The carrier is foldable for easy storage and transportation.
Pros
Aluminum structure for sturdiness
There is no odor from the tires.
The setup is simple.
There are several accessories available.
Cons
Plastic is used for some of the connecting components.
Verdict
The Bonnlo Kayak Cart is for you if you prefer putting your kayak into the scupper holes than strapping it down. Just make sure the kayak you choose is a sit-on-top model.
RAIBLAZA C-Tug Kayak Cart
The C-Tug Kayak & Canoe Cart by RAILBLAZA would win hands down if there were a prize for the best-looking kayak cart! But don’t be fooled by its beautiful appearances; this is a high-quality, robust, and sturdy kayak dolly constructed of non-corroding engineering polymers that can tow up to 300 pounds. The C-Tug is an all-terrain kayak trolley with puncture-free solid wheels and a high-grip rubber thread design. There will be no more flat tires!
The cart’s sleek, contemporary design is one of our favorites. When you slide your kayak off, the C-Tug comes with a kickstand with an immediate lock to help keep your kayak kart upright and in position. The hull pads are tiltable to accommodate nearly any kayak or canoe hull shape, and they’re smartly constructed with holes for the accompanying straps to slip through to attach your kayak to the cart.
Key Features and Benefits
It’s constructed of non-corrosive polymers that don’t rust and can resist weather changes. With this feature, it’s ideal for fishing in saltwater. It comprises two C-Tug hull pads that support the kayak and a secure C-Tug strap kit.
The c- tug kayak trolley is easy to construct and disassemble, and it can be dispersed in seconds and stored in your kayak hull while you’re not on the water. It’s only 10 pounds, and you won’t even notice it’s there.
The wheels on this kayak cart aren’t what we’re used to seeing on a kayak cart. They are “rubber-tread,” which implies they feature a rubber coating instead of conventional tires. This characteristic can be viewed as both a benefit and a drawback. On the one hand, there will be no punctures, but there will be some shaking while driving over stones and similar terrain.
Pros
- Constructed to last
- Weight capacity is higher than most kayak carts.
- It’s simple to put together and take apart.
- You don’t have to be concerned about a flat tire.
- Rust-resistant.
Cons
- On uneven surfaces, it’s a touch shaky and unstable.
- Quite costly.
Verdict
C-Tug is a good choice if you want a kayak cart that is both adaptable and durable. The cart is simple to assemble, disassembles fast, and fits into a kayak hatch. This cart is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including gravel, sand, and pavement. The C-Tug kayak cart is one of the finest in the market, having a meticulously planned and manufactured system for the simple carriage of your kayak or canoe. The CTug Kayak Cart is highly ranked on my list. While it may appear clumsy, this type is ideal for bigger boats that require a tight fit.
- Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
Are you looking for something that is built to last and is specifically designed for the beach? Firstly, with a load capacity of up to 450 pounds, the makers intended to transport the heaviest kayaks (with extra gear). Incredible! The wheels on this kayak cart are specifically designed to handle the sand and the surf, most probably if you plan on taking your kayak down to the beach.
At the same time, its breadth and height may be adjusted thanks to its adaptable design. There are two height options: taller for hulls with unusual shapes and lower for hulls with a standard form.
Key Features and Benefits
Wilderness Systems built a heat-treated aluminum bunker bar frame to create a sturdy and robust platform capable of securely lifting big loads. They mounted it on two non-puncture airless 12″ wheels. The frame’s width and height (from 16″ to 18″) may be modified to move the center of gravity on different boat designs and assist tip-overs.
Solid beach wheels can be replaced with balloon beach wheels, which are available separately. You are therefore assured of a fantastic choice. One of the disadvantages of high-duty kayak carts is that they might be challenging to move across sand or on the beach because they carry big loads.
The adjustable width of the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart keeps your kayak from twisting and slipping sideways. The two height options allow you to go high for unusually shaped hulls that would otherwise rub on the cartwheels or low for a lower center of gravity to prevent tip-overs.
Pros
- Storage is simple.
- Exceptional weight capacity.
- It fits the majority of kayaks.
- Sturdiness and stability.
- Loading does not necessitate the use of a kickstand.
Cons
- Taking a little longer to put together.
- On the sand, the wheels move effortlessly, but on another terrain, they have some trouble.
Verdict
It’s easy to see why it was named the 2018 winner of Paddling magazine’s “best transport/storage/launching” category. In our opinion, the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart is the most exemplary kayak cart for big kayaks, boats, or any watercraft transport where load capacity and weight are essential.
- Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart
If interested, I wanted to offer a handy end-cart option. This type is ideal, with airless tires that can withstand just about anything. It also has a Neoprene foam pad to protect your kayak and no straps necessary for quick loading.
The frame of the cart can be folded, but that’s not the most significant part. The cart has a mesh bag for storage, which is helpful.
I must tell you, however, that it has the slightest weight restriction of all the kayak carts on my list, only supporting weights of up to 125 pounds. That isn’t exactly a deal-breaker, but as I previously stated, it is best suited to lightweight kayaks.
Key Features and Benefits
The kayak cart is constructed of powder-coated aluminum with stainless steel fittings and features 10-inch airless tires with quick-release locking pins that will never run flat. Furthermore, it has an arched axle for increased ground clearance.
It also comes with rubber bumpers that should protect the hull of your kayak from dents and scratches while being transported. You’ll also receive a dual-arm kickstand, which improves the cart’s stability when loading and unloading.
Plastic wheels are used not to rust; this assures you that the cart will serve you for a longer time.
Pros
- A collapsible frame that fits inside the mesh bag that comes with it.
- While loading the kayak, a dual-arm kickstand provides stability.
- Ground clearance is improved because of the arched axle.
- The hull is protected from dents and scrapes by rubber bumpers.
- Quick-release locking pins come standard on airless wheels.
Cons
- In comparison to my previous selections, this cart has little capacity.
- Rubber pads supplied in the package might be a little larger.
Verdict
The Suspenz Smart Airless cart is an excellent choice for sea kayaks and other narrower kayaks. The rubber cushions and straps assist in holding your kayak in place. Tires with no flats are an additional benefit that performs well on stricter terrain such as packed sand, gravel, and tarmac. It isn’t ideal for rugged terrain.
- The Seattle Sports Paddleboy All-Terrain Kayak
This kayak cart has a unique design, and the wheels here would be most suited for grassy terrain (think of a spring or a river). This kayak cart stands out because of its sixteen-inch bike tire wheels. The large tires make this cart ideal for navigating rugged terrains such as ruts and other obstacles. The height of the cart makes it easier to push and pull for many individuals. The wheels perform admirably in both paved and flat conditions.
The Paddleboy All-Terrain Kayak Cart from Seattle Sports is a heavy-duty kayak trolley designed to transport more oversized cargo to the water. This Dolley is suited for kayaks, canoes, Lasers, john boats, and other bigger craft, with a load capacity of 300 lbs. While it may be used with different ships, it can conveniently transport a kayak, undoubtedly the main selling feature.
Key Features and Benefits
Although the solid urethane tires are designed to decrease vibration, they are relatively thin. Along with the cart’s weight and the fact that you’ll most likely use it for larger boats, means this isn’t the best option for portaging through loose sand or the beach.
The Seattle Sports Paddleboy has a spring-loaded kickstand that keeps it sturdy and upright during loading or unloading. A cinch strap is also supplied to secure your watercraft.
While the Paddleboy folds up small enough to fit in the back of your car, it’s unlikely to fit into your kayak hitch and be taken out on the lake with you. You probably wouldn’t want to do it if you were 15 pounds lighter!
The kayak trolley has foam cushions to protect your boat as well as cinch straps to secure it.
Pros
- It folds up for convenient storage
- Steel frame with a powder-coated finish
- Large wheels are ideal on rough terrain, and the top bars may be adjusted.
- Straps are also provided.
- It has a frame that resists corrosion
Cons
- It’s more substantial than other kayak carts.
- The wheels will not fit in the hatch of your kayak.
Verdict
Honestly, this is a heavy-duty solution designed to transport large kayaks. It is worth considering if you look at it through that lens, and those are your unique demands. It also has cinch straps to help keep everything in place. To be honest, this cart would be excellent for use with a bicycle.
- The TMS Kayak Cart
The TMS Kayak Cart has everything a kayak trolly should have: dependability, ease of use, and durability.
Furthermore, the top-of-the-line all-terrain tires glide effortlessly on every surface (I tested them on sand, dirt, gravel, grass, and road), allowing you to transport your kayak to the water with ease.
I particularly appreciated how quickly this kayak cart disassembles for easy storage during transit. When you need to pull it out and transport the kayak, all you have to do is attach the wheels, and you’re good to go. If you’re traveling over uneven or soft ground, you might wish to utilize adjustable bungee straps.
Key Features and Benefits
Large inflated tires glide across a variety of terrain, including sand and gravel. The tires give stability on uneven ground, particularly beneficial on beaches or in pebbles and gravel locations.
The kayak frame is composed of aluminum tubing and anodized stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance. When loading and unloading, the cart has a spring-loaded stand that helps maintain it upright.
This kayak cart is simple to assemble, and it folds up for safe storage. Place the kayak on the cart platform and secure it with straps once the cart is set up. You’re all set to go. Because kayaks are not all the same, you’ll need to find the best technique to secure your kayak to the frame.
Pros
- The setup is simple.
- A strap is included.
- Lightweight
- It works well on rough terrain and is simple to store.
Cons
- If you’re crossing rough terrain, you might need to utilize bungees.
- Some customers have complained that the supplied strap isn’t perfect.
Verdict
TMS is a lightweight and straightforward kayak cart. In only a few minutes, you’ll be set up, and the cart folds up for simple storage in your car or at home. This cart may be used with kayaks or canoes and can go across a variety of terrain.
- Bonnlo Kayak Cart With Beach Balloon Tires
The Big Beach Balloon Tires Kayak Cart is the second option from the Bonnlo kayak cart lineup. Bonnlo has done away with the usual form and tires this time, resulting in a one-of-a-kind design – you guessed it – for the beach.
The Bonnlo Kayak Cart with Beach Balloon Tires has the same chassis as the one with solid tires detailed above; only this one has balloon tires!
Key Features and Benefits
The robust structure can support up to 165 pounds. A spring-loaded platform is included in the cart to keep the dolly raised when loading. The lightweight solid aluminum frame comes with foam bumpers to protect your boat.
The Bonnlo Balloon Wheel Kayak Dolly can be dismantled and stored easily, but the tires will be too huge to go into your kayak hull, so make sure you can securely leave them at your launch site or take the trolley back to your vehicle and keep it there while you’re on the water.
Pros
- Tough tires
- Lightweight
- Excellent for sand.
- Simple to use
- The kickstand is handy.
Cons
- On rough terrain, it’s not so good.
- To keep your kayak tight, you might require bungee straps.
Verdict
The apparent function and benefit of balloon wheels are that their enormous surface contact area prevents them from cutting into loose soft sand, making them the ideal choice for hauling your kayak across a dune or beach. If this is a feature that is essential to you, we believe this is the best kayak cart available.
- Malone Clipper Deluxe
Last but not least, there’s Malone’s ClipperTRX kayak cart, which has an established track record and a design ideal for carrying kayaks with classic V-style or tunnel hulls.
Key Features and Benefits.
This cart is made of marine-grade aluminum and has a folding design. It also has a load capacity of 200 pounds. It also has two kickstands and twin cam-style load straps for increased stability while loading and unloading your kayak.
One of this cart’s best features is its airless Never-Go-Flat tires. I found them to be very robust and long-lasting, and the push-button wheel release adds to the simplicity. What I dislike about it is how poorly it performs on sandy beaches:
The high-grip rubber treads are great on rugged and rocky terrain, but they might be better on the sand.
The ClipperTRX Deluxe isn’t the cheapest cart on the market, but it’s also not the most expensive. So, although I wouldn’t strictly consider this a disadvantage, bear in mind that there are cheaper options.
Pros
- Dual cam-style load straps are included.
- An all-terrain tire with high-grip rubber treads Kickstands for stability during loading and unloading
- Wheel release with a push-button for optimum convenience
- Easy-to-follow instructions and quick construction
Cons
- The cart’s sand performance isn’t excellent.
- More significant than most kayak carts, the cart’s size makes it a little difficult to store.
Verdict
Malone’s ClipperTRX Deluxe, a kayak with a V-shaped hull, should be one of your best choices. The cart was created with your kayak in mind!
Take your kayak to those difficult-to-reach spots that others can’t. The Nomad is a reliable, easy-to-use cart with flat-free tires. This cart works well over rough terrain, but the kayak must be securely tied down.
How to Choose The Best Kayak Cart
Isn’t it fairly straightforward? You load your kayak onto a trolley and drive away. Well, it isn’t quite that simple. Before you spend your hard-earned money, there are a few things to consider. It would help determine which kayak cart will work better since not all coaches are made equal.
Wheels
When you’re rolling your kayak about, you’ll want to be sure you have a decent pair of wheels. Plastic, rubber, and inflated tires are the most common options. Plastic wheels are often less expensive; however, they may not be the most excellent option.
Hard plastic covered with rubber is a hybrid kind of tire. These tires do not deflate and are typically suitable for a range of terrain.
Kayak Cart Frame
Aluminum or steel are the finest materials for kayak carts. To transport your kayak, you’ll need a frame that’s solid, light, and strong. Depending on the kind of kayak and the number of kayaks you’ll be carrying, the structure must be able to support a high weight.
The kayak cart structure should be strong enough to transport your kayak and preferably constructed of a non-corroding or rust-resistant material.
Kayak Cart Straps
Several variables will determine the kind of straps you’ll need for your kayak cart. If you’re going to be transporting your kayaks across rough terrain or carting them a long distance, make sure they’re well secured.
Kayak Cart Width
Kayaks come in a variety of forms and sizes, as well as various lengths and widths, so you’ll need a cart to fit your kayak. If you’re carrying several kayaks, you’ll need a kayak cart to accommodate them all.
Price
A kayak cart, like other accessories, may be purchased at a low price or for a high one. Because you presumably invested a fair amount of money on your kayak, a good cart is essential.
Weight Capacity
Some kayaks are relatively light, whereas others are not. Choose a kayak cart that can withstand the weight you’ll be putting on it. If you plan on transporting more than one kayak at a time, be sure the kayak cart can handle the weight.
Attachment Method
Depending on the kind of kayak you possess, there are many different types of carts available. Scupper holes are almost always present in sit-on-top kayaks. Scupper holes allow water to drain from your kayak if it fills up with water. These scupper holes are intended to be lined up with certain carts. Scupper holes come in a variety of sizes and locations on the kayak. Make sure your kayak will fit in the trolley.
Another kind of cart is intended to transport the kayak’s end. These make it simple to handle the cart and kayak. The disadvantage is that the cart only supports a portion of the kayak’s weight. As a result, you’ll be carrying the majority of the weight. Because these kayak carts aren’t usually adjustable, be sure they’ll suit your setup.
Durability
Just like every kayak gear and accessory, the most exemplary kayak cart for your kayak will be long-lasting and able to withstand rough terrain. We’ve spoken about the frame, wheels, weight capacity, and other factors that affect durability. The structure and tires are made of high-quality materials, which are essential for a long-lasting kayak cart.
Storage
Last but not least, you’ll need a place to keep your kayak cart. Look for a trolley that can be folded. This makes it easier to store and carry your kayak cart while you go kayaking. A foldable kayak cart is an ideal choice if you don’t have much room in your garage or house to keep your cart.
Key Takeaway
Finding the best kayak cart can make your day on the water more enjoyable. While we managed to review 8 kayak carts, there are still a variety of kayak carts available in the market. Kayak carts come in various designs, depending on the kind and size of kayak you possess. Make sure that your kayak and cart are compatible.
Thankfully, things are much more accessible than they seem, as you may choose from any of the following choices after reading the buyer’s guide. You may save yourself a lot of time and effort by transporting your kayak from your vehicle to the ocean. Besides, with the right kayaking shoes, your life will be safer, easier, and more convenient.
Anthony has been an angler for the past 15 years. His experience makes him an invaluable asset to FISHING GEN and writes on fishing expeditions as well as fishing gear.