10 Best Kayak Carts Reviewed 2023 + A Buyer’s Guide

Discover the best kayak carts for effortless transport of your kayak to your favorite fishing or paddling spot. Our top-rated kayak carts feature durable construction, easy maneuverability, and adjustable design to accommodate various kayak sizes and styles. Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying your heavy kayak and upgrade to a reliable and convenient kayak cart today.

In this article, We have reviewed the best kayak carts in 2023. So you can easily drive your kayak from one place to another. These carts are sturdy and have plenty of cargo space. Because all kayak carts are sturdy and durable, one of the most important factors to consider is the terrain you’ll be rolling your goods across.

Kayak Carts Are Available in a Variety of Styles

There are three primary types of kayak carts to consider when buying the best kayak cart:

Carts with Platforms

Platform carts consist of an elevated cradle fixed on a frame with two wheels and an axle. The kayak is placed on top, strapped down (straps are usually provided), and the other end is picked up to begin pulling. Platform carts are adaptable, work with a wide range of kayaks (fishing or recreational, sit-on & sit-in), and are often affordable.

Carts with a Tail-Dragger

Tail-dragger carts are meant to carry the weight from one end of the kayak to the other (bow or stern, your choice!). You just slot one end of your kayak onto the tail-dragger carts, secure it (straps aren’t usually provided), and wheel it about. Because they can’t carry much more weight than platform carts, they’re best for short trips. They are, however, the most affordable alternative and are suitable for virtually every style of kayak.

Scupper Carts (Supper Carts)

Scupper carts are a fantastically creative idea. The cart consists of 2 upright support beams that slot into scupper holes in sit-on-top kayaks. They can be used with kayaks that don’t have scupper holes (you’ll have to flip the kayak sideways and tie it down), however, for sit-on-top kayaks, the beams put into the scupper holes are sufficient to hold the kayak stable on the cart while you drive it about. Keep in mind, however, that the width, location, & quantity of scupper holes vary from kayak to kayak. The finest scupper carts are usually adjustable, allowing them to be extended or narrowed based on the width of kayaks and the location of the holes.

What Is the Purpose of a Kayak Cart?

Water sports like kayaking are physical activities that might be beneficial to your health. So who likes to feel like they’ve gone to the gym before getting in the kayak? Kayak carts or canoe carts help alleviate the hard lifting from hauling boats, especially if you do have tandem kayaks & bigger kayaks. You don’t want to spend too much time trying to move it to the water.

If you’re kayaking with your family, a kayak cart can help them learn to transfer their kayaks without risking injury or overexertion. Furthermore, it is capable of keeping the kayak secure during lengthy distances.

This way of transporting kayaks is simple and convenient, allowing you to move your kayak as well as the other of your belongings with little effort (or sweat loss).

Kayak’s cart makes the transition from vehicle to kayak smoother and faster, allowing you to spend less time transporting your gear and more time and enjoy your time on the water.

How to Select the Most Appropriate Kayak Cart?

Isn’t it rather straightforward? You load your kayak onto a trolley and drive away. Well, it’s not quite that simple. Because once you invest your hard-earned money, there are a few things to consider. You must determine which kayak cart will perform effectively for you because not all carts are created equal.

Various Types of Wheels

The wheels below the kayak carts — which are used to roll the watercraft around — are another difference between different types of kayak carts.

These are some of them:

Flat-Free — These wheels are not filled with air and instead contain substances such as a type of plastic and or solid molded material, so there is no risk of a puncture or a flat. Flat-free tires are often heavier than tires with an inner tube.

Inner Tube – The traditional type of tire that most of us remember from our childhood experiences with bicycle tires. These are prone to flats if pierced (think thorns along walks to rivers), although depending on their width and tread, they can be useful on the sand.

Hard Plastic — These rubber-tread wheels function well on sand, grass, and pavement, plus uneven terrain, but they don’t provide much cushioning over bumps and pebbles. Ensure the kayak is properly fastened in the cart with these wheels, & for stability, you should keep your hands on it. 

Frame for Kayak Cart

Aluminum or steel are the ideal materials for kayak carts. To transport your kayak, you’ll need a frame that’s solid, light, and strong. Depending on the style of the kayak and the number of kayaks you’ll be towing, the frame must be able to support a big load.

The ideal kayak cart will have a sturdy frame that can withstand the weather. If you’re going to use your kayak in the sea, the cart ought to be saltwater resistant. The carts should be resistant to corrosion.

In addition, the structure must be broad and able to fully accommodate your kayak and kayaks. You might wish to consider a frame that can be adjusted in width. The carts will stay propped up while users load your kayak if it has a frame with a spring-loaded kickstand.

The kayak cart structure should be strong enough to transport the kayak and ideally built of non-corroding or rust-resistant material.

Width of Kayak Cart

Kayaks come in a variety of forms and sizes, as well as varying lengths and widths, so you’ll need a cart to fit your kayak. If you’re carrying many kayaks, you’ll need a kayak cart to accommodate them all.

Most of your demands will be met by an adjustable-width kayak. This is particularly true with sit-on-top kayaks. There are several adjustable-width kayak carts on the market, some of which can even accommodate stand-up paddleboards. These kayak trolleys are adaptable enough to accommodate a variety of boats.

Straps for Kayak Carts

The type of straps you’ll need for your kayak cart will be determined by several things. If you’re going to be transporting your kayaks through rough terrain or carting them a greater distance, make sure they’re well secured.

You might wish to get some ratchet straps in this scenario. You may change the tightness of the straps to get a highly secure fit. You may save some difficulties by properly securing your kayak. I’ve seen folks lose their kayaks from their carts because they didn’t secure them firmly enough.

Durability

The ideal kayak carts for your kayaks will be long-lasting and able to withstand rough terrain. We’ve spoken about the frame, tires, weight capacity, and other factors that affect durability. The frame and tires are made of high-quality materials, which are essential for a long-lasting kayak cart. 

The kayak cart should be able to resist the weather, including rain, sunlight, and even saltwater. The kayak cart should serve you well for a long time.

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 transport your kayak cart while you go kayaking. If you don’t have a lot of room in your garage or house to store the cart, a rolling cart is a good option.

Weight Capacity

Some kayaks are rather light, whereas others are not. Pick a good kayak cart that can withstand the weight you’ll be putting on it. If you plan on moving more than a single kayak at a time, ensure the kayak cart can handle the weight.

Also Read: How Much Weight Can a Kayak Hold?

If the cart is unable to support the weight you have placed on it, it may shatter. If the cart is overloaded, it may not travel as smoothly as it should. The kayaks may bounce around or shake side to side as you go over difficult terrain, so the cart must be able to support that weight.

Having paid hard-earned pay on your kayak, as I indicated before, you want to be confident in it.

Best Kayak Carts Reviews

This tiny cart can take any type of boat, whether it’s a single or tandem kayak, canoe, or johnboat. It has the biggest weight capacity of any kayak cart, 450 lbs, and the adjustable width guarantees that every boat rests securely in place while being transported.

 There are also two height settings: low for top-heavy kayaks that are prone to tipping over, and high for hulls that are unusually shaped or extra-deep (preventing rubbing on the wheels).

Although the sturdy, no-flat rubber wheels are pretty durable, you’ll need to add additional padding to the carrier bars to absorb the impact of challenging terrain. Even when broken down, it won’t fit inside your kayak storage compartments, but it’s small enough to stow in the trunk of your car or a garage corner.

This little platform cart, made in New Zealand, is precisely what you need to make a kayak carrying a snap. It’s made of all-durable materials, including stainless steel & anodized aluminum frame covered in reinforced composite and thermos-bonded elastomeric hull cushions that give great cushioning to protect your kayak from collision and damage.

The stainless steel reinforced axles on the sturdy wheels will keep them durable and reliable for years of continuous usage.

You don’t have to worry about punctures because the wheels have airless tires and a high-grip rubber tread, so you can use them on tough terrain.

The 300-pound weight restriction is excellent for big kayaks and larger vessels, thanks to the sturdy frame’s high-quality components and strengthened axles. It’s also non-corrosive. During transportation, the cart is intended to keep your kayak safe on rubberized pads, ensuring that it stays in position on the flexible saddle & it does not slip.

This kayak cart ensures a smooth ride for all sorts of boats, including tandem kayaks, or any equipment you’re transporting.

This is an excellent feature for those who do not have access to a car but yet need to travel their kayak over a long distance. (Of course, you shouldn’t take your kayak along busy highways, but under the correct conditions, this is a really useful tool.)

The kayak cart’s ultra-light design is constructed of a folding aluminum frame and 16″ aluminum wheels that can be rapidly removed for easy storage

The frame and aluminum wheels may be removed or folded flat for convenient storage, and the two folding cushioned supports can handle kayaks, canoes, surfboards, or sailboards up to 70 pounds. As a result, it may not be suitable for the biggest kayaks.

The “Smart Stick” towing component is meant to be attached to the bike’s seat post. The hitch will fit a 1″ to 1.5″ diameter post, but you’ll need a bow ring or bow handle, or bowline on your boat or board to utilize it.

This one has cinch straps with buckles so people can securely connect your kayak and other gear. This also means it may be used as a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak. It also includes rubber bumpers to prevent your kayak’s hull from being battered around during transit or a kickstand for added stability when loading your kayak.

Its airless wheels are constructed of molded plastic to prevent corrosion, and the cart can hold up to 123 pounds. This cart offers unsurpassed corrosion & light impact resistance. It also has a V-shaped construction with rubber cushioning instead of foam to avoid slippage and hold your kayak firmly in place.

It also serves to protect the hull. Rubber paddles are more durable than foam paddles. Rubber wheels on this universal kayak dolly provide a smoother and more stable ride than plastic wheels.

This Suspenz Smart Airless DLX includes fastened straps for securely securing your boat and accessories. It can be folded conveniently for transportation, and the wheels may be removed.

Searching for kayak carts that fold up small enough to fit in your trunk? This is the finest option! Pulling the lynchpin to remove the wheels just takes a few seconds, and the small frame can be tucked into a corner of your car. The pneumatic tires take up a little more room, but the increased grip on soft & sandy terrain is definitely worth the trade-off.

It makes moving stuff a breeze and works great with kayaks as well as other boats. The 9.5-inch kayak wheels are straightforward and quick to inflate, making this one of the cheapest kayak dolly options. The ABN Carrier may be folded down for easier travel and storage.

The anodized steel structure can support up to 200 lbs of the kayak as well as canoe, and it’s one of the most durable and rust-resistant kayak carts on our checklist. You can tow your kayak with confidence, knowing it will never be damaged, dinged, or scratched, due to the built foam bumper pads.

This Seattle Sport Paddleboy Peanut Kayak Cart is not just available at a low price. This is a refined and alternative version of the taildragger carts, which first debuted in 2017 and has remained a popular option ever since.

Individuals can’t discover a kayak cart with a high-quality pair of flat-free wheels at such a low price. Regardless of the surface, there is no vibration, as well as the Minicell foam helps the cart to float.

It takes some time plus attention to secure your kayak with a bungee rope rather than a tie-down strap.

Furthermore, as previously stated, the taildraggers do not support the entire kayak. It can be a problem if you’re going to be transporting it across extended distances.

There are a few reasons why no-flat airless tires are beneficial. To begin with, you don’t have to be concerned about them deflating or becoming punctured. Second, these tires are capable of handling a wide range of surfaces and terrain. Gravel, sand, plus pavement are no match for them.

The metal structure is durable and long-lasting. The cart is equipped with a spring-loaded stand that keeps it propped up for convenient loading and unloading.

This ensures that the kayak cart does not collapse when loaded. This Bonnlo Kayak Cart is compact and easy to store. It may not have the highest weight capacity (only 150 pounds), but it is durable, securely made, & secure enough that people will like using it.

This cart is not only convenient for transporting the kayak to and from the car, but it also folds down & disassembles for easy storage. The wheels may be conveniently stored in the trunk or a kayak storage area by removing the lynchpins. 

Although the frame is too big to fit in the kayak storage, individuals may use bungee cords to secure it to the rear of the kayak. Even if people take it kayaking, its greater anodized steel structure will never corrode. There’s even a handle added to make holding it easier.

Large inflated tires glide across a variety of terrain, including sand and gravel. The tires give stability on uneven ground, which is particularly beneficial on beaches or in regions where pebbles and gravel are present.

To boost corrosion resistance, the kayak frame is built of aluminum tubes and anodized stainless steel. When loading and unloading, the cart has a spring-loaded stand that helps maintain it upright.

This kayak cart is simple to assemble. Place a kayak on the cart platform and secure it with straps once the cart is set up.

It has foam bumpers on each side to support your kayak’s hull, as well as a spring-loaded platform to hold the kayak cart upright while you load your stuff.

The large pneumatic tires on this kayaks carts are another useful feature. These are made to give steady support while gliding easily over rough terrain.

This kayak cart is reasonably priced & has a weight capacity of 150 pounds. It works for all types of kayaks & canoes since it has a lengthy tie-down strap for connection. The strap, on the other hand, might not be enough to fasten bigger kayaks or over uneven terrain.

This is a simple and lightweight kayak cart. In only a few minutes, you’ll be set up, as well as the cart folds up allowing simple storage in the car or at home. This cart may be used with kayaks and canoes and can go across a variety of terrain.

These tires perform admirably on the sand, but there are better options for more challenging terrain. To get optimum performance, make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.

Its 12-inch low-pressure balloon tires were made specifically for this range of kayak carts, and are intended to handle sand and stones, making it the ideal device for moving sea kayaks to the shore edge.

What about other environments?

It’s OK, though, because it meets the most important need of platform carts: sturdy ratchet straps to keep your kayak in place. Still, if getting the kayak across the sand isn’t your main goal, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

The strong structure can support up to 165 lbs. A spring-loaded platform is included in the cart to hold the dolly held up when loading. The lightweight solid aluminum frame comes includes foam bumpers to secure your boat.

Two ratchet straps are included with the cart, which is ideal for securing the kayak or canoe.

Do you plan on paddling someplace with a variety of beaches? If you do, this Big Beach Balloon Tires Kayak Cart is always the first choice! The Bonnlo beach trolley is a sturdy kayak cart that works well on sand or other surfaces. Although the wheels may be too large to go inside a kayak hatch, this is an excellent kayaks carts for the money.

It’s appropriate for both sea and leisure kayaks. This cart may also be used to transport canoes & rowing shells.

The cart is strong, portable, and light. This cart may be stowed in a hatch, between your legs, and behind the kayak seats with ease.

Designed to be used in sea kayaks and recreational kayaks. It’s lightweight, durable, and small. It’s usually stowed beneath the deck next to a paddler’s feet, behind the paddler’s seat, or in the hatch. Canoes & rowing shells are also acceptable. It has two straps attached to it. The cart is secured to the cockpit by a large strap and hook, while a short strap secures the hull.

The kayak cart is equipped with 2 straps: a long one with a hook for the cockpit or a shorter one for the hull. This carrier breaks down in seconds for storage thanks to quick-release straps plus wheel pins.

For its intended use on flat, stable ground, this is an excellent kayak cart. This kayak cart is tough, portable, small, and easy to handle. It takes some adjusting to get the kayaks in the right place. When you’re on the way to the water, this will lighten your weight.

FAQs

Final Verdict for Best Kayak Carts

The simplest way to get the kayak to the water over long distances is to wheel it. I’ve compiled a list of the top ten best kayak carts for your convenience. Keeping an eye on the finest kayak cart can help you enjoy the day on the lake. You may eliminate a significant portion of the problem of getting the kayak from the car to the water. Kayak trailers come in a variety of forms, depending on the type & size of kayak that possesses. Make sure the kayak and trolley can work together.