Best Kayak Cart Reviews 2022
Name | Features | Price | Editor Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ideal for use in rough terrains | $$ | CHECK PRICE | ||
High-quality construction | $ | CHECK PRICE | ||
Protects the kayak’s hull | $$$ | CHECK PRICE | ||
200lbs maximum weight carrying capacity | $$ | CHECK PRICE | ||
Easy to assemble | $$ | CHECK PRICE |
The 5 Best Kayak Carts
I love water and being close to a water body rejuvenates me instantly. Swimming, diving, snorkeling and water boarding are epic but, nothing beats kayaking. My special, almost spiritual relationship with water and kayaking makes me look forward to weekends as I scout and lookout for new spots for that adrenaline kick.
But, even with all the fun I have and the people I encounter daily, one thing still gets to me, well, at least it did for months (years, maybe) before I came across the kayaking secret – buying the best kayak cart.
You may not see its importance at first, but when you partake in kayaking almost religiously, anything that promises to kill the excitement has to get out of the equation. Kayaks are bulky and heavy, and you just have to find a kayak cart.
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1.Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart – ideal for use in rough terrains
Never miss a fun kayaking trip because you cannot haul the kayak or even the canoe over the river on your own. If that happens, you’ll have yourself to blame for not buying this Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart.
Even when you think that the kayak isn’t that heavy, you risk back injuries forcing your body to accommodate the weight of the kayak. Of course, we don’t wish for any of these misfortunes to befall you. This is why we recommend that you get the best kayak car
This cart is a universal frame that supports either a kayak or a canoe. It has rugged airless “Never-Go-Flat” removable tires which make sure that you don’t halt your trip because of punctured tires. These are ideal because the path to the river is mostly rough. These tires pop off the cart’s frame fast for storage.
Its frame is an oversized padded frame which offers protection to the boat when loading. It also features stabilizing locking kickstand which keeps the cart stable and also protects your kayak. This frame consists of a folding anodized aluminum that resists corrosion meaning that the cart will last a long time. You can easily disassemble this frame to fit your kayak.
This cart has a maximum carrying capacity of 200 pounds, and it comes with tie-down straps to hold the kayak in place. The cart weighs a mere 9.3 inches.
PROS
- It is lightweights and folds up easily.
- It has a durable and a stable design.
- The rugged airless tires make it ideal for use in rough terrains, and you can move it on sand easily. (plastic non-pneumatic tires with no bearing).
- You can load it up alone with ease.
- It comes with straps.
CONS
- It is a hand cart only, and you cannot tow it with a vehicle.
2. TMS Kayak Cart – high-quality construction
It wouldn’t be fun kayaking with sore muscles because you had to carry the kayak all the way to river, would it? Well, it turns out that the only way for you to hit the water with all your energy is by getting a kayak cart take care of all the donkey work.
The best kayak cart will shoulder all the weight of the all the way to the water. This also means you reduce the risk or puncturing or breaking parts of the canoe.
You cannot go wrong with this TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley. It is an affordable cart, but it will get the work done.
Thanks to its maximum weight capacity of 150lbs, you are sure that you will be able to transport your bulky kayak with ease. You can also throw in a few personal belongings. The cart comes with a 12-ft long tie-down strap with a buckle to hold the kayak in place. The cart’s solid metal frame helps in holding down the weight of the kayak while the foam bumpers on either arm of the kayak protect the hull of the canoe or the kayak.
For ease of movement on rough terrain, this cart features 9½-inch diameter, 3½-inch wide pneumatic tires that roll smoothly across sand or gravel. The cart’s construction material (frame) is aluminium pipe anodized stainless steel. This works wells as a canoe or a kayak dolly. The dolly breaks down resulting in easy storage and transportation. Assembly of this cart is fast thanks to the stainless steel fasteners and the chrome lynchpins.Part of the cart’s support stand has a 9¼ -inch (height) spring-loaded stand that keeps the dolly cart propped up onshore resulting in quick loading out of the water.
For movement on uneven terrain, the cart features 9 ½ -inch diameter inflatable tires which offer the needed stable support. Therefore, you won’t have a problem moving on sandy areas.
The overall weight of the kayak is 8.3 pounds.
The downside of this kayak cart is the fact that the small parts present a choking hazard and the toy has a small ball which is a choking hazard too. This is, therefore unsuitable for use by or with children under three years.
PROS
- High-quality construction and it is sturdy.
- The dolly makes for easy storage or transportation.
- Perfect for use on uneven terrain thanks to the 9 ½ -inch diameter wheels.
- It is affordable.
- It has a 150lbs maximum weight capacity.
CONS
- Choking hazard.
- The tires have a horrible smell.
- The straps are useless.
3. Ctug Kayak Cart – protects the kayak’s hull
This is a big-boy, daring girl kind of kayak or canoe trolley cart. If you have no issue spending a few extra bucks to haul your canoe or kayak to the next water sporting location, then you should get this cart. And, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t meant to discourage you from buying the cart.
On the contrary, if you love your water sports as I do, thrive in the rejuvenating effects of calm water and feel revitalized by the adrenaline rush that accompanies kayaking down multiple rapids, then, this is one of the best kayaking carts to get your kayak or canoe to the water in good shape.
This CTUG1 is easy to use – it dismantles in about 20 seconds. It weighs 9.6 pounds, and this means that weight of the cart isn’t the main issue. Its assembly is tool-free, and it fits in a 10-inch hatch in any kayak. It measures 6 x 10 x 30 inches hence the perfect travel companion.
This kayak cart has puncture-free wheels with hi-grip rubber treads. These wheels make it possible to maneuver through rough terrain. They also increase stability of the cart.
The cart has a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs, a big boy cart. This large weight capacity is the result of the use of reinforced composite material. The cart also features thermo-bonded elastomeric seat pads which act as shock absorbers. The pads protect the canoe’s or the kayak’s hull from damage.
PROS
- It has a sturdy and a durable construction and can hold maximum of 300lbs. Its construction incorporates reinforced composite material.
- It is easy to set up, and it comes apart easily too.
- It works well over rough terrains thanks to the puncture-free hi-grip rubber treads.
- It is lightweight.
- It protects the kayak’s hull.
CONS
- It doesn’t float.
- Complicated strap assembly.
4. Malone Xpress Scupper-Style Kayak Cart – 200lbs maximum weight carrying capacity
The first rule of having fun is staying safe. What does this mean? Well, in kayaking, being safe means using assistive devices to protect your back and spine from damage from the weight of the kayak or canoe.
It also means protecting your kayak to avoid fatal accidents when you hit the water. It also means not hitting the water when you are tired. What am I driving at? Simple – you need to get the best kayak cart to haul your kayak or the canoe from the house or the car to the water.
While there are many kayak carts on the market, few make it to the list of the best kayaks. One such cart is the Malone Xpress Scupper-Style Kayak Cart. The first thing feature that stands out is the fact that this cart fits all standard kayaks thanks to the presence of scupper holes. So, if you ever upgrade your kayak, this cart will still be there to cater to your needs.
It has a 200lbs maximum weight capacity. This is possible thanks to the cart’s aluminum frame construction. Aluminum is non-corrosive, and the cart will last a long time as long as you handle carefully. This aluminum frame has powder coating – it is an all-stainless steel hardware.
This cart protects the kayak’s hull with it 6×4-inch removable foam pad. The pad is an effective shock absorber and will prolong the life of your kayak.
Unlike many other kayak carts, this cart has a variable width locking control that adjusts easily from 6.5 to 16.5 inches.
It has 10-inch airless “Never-Go-Flat” tires which offer stability and ease of movement in rough terrain areas.
This cart weighs a mere 7.2 pounds.
PROS
- It has a 200lbs maximum weight carrying capacity, and this makes it a perfect choice because kayaks are heavy.
- The no-air tires are strong, sturdy and maneuver through the rough terrains beautifully.
- Works for ocean kayaks too.
- It has a reliable construction thanks to the use of high-quality materials.
- The pads protect the kayak.
CONS
- It doesn’t float.
- You may miss some parts.
5. Suspenz Smart Airless Kayak Cart – easy to assemble
It’s finally time to go out and enjoy your favorite sport but, upon inspection of the kayak, you notice something – the kayak feels heavier than it’s ever been. You’ve been keeping fit but, it could be aging.
Even so, what do you do? You cannot give up on your sport. We have a solution for you – get the best kayak cart. The cart will help you get the kayak wherever you wish to go.
Rummaging through online stores, you’ll come across many kayak carts and that that is confusing. We recommend that you give this Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart a chance because it will end your troubles. Like other highly recommended carts, it gets the job done.
Its ability to roll effortlessly when fully loaded. You can load it up with a canoe or a kayak, and you’ll still have some space to haul your personal belongings.
It has a maximum carrying capacity of 150lbs thanks to its sturdy aluminum frame with stainless steel hardware. It also has quick release airless 10” tires. To protect the kayak’s or the canoe’s hull, the cart has rubber bumpers which will prevent dents, dings, and scratches.
For extra stability when loading the kayak or the canoe, the cart features the Dual-arm Kickstand. This also prevents rusting of the arched axle allowing for better ground clearance. It has straps with buckles.
This cart folds up easily into 27 x 13 x 3 inches, and it fits in the free mesh bag platform measuring 13×18 inches. It weighs 10.0lbs.
This cart features two airless wheels with quick release locking pins.
PROS
- It has a high-quality design.
- The straps work well.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It has a big load capacity.
CONS
- It is not very stable.
- It is not easy to maneuver with this cart.
Unfortunately, getting the best kayak cart isn’t as easy. Remember how you had to research for a kayak before finally buying the best one, the bad decisions you made? I did too. But, when my search for the best kayak cart begun, I had to make sure that I made few mistakes.
The carts are not very cheap and to prevent losing money, I made some mistakes on your behalf. My first two carts weren’t the best. As they say, experience is the best teacher but, you shouldn’t go through any of the bad experiences we’ve gone through. That is the purpose of this review – to help you make the best purchase worth your money once and for all.
Do you still need convincing as to why you need to buy a kayak cart?
Benefits of kayak carts
- They save you from back injuries which are expensive and in the worst-case scenario, irreversible. Guys, don’t use your kayak as an opportunity to show off your abs. You may end up tearing more than a few muscles.
- They make transportation of kayaks easier because kayaks are bulky and heavy. Not everyone lives close to the river, and in most cases, you’ll pack your car some distance from the river. A kayak cart will make it easy for you to transport the kayak to the river with ease. As you can guess, this will save you loads of time too.
- Prevents damage to the kayak – dragging a kayak through stones and hard rocky surfaces may seem like the natural thing to do, especially if you are a guy but, doing that reduces the life of the kayak. To get value for your money and for the kayak to serve you for years, you’ll need the best kayak cart. Make sure that the cart has smooth edges to protect the kayak.
- A kayak cart makes it easy for you to move the cart through sand.
- The cart reduces unnecessary physical work because you can use the kayak cart to load up extra personal items. Kayaking gear and equipment can also fit in the cart.
Factors to consider when buying a kayak cart
Choosing the right kayaking cart determines if your kayaking expedition down the river or the fishing trip will be fun or not. This is because the cart gives you the perfect means of getting the kayak to the water safely. You should consider the following:
The kayak cart style
There are three main kayak cart styles – end cart style, plug in cart style, and the strapped cart style.
- End cart styleThe cart is at the rear side of the kayak. No need to strap the kayak. It isn’t compatible with wider kayaks.
- Plug in cart styleCarts’ plugged into the kayak’s scupper holes. These are mostly the sit-on-top style kayaks with scrapper holes in the tank well. They are easy to install, but you may have to stick to brand-specific kayaks and carts because of different fits for the scupper holes.
- Strapped cart styleYou strap the kayak over the cart’s roof rack. The straps can be loose, and you may need two straps to hold the kayak in place firmly.
Pro tip: the style chosen for the cart should match the kayak. To choose the best, make sure you look at the installation procedure and go with the one that is easy to install or the one that will keep the kayak stable.
The size and the material of the tire
The right tire will make it easy for you to move through the roughest terrain with ease. A rough, puncture-free tire will maneuver through the rough and hard gravel much easier without causing any damage to the kayak.
There are pneumatic, foam-filled, balloon, and plastic tires. Your choice should be a determined by the cost and the area you’ll be traversing. Rubber/ pneumatic tires are highly recommended.
- Plastic tire cartsThey are lightweight and easy to carry or store. They are also cheaper but suitable for paved surfaces and nor sand. The tires won’t become flat.
- Pneumatic tire cartsOn the other hand, work on all surfaces because you can regulate the tires’ pressure to suit use on different terrains. They run the risk of being flat.
- Balloon tire carts Work well on sandy surfaces but, they are expensive and run the risk of being flat.
- Foam-filled tire cartsCan also work on any surface, but they become flat. The other downside is that you cannot regulate pressure on such tires. They are also expensive.
Pro tip: before shopping for a kayak cart, predetermine the environment you’ll use the cart on and the cost of the cart tires.
Adjustable width
The width of the kayak will vary. The variations depend on the manufacturing/ design company.
Pro tip: To get the right size, consider the width of the kayak and use that to select the kayak cart with a similar width or a slightly bigger width. In case you have different types of kayaks, choose the cart with enough space (width).
Frame construction
Is the frame resistant to corrosion? Whether you intend on taking your kayak to the river, lake or the ocean, the frame should not react with water. Choose carts made of durable and water resistant materials.
Pro tip: choose stainless steel or aluminum carts.
Ease of storage
Will the kayak cart fit in your garage when not in use without cramming spaces or being an inconvenience?
Price
How much does the cart cost? Are there offers you can take advantage of? Is the deal too good to be true?
Expert tip: never compromise quality of a kayak cart for price. Online sites such as Amazon offer good deals on high-quality kayak carts.
Conclusion
The best kayak cart makes it easy for you to transport your kayak or canoe to the river, lake and the ocean. It protects your back and your spine from damage by saving your from unnecessary work. The cart also protects the kayak from abrasions and punctures.
Having looked at the features that make up best cart – the wheels, frame construction, padding, weight capacity or adjustable width, you can tell that these five make a fair cut to our top five, you’ll also notice that they are relatively priced and highly functional.
Out of these five kayak carts, only one wins – the Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart. It has a universal frame that supports all kinds of canoes and kayaks.
It also comes with an airless “Never-Go-Flat” 10-inch removable wheels which can move easily through hard and rough terrains. These wheels are puncture-free and they will pop off the cart’s frame fast for storage once you reach the river/ lake/ ocean and you are ready to experience nature or head back home.
The cart has a maximum carrying capacity of 200lbs and the tie-down straps make it easier for you to pack the kayak or canoe. It is also lightweight and the padding means that the kayak’s hull will remain safe.
Though this Malone Clipper takes the day for us, you should note that all the other four carts are excellent for your use to your next kayaking trip.