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Kayaking is invigorating and can be fairly rigorous exercise. It would be a shame to be all tuckered out before you even get to the water due to a long or difficult slog carrying a heavy kayak. That’s where a kayak cart can be just what fits the bill.
Kayak carts are lightweight with a simple two-wheel design that supports the kayak from one end and allow you to guide it with a minimum of exertion across a parking lot, down a woodland path, or along a sandy beach to your point of entry.
To introduce you to the world of kayak carts and help you select the one that suits your needs, some of the best in the range have been selected. To begin the journey there is a comparison table, followed by a review of key features with photos and videos, and to finish a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
What is the Best Kayak Cart?
- Railblaza C-Tug Kayak or Canoe Cart
- Apex KC Watercraft Dolly Kayak Cart
- Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart
- TMS KY001 Kayak Cart
- Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Kayak Cart
- Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Kayak Cart
- Wheeleez Kayak Beach Cart
- Bonnio Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley
- Wike Kayak & Surf Sailboard Trailer
Best Kayak Cart Comparison Table
| Kayak Cart | Photo | Capacity | Frame | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Railblaza C-Tug Kayak or Canoe Cart |   | 300 pounds | Reinforced Composite | 9.6 pounds | $$ |
| Apex KC Watercraft Dolly Kayak Cart |   | 250 pounds | Aluminum | 9 pounds | $ |
| Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart |   | 200 pounds | Aluminum | 8.2 pounds | $$ |
| TMS KY001 Kayak Cart |   | 150 pounds | Aluminum and Stainless Steel | 7.75 pounds | $ |
| Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Kayak Cart |   | 150 pounds | Aluminum | 9 pounds | $$ |
| Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Kayak Cart |   | 150 pounds | Aluminum | 6.48 pounds | $$ |
| Wheeleez Kayak Beach Cart |   | 176 pounds | Aluminum | 10 pounds | $$$ |
| Bonnio Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley |   | 165 pounds | Aluminum | 8.8 pounds | $ |
| Wike Kayak & Surf Sailboard Trailer |   | 70 pounds | Aluminum | 10.5 pounds | $$$ |
| Kayak Cart | Photo | Capacity | Frame | Weight | Price |
Railblaza C-Tug Kayak or Canoe Cart
High Capacity, Quick Assembly, Durable, Versatile
- Assembles without tools, dismantles in under 20 seconds and fits inside a kayak hatch
- Adjustable rubberized pads fit most hull shapes including kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards
- Stainless steel reinforced axles
- C-Tug strap kit to secure the load
- Removable kickstand
- Capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight: 9.6 pounds
- Frame Material: reinforced composite (durable plastic)
- Wheels: 10 x 3.5 inches, puncture-free with high-grip rubber tread
Apex KC Watercraft Dolly Kayak Cart
High Capacity, Doubles as a Chair, Folds Flat, Supports Wide Hulls
- Folds flat for storage
- 12-foot tie-down strap
- Built-in kickstand
- 4 rubberized grip pads can support larger width canoes and kayaks
- Can be used as a short chair
- Capacity: 250 pounds
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Wheels: 10-inch, airless
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart
Medium Capacity, Easy to Use, Compact Fold, For Canoes & Kayaks
- Folds flat, wheels can be removed
- Oversized frame padding, no-scratch mounting on the frame
- Tie-down straps
- Bumpers for scratch-free mounting
- Supports a canoe or kayak
- Locking kickstand
- Capacity: 200 pounds
- Weight: 8.2 pounds (shipping weight)
- Frame Material: aluminum (anodized)
- Wheels: 10 x 3 inches, airless
Low-Priced, Medium Capacity, Handles Uneven Terrain, For Canoes & Kayaks
- Foldable and breaks down
- Quick assembly
- Spring-loaded stand to support the cart
- Cradle arms connected with a 13-inch strap to prevent over-opening
- Foam bumpers on each arm for scratch-free mounting
- 12-foot tie-down strap
- Supports a canoe or kayak
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Capacity: 150 pounds
- Weight: 7.75 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum and stainless steel
- Wheels: 9.5 x 3.5 inches, inflatable tires
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Kayak Cart
Medium Capacity, Packs into a Mesh Bag, Secure Strapping, For Canoes & Kayaks
- Folds down (27 x 13 x 3 inches) into a mesh carry bag
- Quick-release wheels
- Dual-arm kickstand
- Rubber bumpers for a scratch-free mounting
- 2 x 20-inch and 2 x 30-inch straps with cam-lock buckles
- Arched axle for ground clearance
- Supports a canoe or kayak
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Capacity: 150 pounds
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum (powder coated)
- Wheels: 10-inch, airless rubber tires
Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Kayak Cart
Medium Capacity, Strapless, Adjustable Scupper Mounting
- Breaks down for easy storage
- Adjustable width from 8.5 to 18 inches to fit a variety of boats
- Coated and cushioned uprights with rubber pieces at the base for cushioning
- Strapless
- Supports a canoe or kayak
- Capacity: 150 pounds
- Weight: 6.48 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Wheels: urethane solid tires (pretty good on sand and rubble)
Medium Capacity, Heavy-Duty, Great on Sand or Soft Soil, A Little Expensive
- Collapsable for storage
- Double-leg kickstand
- Foam frame pads for cushioned, scratch-free portage
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Two 13-foot tie-down straps
- Supports a canoe or kayak
- Capacity: 176 pounds
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum (3mm wall, anodized)
- Wheels: 11.8 x 7-inch, low-pressure polyurethane balloon tires
Bonnio Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley
Budget-Priced, Medium Capacity, Sturdy & Reliable
- Easy no-tools assembly and disassembly
- Spring-loaded 2mm aluminum pipe U-shaped 12-inch stand
- Foam bumpers for scratch-free portage
- Two 7.75-foot ratchet straps
- Two spare 12 foot tie-down straps
- Supports a canoe or kayak
- Capacity: 165 pounds
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum (3mm wall, anodized)
- Wheels: 10 x 3-inch, solid polyurethane
Wike Kayak & Surf Sailboard Trailer
Not Cheap, Low Capacity, Great For Towing Longer Distances Behind a Bicycle
- Folding frame with easy to remove wheels
- Precision ground bearings
- Quick smart stick towing assembly for towing behind a bicycle
- Hitches to 1 to 1.5-inch bicycle seat posts and boat/board handles, rings or bowlines
- Padded supports
- For canoes or kayaks
- Capacity: 70 pounds
- Weight: 10.5 pounds
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Wheels: 16-inch aluminum, inflatable bicycle tires
Best Kayak Cart Buying Guide
Attachment Method – Historically there have been several methods of attaching kayaks to kayak carts. Today most models use one of these two.
- Fold Out Strap Cart – These models fold up when not in use. When you fold one out it forms a cradle or platform on which the kayak can be placed. From there straps are ratcheted or cinched into place to hold it firmly onto the cart. These are adjustable to fit almost any kayak.
- Scupper Drain Hole Cart – Many kayaks have scupper holes in the bottom for self-drainage. These can be conveniently mounted onto the posts of a scupper drain hole cart. The distance between scupper holes varies so adjustment of the cart is necessary for it to fit.
Frame Material – Durability, corrosion-resistance, and low weight are key factors considered in the design of kayak carts frames. Aluminum and composite materials have all three qualities. Stainless steel is less resistant to corrosion and is heavier but quite durable. Plastic is sometimes used and is light and can’t be corroded but may not be as durable.
Weight – Most kayak carts are designed to be durable but not at the expense of a high weight that would make use more cumbersome. All the models reviewed here weigh less than 11 pounds.
Weight Capacity – All of the carts are rated for maximum capacity. It may not be a major concern if you are only going to carry a single relatively lightweight kayak. If you plan to load a larger tandem model it is more important to keep in mind. All of the models except one reviewed in this article have capacities from 150 to 300 pounds. This should be adequate for practically any model you could choose. Bear in mind that this weight capacity includes whatever you have loaded into the kayak like coolers, fishing gear, etc.
Wheels – If you are going to be spending time offroad with your cart, wide wheels or tires will provide more stability. For use on sand and softer materials, inflatable wide tires can be most efficient. For uneven though harder surfaces narrower inflatable tires may be your best bet, although there are solid models that perform fairly well. If you plan to be mostly on pavement or smooth harder surfaces, narrower wheels of plastic and rubber that aren’t inflatable may provide the traction and durability desired. Plastic is normally cheaper.
Versatility – A cart than can be adjusted to fit kayaks of different sizes and types or even multiple kayaks simultaneously could be useful for you in the long run. In the same vein, one that can be used to transport other watercraft like standup paddleboards, canoes, or other boats that you use now or would like to get acquainted with add to the value of the kayak cart you select.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
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