We seldom witness how kayakers arrive at crystal lakes or weather-beaten islands in distant archipelagos. Getting your kayak on the water may be half the fight; therefore, having the best kayak carts should be linked with owning a kayak.
A kayak cart eliminates the need for strenuous lifting while moving your kayak. Your kayak cart will let you get on the water with little effort, whether going out for the day or planning a multi-day journey.
There are a lot of different kayak carts out there, and it may take a lot of work to figure out which one will hold up over many days. We have found and researched the top 8 kayak carts, and our buying guide below will go into further detail about the most crucial considerations.
Best Kayak Carts, Wheels, and Trolleys Comparison
| Model | Specs | Where to buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart | Most Versatile | Type: Platform Size: 6 x 10 x 30 inches Weight: 9.2 lbs Capacity: 300lbs | View on Amazon |
 Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart | Best Weight capacity | Type: Platform Size: 32 x 25.5 x 16 inches Weight: 13lbs Capacity:450lbs | View on Amazon |
 Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart | Best Lightweight | Type: Tail-dragger Size: 28 x 13.5 x 6 inches Weight: 9lbs Capacity:125lbs | View on Amazon |
 Rad Sportz Kayak Cart | Best Value | Type: Tail-dragger Size: 29 x 7 x 14 inches Weight: 8.76lbs Capacity: 150lbs | View on Amazon |
 Attwood Kayak | Best Loading | Type: Platform Size: 28.5 x 6.5 x 13 inches Weight: 9.2lbs Capacity: 100lbs | View on Amazon |
 ABN Universal Kayak Carrier | Best Compact | Type: Tail-dragger Size: 22 x 9.2 x 13 inches Weight: 7.28lbs Capacity: 200lbs | View on Amazon |
 Bonnlo Kayak Cart | Easiest to store | Type: Foldable tail-dragger Size: 27.5 x 13 x 6 inches Weight: 8.5lbs Capacity: 200lbs | View on Amazon |
 TMS Kayak Cart | Best Budget | Type: Tail-dragger Size: 13 x 22 x 9.25 inches Weight: 0.01 ounces Capacity: 150lbs | View on Amazon |
Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart
The Railblaza C- Tug Kayak Cart’s composite design makes it the most versatile kayak cart. The Railblaza C-Tug may be completely disassembled, unlike other aluminum-framed carts that fold down. The C-Tug fits in your kayak hatch.
This cart’s tool-free design lets you quickly install and dismantle it, making kayaking from land to water easier. Since the Railblaza C-unusual Tug’s design is unlike other aluminum frame carts, it’s crucial to follow the directions the first time you install it. After finishing it once, you can put the parts together.
The C-Tug has reinforced composite material, thermos-bonded elastomeric hull pads, and stainless-steel reinforced axles that won’t rust.
The thermos-bonded elastomeric hull pads change your kayak’s form and size, making it the most flexible for carrying kayaks of different sizes. The C-Tug has a unique strap that hooks the cart and can be modified to accommodate any kayak.
With its wide rubber wheels, the C-Tug can move your kayak through soft sand and rugged terrain. Puncture-free wheels with good tread and rubber prevent the cart from sliding and wobbling on pavement or stricter terrain.
Technical Specs
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs.
- Dimensions: 30-by-10-by-6-inch
- Item Weight: 10lbs
- Material: Reinforced composite material
- 4-foot and 5-foot tie-down straps with buckles, two ladder locks,
- Puncture-free rubber treaded plastic wheels
- Thermo-bonded elastomeric hull pads
- C tag kickstand and C-tag Cross beam
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple to assemble | A little expensive |
| Easily disassembled to fit in most kayak hatches | |
| Convenient, the custom-made strap attaches to the cart. | |
| Hull pads adjust to accommodate various hull sizes. | |
| Easy to store |
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
Paddling magazine named the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart the best transport option for 2018.
It can hold up to 450 pounds, which means it can transport even the heaviest kayaks (along with all of your gear).
The heat-treated aluminum alloy tubing used to build the frame is lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion.
Its width and height are also adjustable, making it a very flexible option. There are two different heights available: the higher one is for irregularly shaped hulls, while the lower one is for, the more standard hull.
The no-flat wheels make it easy to ride over most obstacles, and they can handle all terrain, even snow. It may also be purchased with gigantic balloon-style beach wheels, though doing so would limit the product’s weight capacity by 150 pounds.
Also, it’s simple to set up and use, and it collapses fast for storage when you’re not using it or when you’re not in the water.
Your kayak will be safe with the included cam straps.
Technical Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 32 x 25.5 x 16 inches
- load capacity: 450lbs
- Weight: 13lbs
- No-flat wheels; 12 inches in diameter
- Adjustable width
- 18-inch & 16-inch height settings
- Warranty: 1 Year
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Its 450-pound weight limit makes it ideal for tandem or fishing kayaks. | Some parts are made from plastic, which may be better made of metal |
| The adjustable width locking control makes it compatible with kayaks of varying widths. | If you add balloon wheels, the load capacity is reduced by 30%. |
| Sturdy and stable even on uneven ground | One of the most expensive kayak trolleys. |
| Collapses completely for quick storage | |
| Height can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of irregular-shaped hulls. |
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart
To easily carry smaller kayaks, choose the Suspenz clever Airless DLX cart. The kayak cart’s 10-inch airless tires have quick-release locking pins and are engineered never to run flat, and it is constructed of powder-coated aluminum with stainless steel fasteners. Also, it has an arched axle to give it better ground clearance.
In addition, the kayak’s hull will shield it from dings and scratches, thanks to the standard rubber bumpers. You also get a dual-arm kickstand that makes loading and unloading much more effortless.
You can fold the frame of the kayak cart, but that’s not even the most excellent feature. The cart’s mesh bag makes it easy to transport items from place to place.
Compared to other kayak carts, its 125-pound weight capacity is the lowest. Although it isn’t a deal breaker, lighter kayaks are better suited.
Technical Specs
- Material: Aluminium
- Load capacity: 150lbs
- Dimensions: 28 x 13.5 x 6 inches
- Weight: 9lbs
- Powder-coated aluminum frame
- 10-inch airless tires
- Straps: Included 2 x tie-down straps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy and easy to use | The rubber pads offered might be a little larger. |
| The double kickstand enables easy loading. | The kayak dolly has a limited capacity compared to my previous recommendations. |
| Rubber hull pads won’t deteriorate. | |
| The collapsible framework, stored in a mesh bag, is portable enough to go along on a kayaking trip. |
Rad Sportz Kayak Cart
RAD Kayak Trolley has a weight capability of 150 pounds, making it suitable for transporting even the heaviest kayaks or canoes to and from the water or other locations you don’t want to carry them.
The powder-coated aluminum frame is lighter than the similarly constructed Suspenz frame. The tires are a little firmer since they are made of polyurethane, and the hull pads are made of foam rather than rubber.
The trolley’s tie-down straps prevent your kayak from slipping off. It may be folded down to a small size, making it convenient for storage or transit.
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 29 x 7 x 14 inches
- Material: Steal
- Weight Capacity: 150 lbs.
- Weight: 8.76 lbs.
- 9.5″ pneumatic tires
- Straps: Included one single nylon tie-down strap
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Overall functional and cost-effective | The immobilization strap that comes with it breaks very easily |
| Sturdy & versatile | |
| Lightweight compared to other aluminum frames | |
| You can use it for multi-purposes | |
| Puncture-resistant tires |
Attwood 11930-4 Kayak Cart
You can load your canoe or kayak with the Attwood kayak trailer. I resemble other single kayak trailers that are simple to transport near the water and do not need to carry bulky water equipment.
The no deflatable wheels with the large diameter of this model’s trailer are a point of pride since they allow for effortless transport. It is perfect for traversing rough terrain.
You can go to your water sports location fast and with all your gear, which weighs up to 100 pounds, without becoming bored on the way there.
It easily disassembles and fits in the majority of kayak hitches.
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 6.5 x 13.25 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 9.2lbs
- Weight Capacity: 100 lbs.
- Large diameter wheels: 9.5 inches
- No deflate tires
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy | It is precarious if you go through rocks. |
| The wheels are sturdy, and the stand made it easy to load the boats. | |
| The strap provided securely held each one in place, even over tree roots and rocks. | |
| Cost-effective |
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
Any kayak, canoe, paddleboard, float mat, or boat may be easily transported with the ABN Universal Boat Carrier.
You may use this cart for any kayak that weighs less than 200 pounds. Despite being made of high-strength anodized steel, the cart is designed to be relatively lightweight and simple to push about.
Easily inflatable 9.5-inch tires will let you traverse sand, gravel, and wooded regions. The 12-foot strap and extra-large foam bumpers protect your kayak from dings and scrapes. Constructed with a spring-loaded kickstand for hassle-free loading. The lynch pin makes it simple to remove the tires, and when you’re done, just fold it up and throw it in a backpack.
Technical Specs
- Mounting Type: strap
- Material: Plastic, metal, rubber
- Dimension: 22 x 9.2 x 13 inches
- Load Capacity: 200lbs
- Weight:7.28lbs
- 12-foot tie-down strap
- 9.5 inches knobby tiers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight to transport | The strap is too short |
| Very functional | |
| Good and sturdy rolls over rough terrain with ease | |
| Easily stored |
Bonnlo Kayak Cart
The Bonnlo Kayak Cart is here to assist you if you are an avid kayaker needing a dependable means of transporting your yak. This a universal kayak cart that will provide the necessary stability and support for transporting your kayak over a short or long distance.
A kayak or canoe may be conveniently transported from the automobile to the beach, lake, or riverfront with the help of this kayak trolley cart, which has a broader diameter aluminum pipe (20x2mm) anodized stainless steel and a weight limit of 200 pounds.
Airless wheels make this kayak wheels cart better and more straightforward. The odor-free, large-diameter solid PU tires (10″D x 3″ W) slide effortlessly over sand, lawns, and rocky terrain.
The aluminum frame is long-lasting and reliable. The cart is held upright, allowing hassle-free loading and unloading.
The boat dolly assembles simply and folds down for automobile transport. Let you remove the kayak wheels and put them inside your kayak’s hatches.
Check out Bonnlo if a portable, foldable kayak cart is what you’re looking for. This cart will work if you’re transporting a kayak or canoe.
Technical Specs
- Weight capacity: 200lbs
- Frame Material: Aluminium
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 13 x 6 inches
- Weight: 8.5lbs
- Double kickstand
- Foam Bumpers on each arm
- 12 “H spring-loaded stand
- Two ratchet straps (5ft and 2.75ft)
- Two-year Warranty
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight kayak cart | Instructions are poorly translated and had to follow |
| Sturdy | Straps are not fit well |
| Easy to assemble | |
| It comes with straps to tie your boat down. | |
| Folding kayak cart | |
| No flat tires | |
| Thoughtful in design |
TMS Kayak Cart
The TMS kayak cart is great for paddlers who want to make their day less stressful. TMS vehicle slides over sand and gravel with its large inflated tires. TMS tires stabilize uneven terrain, which is helpful on beaches and rock.
Aluminum pipe and anodized stainless steel make the frame corrosion-resistant.
A spring-loaded stand keeps the universal kayak cart upright during loading and unloading.
When the cart is ready, place the kayak on top and secure it with the straps. Now you are prepared to go.
Bungee straps might be helpful if you’re crossing soft or uneven terrain.
Since each kayak is unique, you’ll have to choose how to secure it to the frame. TMS kayak cart folds up so you can store it in a hatch or tie it to the kayak’s tail. TMS kayak cart requires little effort to assemble.
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.25 inches
- Material: Aluminium
- Weight: 0.01 ounces
- Load capacity: 150lbs
- Solid Metal frame
- 12ft long tie-down strap
- 9.5 inches flat-free tires with 3.5 inches width
- 9-1/4 “H spring-loaded stand
- 3-1/2 “L foam bumpers on each arm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Conveniently quick to set up | The provided strap does not perform well. |
| Equipped with a Strap | |
| Lightweight | |
| Easy to fold up and store | |
| Effective on rocky or uneven ground |
Benefits of Using a Kayak Cart
Having a kayak cart allows you to
- Get your kayak from your vehicle to the water quickly and easily
- Avoid strain and fatigue
- Transport your kayak with little risk of damage
- Transport your kayak without risk of loss or injury should you fall
Guide to choosing the Best Kayak Cart
It requires careful consideration of several factors. L’s look at what you need to know before choosing a cart.
Budget for Kayak Carts
A high-priced pair of kayak wheels may not be essential for your needs. Cheaper plastic wheels may be preferable to more durable and elegant rubber tires if you plan on rolling your boat along a level walkway, cemented road, or over a kept lawn.
Expensive doesn’t always imply better. You get what you pay for; therefore, if you spend more money, you can expect better materials and more sturdy construction in your kayak cart
Width and Style of your kayak
The kayak cart you’ll need will depend on your kayak’s width and design. If your boat is extensive, you would need wheels that can handle the width of your boat. Some kayak carts are also suitable for transporting canoes and Stand-Up Paddleboards, and these carts should be able to fit the broad hull of any kayak.
Weight Capacity of Kayak Carts
When paddling, the kayak cart’s weight becomes a significant consideration since it must be carried either in or on the kayak itself. The kayak cart’s weight will depend on the components it’s made of. A larger cart with a robust aluminum frame will be able to carry more supplies than a smaller, lighter cart.
You should think about the whole weight of your gear in addition to the weight of your kayak. Hauling an empty kayak from your vehicle to the beach is a breeze with a kayak cart, but transporting a fully loaded boat on a more extended adventure is where they shine.
Collapsibility of kayak Carts
Depending on your situation, you might have to transport the kayak cart on or in your kayak when paddling. In this situation, you’ll need a cart that either folds up or can be dismantled into many pieces so you can store them in your hatch.
Wheels of Carts
You’ll need wheels appropriate for the surface you’ll be pushing your kayak cart over to get it from one place to another. A giant wheel with a larger surface area is needed to keep the kayak cart from sinking into the sand when rolling it over deep sand.
If you plan on using your kayak on paved roads, you may choose rubber tires instead of plastic ones since they generate less friction.
Your kayak will benefit from a thicker rubber tire with a bit of flex to help it glide over rough terrain like tree roots, pebbled beaches, and even down a shallow staircase.
The adjustability of Kayak Carts
You may customize the hull pads on certain kayak carts to match the contours of your boat. I may be significant if you plan on transporting more than one kind of boat on the cart, such as a canoe, a tandem kayak, or a sea-touring kayak.
Most kayak carts include adjustable straps to fit different boats.
The durability of Kayak Carts
All kayak carts wear out; however, those built of more robust materials will last longer.
Salt water and UV rays can damage foam hull pads faster than rubber pads. A more robust aluminum frame will also warp or bend less under stress than a cheap, lightweight frame.
Your kayak cart’s longevity depends on how much weight you want to pack and the terrain you’ll traverse.
Cart Types
Three carts with distinct characteristics may assist you:
Plug-in cart – This model is ideal for travel with its lightweight frame and stationary wheels. It’s convenient as well as stable.
Folding cart – This kind of cart is portable because of its small size. Most kayakers will find this to be ideal.
Strap cart – A strap is included to secure your kayak while transporting it.
While all three will operate, you may find one more suitable for your purposes due to stability, portability, or security. The strength of the plug-in may be more helpful if you must go across rough terrain.
However, the foldable cart is unmatched as a storage solution.
The frame of the Kayak cart
You need something constructed from corrosion-resistant materials if you plan on venturing into the sea. Steel corrodes when exposed to saltwater or ocean air. This plastic or composite may be preferable here.
Powder-coated aluminum will perform similarly. Steel and aluminum are ideal for making very sturdy kayaks that carry a lot of weight.
Final Thoughts
The kayak carts provide a convenient way to get your kayak from wherever you are to the water, whether a longer route through the woods, a vast parking lot, or a field.
The eight top kayak carts I’ve detailed above are the most practical accessory you can buy.
Depending on your kayak’s size and shape, you may choose from several various kayak cart designs. You’ll need a cart to accommodate your kayak, so be sure they’re compatible.
To find out the cheapest kayaks read the article, Best Kayak for the money.