9 Best Kayak Carts (2023 Reviews and Guide)

Lugging your kayak from the car to the water can be a challenge. Even more fun is lugging your kayak back to your car after a long day of kayaking. Finding the best kayak cart can improve your day on the water. 

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, kayaks can be heavy and awkward to transport.  You might not always be able to park right by the water or have access to a boat launch.

This is where a kayak cart will come in handy. Kayak carts can be especially helpful if you have kids too.  Taking your kids and a kayak to the water can be challenging.

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick peek at our faves.

Best Kayak Carts

You can rely on the kayak cart to do some heavy lifting.  The type of cart you should buy will depend on the kayak you own (more information) and other factors.  We will get into all of that in a bit.

We cover a wide range of kayak trolleys. Different terrain and kayaks require specific carts, so we have selected various carts for this review.

#1 RAILBLAZA C-Tug Kayak Cart – Top Pick

Capacity:	260 Pounds
Tires:	Puncture-free with rubber tread
Frame:	Hard plastic with stainless steel axles
Weight:	10 Pounds

The C-Tug kayak cart is an excellent way to upgrade your kayak accessory game. C-Tug is made in New Zealand and is a very versatile kayak cart.  The puncture-free tires have rubber tread, and you don’t have to worry about getting a flat. The cart is great for gravel, hard sand, and pavement.  

>>Read our complete C-Tug kayak cart review<<

The adjustable hull pads are rubberized and swivel to fit most hulls, making this a very adaptable cart.  This is an excellent universal cart for a kayak or canoe.  You can place your fully loaded kayak directly on the cart.

This collapsible kayak cart disassembles in less than 20 seconds and can fit inside a kayak hatch.  This cart is simple, sleek, and lightweight. Don’t let the lightweight nature fool you. This cart holds up to 260 pounds.

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#2 Bonnlo Kayak Cart

Capacity:	165 Pounds
Tires:	Solid Polyurethane (PU)
Frame:	Aluminum

If you are an avid kayaker looking for a reliable way to transport your yak, the Bonnlo Kayak Cart is here to help. Whether you are lugging your kayak a long or short distance, this universal kayak cart gives you the stability and support you need.

Start with the wheels. No-flat airless tires are great for a couple of reasons. You don’t have to worry about them deflating or getting punctured.  Second, these tires work well on a variety of surfaces and different terrain.  They roll well across gravel, sand, and pavement.

The aluminum frame is sturdy and holds up well.  The cart has a spring-loaded stand to keep it propped up for quick and easy loading and unloading.

This means the kayak cart won’t collapse when you are loading.  The Bonnlo Kayak Cart folds up for easy storage.

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#3 TMS Kayak Cart

Capacity:	150 Pounds
Tires:	9.5” x 3.5” Pneumatic tires
Frame:	Aluminum

The TMS kayak cart is great for paddlers who want to make the day less stressful. The large inflatable tires on this cart roll smoothly across different surfaces, like sand and gravel.  The tires provide stability on uneven terrain, which is extremely useful on beaches, or areas with rocks and gravel.

The frame is made of aluminum pipe and anodized stainless steel to increase corrosion resistance. The universal kayak cart features a spring-loaded stand, which helps keep it upright when loading and unloading. A 150-pound capacity is perfect for most recreational kayaks.

It’s easy to set up this kayak cart. Once the cart is set up, put the kayak on the cart platform, and strap it down.  You are ready to go.

You will need to figure out the best way to strap your kayak to the frame since kayaks are different. The folding kayak cart fits in some hatches or strap it across the kayak’s stern.

You may want to use adjustable bungee straps if you are going over uneven or soft ground.

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#4 Malone Nomad Standard Universal Kayak Cart

Capacity:	150 pounds
Tires:	Airless no-flat
Frame:	Aluminum
Weight:	7.9 pounds

Say goodbye to lugging your heavy kayak around. This rugged kayak trolley is specially designed for smaller storage requirements.  With a 150-pound weight capacity, this kayak cart can easily support larger kayaks.  The kickstand keeps your cart steady while you load it.

The anodized aluminum frame resists corrosion, which will help this cart last for many years. The Nomad has foam padding and cam buckle straps for tying down your kayak.  The folding kayak cart will fit in a lot of kayak hatches.

Ten-inch rugged no-flat tires work well on many surfaces, like gravel, sand, and pavement.  You don’t have to worry about being stranded with a flat tire while hauling your kayak.

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#5 Bonnlo Kayak Cart 12” Wheels

Capacity:	150 Pounds
Tires:	12″ low-pressure balloon tires
Frame:	Aluminum

This kayak beach trolley has impressive large balloon tires that will get you where you want to go.  The Bonnlo twelve-inch balloon tires are awesome for soft, sandy terrain.

These tires perform well on sand, but there are other options for more rugged terrain.  Be sure to inflate the tires to the proper psi for the best performance.

The frame is sturdy and supports up to 165 pounds. The cart is equipped with a spring-loaded stand to keep the dolly propped up when you are loading. The solid aluminum frame is lightweight and has foam bumpers to protect your boat.

The cart comes with two ratchet straps, perfect for tying down your kayak or canoe.

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#6 Seattle Sports Paddleboy Kayak Cart

Capacity:	300 pounds
Tires:	Heavy-duty air-inflated
Frame:	Powder-coated steel
Weight:	16 pounds

Sixteen-inch bike tire wheels make the Paddleboy heavy-duty kayak cart very unique. The big tires make this cart great for tough terrains like ruts, tree roots, rocks, and other obstacles.

For many people, the cart’s height makes it easier to push and pull.  The wheels work well on paved and flat surfaces as well.

The heavy-duty powder-coated frame is rated with a 300-pound capacity, making this cart very robust. You can easily transport kayaks and larger boats too.  The Paddleboy kayak cart also has a spring-loaded stand to help keep the cart stable while you load it.

The kayak trolley has foam pads to protect your boat and cinch straps to tie it down securely. Paddleboy works great for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other boats.

The Paddleboy foldable kayak cart is easy to store away on your kayak, car, and home.

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#7 Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart

Capacity:	100 Pounds
Tires:	7” no-flat wheels
Frame:	Powder-coated aluminum

The no-flat tires work well on hard-packed sand, paved paths, and gravel. The wheels are small enough to fit in a kayak hatch yet big enough to handle your boat. It’s ideally been designed for more narrow kayaks, like a sea kayak.

The aluminum frame is sturdy and includes stainless steel hardware. The cart is equipped with a kickstand to keep the cart in place while you load the kayak.  Rubber bumpers help to protect your kayak from scuffs and scratches while it’s in transit.

The foldable kayak cart is easy to store at home, in your car, and on your kayak.

The Suspenz cart has cam buckle straps attached to simplify the tie-down process. The cart breaks down quickly, so you can travel and store it at home.

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#8 THEKAYAKCART KC-7 Kayak Cart

Capacity:	110 Pounds
Tires:	7” rubber tread
Weight:	3 Pounds

If you are looking for a super lightweight kayak cart, this might be just the one.  The design is straightforward but very effective.  This kayak is designed explicitly for sit-in kayaks.

It’s suitable for sea kayaks and recreational kayaks.  You can also use this cart for canoes and rowing shells.

The cart is durable, compact, and lightweight.  This cart will easily stow away in a hatch, under your legs, or behind the kayak seat.

This kayak cart has two straps; a long strap and hook to secure the cockpit and a shorter strap to secure the hull. With quick-release straps and wheel pins, this carrier will break down for storage in seconds.

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#9 Bonnlo Upgrade Scupper Kayak Cart

Capacity:	120 Pounds
Tires:	Hard plastic wheels
Frame:	Aluminum

This cart is designed explicitly for sit-on-top kayaks.  With an adjustable-width axle, this is one of the best sit-on-top kayak carts on the market.  The uprights are coated and have cushions, which makes loading your boat easy.

Use the cart by adjusting the uprights’ spacing to match the scupper holes on your kayak. Once on the water, you can take off the wheels and fold the frame for storage.

The solid, flat-free tires will not leave you stranded while maneuvering your kayak.  You can haul the kayak on various terrain with these sturdy wheels.

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How to Choose the Best Kayak Cart

It seems pretty simple, right?  You put your kayak on a cart, and off you go.  Well, it’s not exactly that easy. You need to keep some things in mind before spending your hard-earned money.  Not every cart is created equal, and you need to know which kayak cart will work best for you.

Wheels

You want to ensure you have a good set of wheels for rolling your kayak around.  The main tires you can choose from are plastic, rubber, and inflatable. Typically, plastic wheels will be cheaper, but they may not be the best choice.

Plastic wheels are hard and may work okay on flat surfaces with no uneven areas. These wheels are great on a boat launch, but if you have obstacles like bumps, holes, or aggressive terrain, you may be out of luck.

Rubber wheels, I am talking about solid rubber tires that don’t go flat and are more versatile than plastic. With rubber wheels, you can go over objects much easier than with plastic wheels. These wheels won’t pop or get a hole and go flat on you.

Kind of a hybrid type of tire is hard plastic coated in rubber.  These tires will not deflate and often work well on various surfaces.

Inflatable tires are a good option.  These allow for more cushion when you go over rocks, gravel, sand, or branches.  Some inflatable tires are perfect for deep sand.  Inflatable tires can be puncture-resistant too. Remember what terrain you will cross on your way to the water.

Kayak Cart Frame

The best kayak carts are made of either aluminum or steel.  You want a stable, lightweight, and sturdy frame to haul your kayak around.  The frame needs to handle a heavy load, depending on what type of kayak and how many kayaks you will be hauling.

The best kayak cart will also have a frame that will stand up to the different elements.  The cart must hold up to saltwater if you are using your kayak on the ocean. The cart should be corrosion-resistant.

The frame must also be wide enough to accommodate your kayak or kayaks.  You may want to think about a frame with adjustable width. Having a frame with a spring-loaded kickstand is helpful because the cart will stay propped up while you load your kayak.

The kayak cart frame should be sturdy enough to haul your kayak and ideally be made from a material that will not corrode or rust.

Kayak Cart Straps

The straps you need for your kayak cart depends on several factors.  If you haul your kayaks over bumpy terrain or cart them long distances, ensure they are secure.

In this case, you may want to buy some ratchet straps.  These will give you a very secure fit, and you can adjust how tight the straps are. Strapping your kayak down appropriately will save you some headaches. I have seen people who have lost their kayak off their cart since they didn’t tie it down well enough.

You may not need any straps if you are merely walking your kayak down a boat launch. In cases where you have a short distance and the ground is not bumpy, you can get away with quick straps.

You may want to invest in bungee straps if you cover uneven terrain. Bungees will provide a snug fit with a little more flexibility.

Kayak Cart Width

Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, with different lengths and widths, so you need a cart that will accommodate your kayak. If you are transporting more than one kayak, you will need a kayak cart to fit everything.

Ideally, an adjustable-width kayak will handle most of your needs. This is especially true for sit-on-top style kayaks. There are plenty of adjustable-width kayak carts available. Some will even handle stand-up paddleboards.  These kayak trolleys are versatile to handle your watercraft needs.

Price

As with most accessories, you can spend a little or a lot on a kayak cart. You probably spent a decent amount of money on your kayak, so having a quality cart is essential.

You may find it’s not as easy to tote your kayak around if you buy a cheap cart. It might have skinny plastic wheels or a poor-quality frame.   Or a cheap kayak cart may not last very long, or it might corrode quickly.

You don’t have to break the bank either. You can find a reasonably priced cart that will do the job just fine. Make sure you buy a quality kayak cart to handle the terrain and get your kayak to the water in one piece.

Weight capacity

Some kayaks are pretty lightweight, and others not so much.  Choose a kayak cart that will handle the load you put on it.  You may want to move more than one kayak at a time, so make sure the kayak cart will accommodate the weight.

If the cart can’t carry the weight you put on it, it might break. Or the cart will not move as fluidly as it should if it’s overloaded. If you are going over some rough terrain, the kayaks might bounce around or jostle side to side, so the cart needs to be able to hold that weight.

As I mentioned earlier, you spent hard-earned money on your kayak, so you want to have confidence that your cart will not break on the way to the water.

Attachment method

There are different types of carts available for your kayak, depending on the type of kayak you own. If you own a sit-on-top kayak, most likely, it will have scupper holes.

Scupper holes are a way for water to drain from your kayak in case you take on water.  Some carts are designed to be lined up with these scupper holes.  The size and placement of scupper holes can vary.  Make sure the cart will fit your kayak.

The downside of carts that use the scupper holes is they can crack the scupper holes on your kayak. The uprights might be too hard of an angle or don’t fit just right. You may end up damaging your kayak.

If you have a roto-molded kayak, two pieces are molded together. Where those two pieces fit together, there is a seam. Sometimes you can see the seam on the outside of the kayak. 

These same seams are on the inside of the scupper holes. So, if the uprights on the cart don’t fit right, that can damage your scupper holes.

Another type of cart is designed to carry the end of your kayak. These make maneuvering the cart and kayak pretty easy.  The downside is that the cart supports only part of the kayak’s weight. This leaves you bearing most of the load. These kayak carts are not always adjustable, so you must ensure they fit your rig.

There is also a cradle type, which is probably the best and safest way to haul your kayak. The weight is distributed evenly, making transport easier for you.  You load the kayak onto the cradle and strap it down. You can use ratchet straps for a secure fit.

Durability

The best kayak cart for your kayak will be durable and stand up to the terrain.  We have discussed the frame, wheels, weight capacity, etc., and all of these aspects factor in durability.  High-quality materials make the frame and tires key to a durable kayak cart.

Your kayak cart should withstand the elements, rain, sun, and even salt water. The kayak cart should last a long time.

Storage

Finally, you will need to be able to store your kayak cart.  Look for a foldable cart. This helps with storing your kayak cart and transporting it with you when you go kayaking. If you don’t have much space in your garage or your home to store your cart, a folding kayak cart is the best option.

Benefits of Using a Kayak Cart

Owning a kayak cart has many benefits, including:

• Takes a lot of the heavy lifting off of you
• Saves you time and effort
• You are less likely to damage the kayak, by dropping it
• If you trip, the kayak doesn’t go with you
• Easily haul the kayak from your car to the water

Conclusion

Finding the best kayak cart will help you enjoy your day on the water.  You can eliminate the hassle of carrying your kayak from your vehicle to the water.

There are different styles of kayak carts, depending on the type and size of kayak you own.  Make sure your kayak and cart are compatible with each other.

If you have any questions, I am happy to help.