9 Best Kayak Carts Of 2023 | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide
Are you missing out on all the fun and excitement kayaking brings because you dislike trudging the boat to the shore? Kayaks are swift on water but clumsy on land, which is why many of us have them tucked away in our garage or don’t even bother purchasing one. No matter how riveting and tempting […]
Are you missing out on all the fun and excitement kayaking brings because you dislike trudging the boat to the shore?
Kayaks are swift on water but clumsy on land, which is why many of us have them tucked away in our garage or don’t even bother purchasing one. No matter how riveting and tempting water exploits are, the mere thought of having to lug a boat across the shore is enough to take all the excitement out of it.
Well then, we’ve got some good news for you. With kayak carts, you wouldn’t have to haul a vessel ever again.
There is no dearth of excellent kayak carts on the market, which is why purchasing one might be a little confusing. But, do not fret! We’ve rounded up some of the best choices and reviewed them in detail for you.
So, without any further delay, let’s plunge right into it.
Best Kayak Carts Of 2023
1. ABN Universal FBA Kayak Carrier
- Practical: Use the ABN Universal Boat Carrier to cart your...
- Durable: Has a 200-pound weight limit; Constructed from...
One of our top recommendations is the 2918 kayak carrier from ABN Universal, which helps you get onto the water without any struggle. It works smoothly with several types of boats, including Jon boats, canoes, paddle boards, and floating mats, which gives it a reputation of being a “universal carrier.”
Why Did We Like It?
This kayak carrier from ABN is quite budget-friendly, and given its price, we weren’t expecting much from it. However, we were left pleasantly surprised. The cart is constructed from anodized steel, which gives it added strength and longevity. Not just that, it also assists in keeping the cart weight to merely 8lbs.
Being lightweight, it is portable and the tires can be easily removed using the lynch pin. So, you no longer have to worry about the storage of the cart while setting out on any water adventure – just fold the frame and keep it in your vessel.
Moving on, we were impressed by its 9½-inch easily inflatable knobby tires that can smoothly move across rugged surfaces like gravel or sand. While the tires glide across smoothly, the foam bumper pads ensure that your vehicle remains free of any scratches or dents.
Lastly, the unit comes with a 12 ft. long tie-down strap, that tightly secures the water boat.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The strap that comes with the cart is not long enough for a rowboat, so you might have to purchase a longer strap, depending on your requirement. In addition to this, we would’ve really liked a larger frame or a locking mechanism in place to balance the slightly bigger kayaks.
- Budget-buy
- Anodized steel frame increases durability
- Easy to carry around
- Bumper tires protect the kayak
- Not ideal for bigger kayaks
2. Bonnlo Kayak Cart
Next on our list is the Bonnlo Kayak Cart. They have big and solid PU tires that can balance heavy kayaks without flattening. It rolls across rocky terrain as well as sand and gravel smoothly. Read on to know all the details about this product.
Why Did We Like It?
The tires of kayak carriers are notorious for emanating a chemical odor, which many find unbearable. However, the solid PU tires of Bonnlo kayak cart are free from any foul smell. Their solid aluminum frame and a 2mm metallic pipe kickstand can carry weight up to 165 lbs.
It also has foam bumpers on each side to prevent the canoe from scratching while you are dragging it across the sand. Besides, the foot of the cart has rubber bumpers that protect them from wear and tear that is likely to occur due to frequent use.
Like our previous recommendation, this model can also be easily assembled and folded for storage and transportation. The trolley is collapsible, and once the tires are separated using the lynch pin, they can be stored in your kayak.
In addition, the cart comes with two 7.75 ft. ratchet straps that are only fit to secure a big-sized water boat.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We’ve noticed how the carrier tends to fold up while it’s rolling on a bumpy surface. Also, we did not particularly like the ratchet-style straps because they take some time to secure the smaller kayaks in place. Bungee cords would’ve been a better alternative.
- Free of any chemical odor
- Sturdy aluminum frame
- Collapsible trolley
- Lightweight
- Longer straps do not secure smaller boats
3. C-Tug Kayak Cart
- Puncture-free wheels with high grip rubber tread; Never...
- Durable Construction: The C-Tug is made of Reinforced...
It’s time to talk about the C-Tug Kayak Cart from Railblaza. Before we talk about anything else, we have to mention its premium good looks. It is the best pick for first-time buyers as it requires no tools and assembles in a jiffy. The cart can also dismantle easily and be stored in a kayak or car.
Why Did We Like It?
The C-Tug carrier has a very sophisticated, rugged look and is a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. Its frame is built of durable engineering polymers that do not rust, and the cart can glide smoothly across all terrains.
Furthermore, the corrosion-proof stainless steel axles and the puncture-free rubberized wheels, made in New Zealand, make transportation very easy while ensuring that the kayak is not susceptible to scratches.
Moreover, it weighs merely 10 lbs., and you can carry it around in a backpack without the weight pulling you down. Despite its lightweight, it can carry up to 300 lbs.
The unit comes with several accessories to make your kayaking experience better. It includes a kickstand with a locking mechanism, crossbeams with a toggle lock, two hull pads, and a strap kit.
If you’re tired of regularly inflating kayak cart tires, then this model should solve all your problems. Making impromptu kayaking plans has never been this easy!
What Could’ve Been Better?
Unlike some of our other picks, the C-Tug kayak carrier from Railblaza is not universal. It does not work with some rowboats and fishing boats. Since it also happens to be a pricey product, we are justified in expecting universal compatibility.
- Easy to assemble and dismantle
- Professional look
- Portable
- Sturdy construction
- Not universal
4. TMS Kayak KY0001 Cart-Canoe
- Capacity : 150-Pound 12 Ft long tie-down strap. Solid Metal...
- Large(9-1/2"D) flat-free tires (3-1/2" wide) roll smoothly...
Next on our list is the TMS KY0001 Kayak Cart. Reliable and affordable, the product is made out of a solid metal frame and has a 150 lbs. hauling capacity. As with all our other recommendations, this cart can be easily dismantled and folded for storage.
Why Did We Like It?
The TMS kayak cart comes with 3 ½-inches foam bumpers attached to each arm, and it is designed to secure the kayak in a V-shaped cradle form. Its arms are attached using a 13-inch nylon strap to prevent the cradle from opening too wide.
The product is constructed out of a solid metal frame with anodized stainless steel fasteners and aluminum tubing. Along with the soft bumpers, the sturdy frame protects the canoe or kayak from scratches and dents when pulled on-shore or off-shore.
Additionally, it comes with two puncture-resistant tires 9 ½-inches in diameter that glide flawlessly across the shore. It works even on rocky terrain but is specially designed for sandy areas.
Lastly, it is quick to assemble and disassemble. All you have to do is use the chrome lynch pin to free the tires and keep them in your kayak.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We’d like to let you know that even though the tires are puncture-free, they are not solid tires and need to be inflated. Furthermore, buyers have often complained about a foul chemical odor being diffused from the tires, but most kayak carts have the same issue.
- Perfect for sandy areas
- Affordable
- Metal frame adds to longevity
- Compact storage
- Unpleasant odor from wheels
5. Suspenz Smart DLX Cart
- Copied by Many Matched by None
- MID-V PLATFORM | 3" Depth prevents boat from rocking & load...
We’re halfway through our list, and here is another brilliant carrier for your consideration. The Suspenz Smart DLX Cart comes with a dark netted bag that can store the frame for ease of transportation. What’s more, it has numerous additional features that make it such a favorite. Keep reading on to know more.
Why Did We Like It?
Right off the bat, it is a lightweight product, weighing less than 10 pounds, and can be carried around in the mesh bag that comes with it. All you need to do is separate the carrier’s wheels using the accompanying lynch pin and store them.
The Suspenz Smart DLX kayak carrier frame is made out of solid aluminum, and the hardware out of stainless steel. This adds to the durability of the product and makes it stable, even under massive weight. As a result, the cart moves smoothly even when loaded with a heavy canoe and essential boating gears.
Now we come to the essential accessories. The cart comes with 10-inch airless tires and rubber bumpers that save the kayak from dents and scratches. The kickstand has dual arms that add to the unit’s stability and arched axles that allow for adequate ground clearance.
We also quite like its striking yellow color!
What Could’ve Been Better?
We did not like the strap and buckle holding system. We also noticed that several buyers had a similar problem and complained about it not being sufficient to hold slightly larger canoes. Moreover, since the cart is not inflatable, it does not roll smoothly on soft sand, which might be an inconvenience for some.
- Plastic wheels to avoid rusting
- Solid aluminum construction
- Easy to carry around
- Rolls easily on firm surfaces
- Arched axles enable good ground clearance
- Not ideal for sandy areas
- Strap and buckle doesn’t secure larger canoe
6. RAD Sportz 1236 Kayak Trolley
- ►RUGGED: With a 150 pound weight capacity, your RAD Kayak...
- ►SAFE AND SECURE: With the included tie down straps, you...
It is time to make impromptu kayaking plans with the RAD Sports 1236 Kayak Trolley. Although the item itself weighs 9 pounds, it can carry water boats up to 140 pounds without any hassle. So, if your kayaks or paddle boards are slightly larger, this carrier will come to your rescue. Simply attach the kayak to the wheels of the cart and paddle right away!
Why Did We Like It?
The frame of the trolley is lightweight, made of powder-coated aluminum, that can hold the largest of water boats without giving way under pressure. Besides, you can rely on its 9 ½-inches tires to never give you any trouble – it is airless and therefore puncture-free. Gone are the days when you would’ve to spend time inflating tires to have the perfect kayaking experience!
Moving on, it comes with tie-down straps that secure the vessel efficiently, and once you no longer need the carrier, you can fold and store it away. Furthermore, it also has rubber cushions that protect the kayak from scratches, and the double kickstand adds to the cart’s durability.
Also, you do not have to spend time reading the instruction manual and assembling the product since it comes fully assembled. They can glide through woods, sand, and roads – so, whatever adventure is on your mind, this cart is ready for it.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although the product description claims that the tires are pneumatic, they are actually made out of plastic. Plus, some buyers have found the tie-down straps to be insufficient for their vessel and have bought a bungee cord instead. Neither of these shortcomings is a dealbreaker for us because the cart works smoothly nonetheless.
- Fit for large canoes
- Durable
- Puncture-proof wheels
- Easy storage
- Tires are not pneumatic
- Tie-down straps doesn’t secure some kayaks