5 Best Kayak Carts for a Convenient Portaging

Carrying the kayak to and from the water edge can be a reason someone would reconsider kayaking. This is especially if you have a heavy kayak. So, what is the solution?

Using the best kayak cart has proven to be a nice way of transporting your kayak, not just to and from the water edge but also from home to the waterbody and back.

It is easy to see why a kayak cart would appeal to many enthusiasts. They would now have an easier time kayaking without breaking their back when transporting the kayak.

Quick Picks: The Top-Rated Kayak Cart

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In a hurry? Check our best pick above, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide!

What is a Kayak Cart?

A kayak cart is a form of trolley designed for hauling kayaks. Their design allows for proper setup and securing of the kayak on the trolley. Once the kayak is on the trolley, it is then attached to your vehicle for hauling it to and from the water edge.

There are various models in the market, and each will have unique features. So, reviews such as those in this guide help you further understand what each cart can do.

Why You Need a Kayak Cart

The first and common reason is that a kayak cart will help you transport your kayak better than when you did not have one. Getting the kayak to and from the water edge will be easier now that you have a cart or trolley.

Also, these carts are generally easy to assemble and dismantle. As such, you should end up not worrying about the cart taking up a lot of space when being stored until the next time you need to use it.

How to Choose a Kayak Cart

Attachment Methods

How are you going to attach the kayak to the cart? The most common option would be the straps. The manufacturer is likely to provide the cart with the straps so that you do not need to buy anything additional to start using it.

Sometimes the cart could have other attachment methods. So, make sure you check out the attachment method before buying the kayak cart.

Types of Wheels

The terrain you are likely to encounter will primarily affect the type of wheels you choose. If you plan on going to some rocky trails, over sand or grass, consider learning more about your wheels.

The most common options include inflatable wheels and plastic wheels. The inflatable wheels are mostly good for those who want a smooth ride over different surfaces. However, they can be prone to puncturing.

The plastic wheels are primarily used for places where you do not want to change a flat tire. They are also solid and robust, meaning more durability.

The Frame

There is no doubt the frame needs to be robust. You should consider the material used to make the frame to determine its robustness and durability.

If you need to transport the large and heavy kayaks, then the frame needs to be made of reinforced aluminum or stainless steel. Such materials are corrosion-resistant and will hold up to different loads better.

Being corrosion-resistant means the cart will cope better with continuous exposure to water.

Size

The size will determine the type of kayak that fits on the cart. It might be good to measure your kayak width first. From the measurement, you can know which is the best kayak cart to fit your kayak better.

It would be nice to have a cart with an adjustable width too. This allows using a single cart for hauling different kayaks you might be owning.

Storage

What happens to the kayak cart when it is not in use? Where do you store it? These are questions you are likely to ask yourself.

It is then good to consider storage before buying the cart. Luckily, you can get models that fold down or dismantle easily for storage. Well, others do not.

It comes down to space you have available for storing your kayak cart. If you have limited space, go for the collapsible models to save on space.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity is always going to be a significant factor when looking for the best kayak cart. You need something that can comfortably haul your kayak, whether it is small or large.

The manufacturer will list the weight capacity as part of the cart properties. It is vital that you get a cart with a higher capacity to haul different types of kayaks you might be owning.

Cost

The cost of the best kayak cart cannot be ignored. It is best to invest more to get a durable and high-quality kayak cart.

A bit of research is also necessary. Sometimes it is amazing how you can get a high-quality model at a competitive price. So, always look at the features you are paying for before getting the kayak cart.

Product Reviews of The Best Kayak Cart

This best kayak cart features puncture-free wheels. The idea is to help them work in different environments and terrains without worrying about a flat tire. You can now take it on various adventures to enjoy kayaking.

The design allows getting the cart as close as possible to the water body. This means you will not have to break your back carrying the kayak to and from the water. Also, it has adjustable rubberized pads to help fit different hull shapes.

The overall setup process is simple and fast. You can dismantle it within 20 seconds for storage. As a result, the cart will not take up a lot of space while not in use.

The manufacturer made the cart to have a durable construction. This is thanks to using materials such as reinforced composite material, stainless steel reinforced axles, and the thermos-bonded elastomeric hull pads. All these materials will not rust, and thus the durability performance.

Its weight capacity is 300lbs. This is good enough to make it a versatile cart a user would want to carry different kayak types.

Pros

  • It has puncture-free wheels
  • Its weight capacity is impressive
  • The model has a durable construction

Cons

  • The rubber pads do not fit the large kayaks correctly

This is a rugged best kayak cart for the money. The best part is you do not have to spend so much to get it. It is within the affordable range for those who might be starting out in kayaking. Having a weight capacity of 150 lbs. makes it good for the smaller kayaks. Well, you could try hauling the larger kayaks too, so long as they are within the rated weight capacity. The model is safe and secure since it comes with tie-down straps for holding the kayak on the cart. If the kayak is not properly secured, it might slip and end up causing accidents while on the road. Users enjoy it also since it is convenient when it comes to storing it. The cart can compact down to a small form factor to fit easily in a mesh bag the manufacturer provides. It might be affordable, but its durability is still good. It features a powder-coated aluminum frame, which should hold up for years of use.

Pros

  • It is an affordable cart
  • It is rugged for durability
  • The cart is compact to take up less storage space

Cons

  • It has a smaller weight capacity than its competitors

It is categorized as the best kayak cart because of its versatility. The cart is good for hauling kayaks, canoes, float mats, Jon boats, and paddleboards. If you have any of these vessels, you now have an easier way of transporting them to different places. Users enjoy using this type of cart as it is durable. Unlike the other model mentioned above, this one has high-strength anodized steel as its frame. Steel will always improve the overall durability of a cart while keeping the weight down. Having a weight capacity of 200 pounds improves its applications. It is why it would be a great option even for those with large kayaks. The cart features the 9.5’ knobby tires that are generally easy to inflate. Since they are inflatable tires, they allow for smooth movement over different surfaces such as gravel, sand, and wooded areas. You will also note the oversized foam bumpers crucial for protecting your kayak from scratches and dents.

Pros

  • It offers impressive durability
  • The weight limit is impressive
  • The oversized foam bumpers are good for protection

Cons

  • It could use more straps to hold the vessel

At 300 lbs. as the weight capacity, it easily earns a spot on our list. This is because it will help you haul even the largest kayaks you might own, unlike others with half the weight capacity.

Looking at other features, we find it is adjustable too. The adjustable pads on the top bars make it easier to adjust the cart to better fit your kayak. You do not want the kayak sitting too high, increasing the chances of toppling over.

The best part is that the cart can break down into a low profile for storage. So, once you are done with your kayaking activity, you should find it easy to store the cart until the next use.

The design makes it a versatile and heavy-duty kayak cart to own. It is why it will work with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other vessel types.

Pros

  • It is a high-quality kayak cart
  • It does not use a lot of storage space
  • Its weight capacity is impressive

Cons

  • The tires do not provide a smooth ride

If you are willing to spend more, this is the best kayak cart you will end up with right now. So far, the cart won the Paddling Magazine’s 2018 award as the best cart overall. As such, you will be getting a highly coveted kayak cart.

Its weight capacity makes it a top choice for anyone who has heavy and huge kayaks. This is because its weight capacity is 330 pounds.

Users find it easier to load and unload the kayak. There is no need for scupper posts or kickstands to hold it in position.

The bunker bar frame is adjustable in width to prevent the kayak from slipping and twisting sideways. As such, it will be easy to transport your kayak.

The height is also adjustable. You can select the high height for the odd-shaped hulls to prevent rubbing against the tires and the low height for a lower gravity center to prevent tip-over cases.

Pros

  • It has a marine-grade frame
  • It has two strong security straps
  • The model has a 330-pound weight capacity

Cons

  • It is pricey

FAQs

What are the common kayak cart types in the market?

The most common types include strap cart, end cart, and plug-in cart. Each one would have different applications where they are best suited for. Always check out their features to understand more about their applications.

Which are the best materials for a kayak cart?

Aluminum and steel are both the best materials for making kayak carts. Steel is best for freshwater, but aluminum will be best for saltwater exposure. Stainless steel can also be corrosion-resistant and thus good for saltwater.

What is the best weight capacity for a kayak cart?

At this point, it will majorly depend on the type of kayak you own. If you have several kayaks, consider a model with a higher weight capacity of at least 200 lbs. to make it more versatile.

Conclusion

The guide above clearly shows how important a kayak cart is to an enthusiast. You no longer have to do all the heavy lifting when a kayak cart is available. Look at the models reviewed above and find a cart that will help you transport the kayak better.

Do not let the price dictate the type of best kayak cart you buy. Consider learning more about the cart’s features before making up your mind. This will help you choose the right cart for your needs.

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