Kayaking is great fun to go out and explore. Traditional kayaks can be hard to carry if you’re alone or have a lot of equipment, so to transport your kayak, you need something that will make everything easier.
Kayak carts make hitting the water a breeze. Even with your gear, you can easily carry and transport heavy loads with just one person.
Buying the right kayak dolly is essential to take care of your craft while being easy to use. Here we have the top five, and at the end of these reviews, you will see which one is best for your needs and your budget.
What Are Kayak Carts
A kayak caddy is a set of wheels sitting on the outer edges of a small frame. You place your kayak on it, on which you can fasten it to prevent it from moving during transport and protect your kayak from uneven ground.
Contents
Some of these portable carts on wheels are equipped with a stand. This ensures that the kayak does not touch the floor at rest while others sit at one end, and the kayak nose rests on the floor.
The two-wheeled cart can prevent scratches, making transport to and from the water easier. It takes less effort during transportation and can save time to spend more time on the water.
Top Kayak Carts Reviews
1. TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley
The TMS canoe cart can carry up to 150 pounds of equipment all at once. Foam buffers placed on each arm of the sturdy metal frame are designed to protect the kayak’s hull during transport.
The kayak wheel cart includes a 12-foot fastening strap, enabling you to secure your kayak securely to the trolley. Additionally, it has two strong kickstands ensuring easy loading or unloading of your kayak to or from the water.
The TMS kayak trolley has two large 9.5-inch tires, transporting kayaks through various rougher terrains, including pebbles, gravel, and sand, with the best beach cart tire. You can fold the canoe trolley for secure storage as you paddle or in your vehicle when not in use.
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Pros
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- Very stable
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Very affordable
- Extra-long straps[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Strapping not very durable
- Odor from tires[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Technical Specifications
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- Weight: 8.3 lbs.
- Capacity: 150 lbs.
- Tires: 9.5 inches x 3.5 inches
- Stand: 9.25 inches[/su_list]
With a rough guide price of around $48, the TMS Cart-Canoe Tote trolley offers plenty of features comparable to more expensive versions.
Some trolley parts may not weather saltwater with repeated use, although most of the construction is in aluminum and anodized stainless steel. All this allows for lighter weight while remaining sturdy and durable. (Find Fishing Kayak Under 300)
You may need an extra bungee on some occasions for rough ground, but you will find this may be the best portable dolly cart on the market for this kind of budget.
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2. Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart
The Malone Auto Racks Clipper Deluxe canoeing trolley is genuinely a versatile kayak and canoe carrier.
Its construction makes it capable of carrying all kinds of canoes and kayaks. With a load capacity of 200 lbs., the dolly can easily handle heavyweight tandem kayaks.
It can still maintain stability even with all this weight, especially when the kayak is on the kickstand. Once set, the trolley stays in position when you are loading or unloading your kayak.
One of the best parts of the Malone Clipper Deluxe kayak cart is the airless wheels.
These ten-inch wheels provide the truck with adequate damping to keep it moving regardless of the terrain you are traversing.
When your cart is not in use, you can detach the wheels to allow the trolley to fold flat, so you can carry it on your kayak without wasting space.
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Pros
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- Copes well with rough terrain
- Very durable
- Very stable
- Wheels can be removed for flat storage[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Larger than many alternatives
- May struggle with wider or higher kayaks[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Technical Specifications
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- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Capacity: 200 lbs.
- Tires: 10-inch x 3 inches
- Stand: Long kickstand[/su_list]
The Clipper deluxe is well made, which is reflected in the guide price of just under $100. However, for this, you get corrosion-resistant materials, plenty of scopes to carry various boats, canoes, and kayaks. It does, however, struggle a little with higher-sided vessels.
In testing, we put this down to a higher center of gravity from the larger wheels. Although with removable wheels and never-go flat tires, it serves up a handy kayak dolly that can fit many usage scenarios.
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3. RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart
One of the best features of the C-Tug PVC kayak cart carrier is its innovative design. It is equipped with rubber-gripped wheels that provide a firm grip and are puncture-free design.
It can comfortably load to 300 lbs. at a time, which is excellent for pulling large boards or carrying two at once.
Besides the excellent New Zealand design, the trolley is made of the highest quality reinforced composite material, and stainless steel reinforced axles ensure that the product remains free of corrosion.
If you are not very handy with tools, the best thing about the C-Tug kayak cart is that it is easy to assemble and does not require any tools.
The C-Tug disassembles into six parts quickly for convenient storage. It comes with lengthy web straps that make the trolley the best kayak cart to carry around two boards at a time.
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Pros
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- Lightweight
- Can assemble without tools
- Comes with puncture-free tires/ wheels
- Easy to store while paddling[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- The binding strap can be weak
- The kickstand isn’t the most durable
- Not suitable for soft sand[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Technical Specifications
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- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Capacity: 300lbs
- Tires: All in one tire and wheel
- Stand: Small kickstand[/su_list]
The biggest downside to the C-Tug is it sits at the top end of any kayaker’s budget with a guide price of close to $140.
However, you do get innovative design if you can use this in the right environment. On softer ground, heavier canoes or kayaks can be bogged down rather than moving across the surface.
Overall, it is highly durable and almost guaranteed not to corrode, thanks to the materials used in its construction. The standout feature being the tool-less design, which means you don’t need to carry extra gear to assemble or break down to store.
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4. Malone Xpress Scupper-Style Kayak Cart for Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Although this trolley is designed for sit-on-top kayaks only, the Malone Xpress Scupper Kayak Cart is based on a robust platform equipped with two adjustable scupper mounts on either side.
This is considered to be one of the best scupper caddy currently available on the market today. It features a variable width and locking mechanism, which differentiates it from other kayak trolleys available.
You can adjust the width from 6.5 to 16.5 inches, allowing you to work with most sit-on kayaks. The adjustment is easy to alter and works with a friction screw, allowing for infinitely variable adjustments.
Although the Malone Scupper Cart is a simple design, it can be almost entirely flat when you remove the wheels from the body. If you are searching for a cart and currently using a sit-on kayak, this is a great option.
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Pros
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- Strong frame
- Easy to store
- Lightweight
- Non-corrosive aluminum[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Only suitable for kayaks with scupper holes
- Limited use
- Not intended for heavy kayaks[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Technical Specifications
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- Weight: 7lbs.
- Capacity: 200 lbs.
- Tires: 10 inches x 3 inches
- Stand: No stand[/su_list]
The Malone Xpress comes in with a guide price of around $95; it is a lot to pay for a kayak cart that isn’t very versatile. However, for this, you get rugged rubber mounts, an aluminum anti-corrosion frame, and a good carrying capacity of 200 pounds.
If you have a kayak with scupper holes, then your vessel will remain securely in place without straps.
The biggest downside is that you may struggle to load or unload your vessel independently, as there is no kickstand with this model.
The wheels are a never-go flat design and do a suitable job of traversing over plenty of different terrains when carrying kayaks that are not at the top end of the carrying capacity.
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5. Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart
The Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart is among the many popular choices for kayaking and canoe transport.
The trolley is made of powder-coated aluminum framework and stainless steel fittings for more exceptional durability.
The two-wheel cart has fast-release 10-inch airless tires that provide mechanical strength to the trolley. They can’t puncture, so they’re excellent for dragging on almost all surfaces, including stones and sharp boulders.
Along with their strength, the tires also help give the trolley stability preventing the kayak from hitting the sides when loading and unloading. The padding on the frame differs slightly from the other carts as well.
Rather than using foam, rubber padding was chosen. In comparison, this can deliver years of use. The kayaking and canoeing trolley has a maximum payload capacity of 150 pounds.
The steel-framed folding cart can be folded down to a small size for easy storage in the mesh bag.
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Pros
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- Good strapping
- Good resistance to corrosion
- Very durable
- Airless tires[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Assembly instructions not easy to follow
- Not ideal for longer kayaks
- Wheels not very good for softer ground[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Technical Specifications
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- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Capacity: 125 lbs.
- Tires: 10 inches airless design
- Stand: Built in feet[/su_list]
While the Suspenz Smart Airless DLX offers a lot, you do need to pay for these luxuries. With a guide price of just under $110, it can be toward the top end of many individuals’ kayak caddy budget.
While the color scheme is very familiar with world-class power tools, the cart can only carry 125 lbs, which is considerably less than many other offerings.
In the real world, this may mean you have to carry the rest of your gear. In another way, you could be using your trolley to transport it to the edge of the water.
What to Look For When Buying Kayak Carts
Some kayaks are difficult to transport because they are heavy and cannot be easily carried.
If you have the best kayak trolley, you will be able to transport your kayak safely and securely from place to place without any difficulties.
While canoeing trolleys generally serve the same purpose and, in most cases, work the same way, we will investigate some features that you may overlook.
To make sure you have a suitable kayak trolley for your needs, take time to learn about these essential points.
Remember that each of the following details may have an impact on your purchase decision, so consider all of these key aspects together, not individually. This will help you choose the right kayak-carrying solution for your needs.
Cart Types
There are three different types of carts and trolleys on the market, and you have to choose one type that is most suitable for your purposes.
Plug-in Trolleys: – These carts are usually designed for one type of kayak only. Although they are lightweight and comfortable, they offer excellent stability yet have limited versatility.
Folding Cart: – This kind of kayaking trolley can be transported very easily anywhere. It is user-friendly and very compact. You can find these are the most popular choice for kayakers.
Strap Cart: – This trolley comes complete with straps to secure your kayak in position during transport from one place to another.
Kayak Trolley Fastening
There are two primary methods of securing kayaks to the kayaking trolley. They are the folding belt design and the model with a scupper drain hole fitting at the bottom of the trolley.
Folding Kayak Trolleys: These canoeing carts can be folded down when not in use and be unfolded when needed. To keep everything together, you should use the accompanying ratchet straps or the cinch straps. Such a method is suitable for almost every model of kayak available on the market today.
Scupper Kayak Trolleys: Only those kayaks, which have scupper cutouts in them, will work in this kind of kayak dolly. To those who do not understand, scupper holes are openings on the bottom of the kayak, which will help the vessel to drain by itself. (Find the Best Kayak Rack for SUV)
If your kayak has scupper holes, you have to measure the distance between them to match the scupper hole holders on the caddy.
Wheels and Tires
Generally, you can choose two possible directions with the type of tire you would like to purchase.
You can purchase airless tires or wide-bodied, inflatable tires. While the price difference is minimal, there will be a substantial performance difference on an air-filled kayak wheels cart.
Plastic wheels are generally thinner and with a smaller diameter. They tend to become stuck on almost any kind of surface.
If you are planning to pull the trolley across more complex surfaces, they will work all right. Anywhere else you want to use, it is simply annoying with sticking and sliding.
The inflatable, fatter, and larger wheels and bicycle wheel carts are capable of helping in many ways to make life easier for you.
They can roll over obstacles and potholes easily. On most occasions, they are not stuck on too much.
Their more extensive profile is more likely to provide a better flow across softer surfaces, for example, sand.
Adjustable Trolley Width
The width of kayaks will vary from one company to another. According to the width of your kayak, it is necessary to select a kayak cart, which has the same or larger width carrying capacity.
Nevertheless, if you would like to use it to transport several different types of kayaks, you will have to choose a kayak cart that has an adequate width.
Frame Materials
If you wish to take your trolley anywhere near saltwater for fishing, you must purchase an anti-corrosion trolley.
You can purchase a trolley made of corrosion-resistant materials. In addition, the trolley’s frame has to be solid and durable to cope with the kayak’s weight.
Cart frames are made from stainless steel or aluminum to handle heavy loads. For some newer models, they are made of composite materials.
Composite materials provide strength and corrosion resistance but can be more cumbersome than tube counterparts. (Find the Best Pedal Drive Kayak)
Kayak Cart Price
You may not be in favor of saving too much for the purchase of your kayaking carts.
Nevertheless, it is not a wise decision to compromise on the performance of the carts for the money.
You do not have to compromise on quality, and you can find high-quality canoeing carts that fit into any budget.
Ease of Storage
It is excellent if you can keep your fold-up dolly tucked away if it is not in use. You can find quite a few kayak trolleys, which are easy to break down into pieces for ease of storage.
You can store these in the car ready or tuck them away in the corner of your garage. These canoe strollers can be convenient and secure to use too.
Weight and Carrying Capacity
It would help if you considered the weight of the kayak and boat carrier together when you move them. The scupper stroller may be the lightest option. However, not if you do not have a sit-on-style kayak.
Note also the weight capacity of the cart itself and what it is capable of carrying. The trolleys have to support kayaks weighing 150 lbs.
On the other hand, more to ensure maximum versatility. You also tend to find the heavier capacity carrying models come with pneumatic tires and not plastic.
If you own an only inflatable kayak, you may not need something so sturdy, but for heavier kayaks, tandems, or paddleboards, more weight capacity will be more helpful.
Final Verdict
When testing the above models, we ran through a series of tests and then gave a price to performance ratio to create a resulting winner. We ruled out Scupper models as they can only carry kayaks of one type.
From this, most of the performance was roughly the same between the remaining. Yet, when you consider the price.
The TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley began to show through as the ideal set of kayak wheels to get your boat to and from the water.
There was a lot to like with rugged construction, decent corrosion-resistant materials, and ease to load and unload. With small features not found on more expensive models, it was clear this was the best contender for the top position.
It was easily adjustable and could carry from toddler kayaks to full-sized models. Such models can be up to one hundred and fifty pounds in weight for full-sized kayaks.
The TMS cart was stable when loading and unloading and did not struggle with any ground we pulled our kayak across.
Once you add in the price, you can see there is not much reason to look elsewhere because this set of canoe-carrying wheels delivers everything you need to care for your kayak, canoe, or any other vessel you have to get top the water’s edge.
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