Best Kayak Cart in 2018 (#2 Will Make You A Happy Kayaker)
There’s nothing more laborious than transporting your kayak from your parking lot right to the water. Apart from the fact that it is quite heavy for me, the banging that comes along with it is something that I find intolerable.
Thankfully, I found the greatness of a solid kayak cart and lo and behold; the incessant dragging has finally come to a stop. Today, I’ll share what I’ve ultimately found about the best kayak cart that you might find useful if you’re looking for one!
Right after our big revelation (our top picks, no less!), I’ll also dabble into the helpful ways on how to use your kayak carts. And before we unveil our winner, you’ll find the only buying guide that you need to have especially if you’ve just begun selecting one or you’re planning to up your command from your current kayak cart.
Without dilly-dallying, fasten your seatbelts as we get on top our top five picks:
Product Name | Dimension (in) | Loading Capacity | Rating | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
25 x 11 x 5 | 200 lb | 94/100 | ||
6 x 10 x 30 | 300 lb | 97/100 | ||
22 x 9.2 x 13 | 200 lb | 98/100 | ||
13 x 22 x 9.2 | 150 lb | 93/100 | ||
29 x 14 x 7 | 200 lb | 92/100 |
The Best Kayak Cart
Via Amazon.com
Ideal for all standardized kayaks that are armed with scupper holes, the Malone Xpress Scupper-Style Kayak Cart is made of a non-corrosion aluminum frame that also contains all stainless steel hardware.
It has a 6” X 4” removable foam pad that is specially designed to protect your kayak which should not go beyond the 200-pound load capacity. Meanwhile, the first entry on our list also comes with a variable width locking control that can be adjusted from 6.5” to 16.5”.
If you have carts before that go problematic with their easily obstructed tires, Malone Xpress features the patented “Never Go Flat” tires that will undoubtedly remain intact and reliable. And with its solid construction, you may just toss it around with reckless abandon without having to worry that it might get broken.
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Via Amazon.com
The C-TUG Kayak is a product that is specially crafted to wow those who are into sports and anything that is rugged.
If you’re a sports aficionado that appreciates durability and design, then this product should satiate your needs. It is developed to withstand the test of time due to its non-corroding engineering polymers along with the stainless steel reinforced axles.
And whether you’re tackling sand or those surfaces that are rougher-than-usual, the cart has a special design to go through all those terrains. On the other hand, the C-TUG won’t require you with tools — enabling you to assemble and dismantle everything in just seconds.
Ultimately, this should allow you to stow the cart right in your canoe or kayak hatch whenever you plan to get onto your next route. As this cart is made to rest on your kayak on the rubberized pads when being transported, you’d expect without the vexatious flat-tire moments.
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Via Amazon.com
Perhaps the most practical cart out of the bunch, the ABN Universal Kayak Carrier can be used virtually across all types of known boards: kayak, canoe, paddleboard, float mat or even a Jon boat.
Moreover, the platform can be used with all your confidence as it is made of a durable, highly-constructed anodized steel to allow longevity while it also maintains the carrying weight right at the minimum (8 lbs.)
The product’s tire design is likewise easy to inflate. But probably its design’s most hallmark feature is its ability to go on a smooth movement right across any rough grounds like gravel, sand, and wooded areas.
Among the included add-ons are the oversized foam bumper pads that should safeguard the vessel from scratches and dents, something that I’m particular of; the vessel is also secured with a foot tie down strap.
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Via Amazon.com
This dolly is specially made to hold your kayak right by its hull in a distinctive V-shaped cradle along with its 3-1/2” foam bumpers in each of its arms. These arms are conjoined with a 13” nylon strap so an excessive opening can be prevented from happening.
It is adorned with a sturdy metal frame to safeguard your kayak’s hull; this frame can carry up to 150-pound of weight right across its 12-feet long tie-down strap. The cart that can be assembled right away possesses large pneumatic tires that roll quite smoothly across surfaces such as sand and gravel.
Meanwhile, its stainless steel fasteners and chrome lynch pin are provided to beef up the overall strength. Its durability is further enhanced by its aluminum pipe anodized stainless steel that feels premium right from the onset until you transported it back to your garage!
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Via Amazon.com
The Malone Auto Racks Malone Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart could very well be your safest entry on your list as it comes with a universal frame that caters to virtually all canoes or kayaks. It consists of an airless, “Never-Go-Flat” removable tires, measuring 10”.
The included, oversized padded frame safeguards your boat and comes with the much-needed, stabilizing locking kickstand. Just make certain that your carriage won’t go beyond its 200-pound loading capacity!
Now, if you’re gunning for a kayak cart that doesn’t produce a near-acrid smell unlike most of its competition, then our last entry is your good bet. Quick assembly is also expected with Malone’s second contender as it comes with a strap that conveniently folds down and comes apart for your storage needs.
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How to Use a Kayak Cart
Before we go straight to its usage, it’s important to know that there are two types of kayak carts: the scupper hole cart and the platform kayak cart. Knowing the difference between the two will also allow you to use them correctly (which I’ll be disclosing soon enough!), ultimately culminating in an experience that is both beneficial to you as a user and to your cart as well.
The scupper hole carts have a sit-on-top platform. They also have drain holes that keep that water from building in the kayak. These kayaks use these holes to be amalgamated onto the kayak.
When loading the kayak to this cart, the user has to the kayak on its side to place it on the cart. Whenever you have a set of gear right in the kayak, all of these may tumble down. On the other hand, platform kayak carts are considered universal as they’re being used as a platform in which users have to strap their kayak to.
When you load that kayak on this type of cart, simply rest it on top and strap it down — a feature that is highly ideal for a loaded kayak. Also, a platform kayak cart won’t limit you to where you can place it.
Ways on how to use a kayak cart depending on its type:
For Scupper Hole Cart, ensure that you empty all of the gears from the kayak. Next, flip the kayak on its side as you place up the pegs right in the cart along with the drain holes. After that, slide it in and flip the kayak on its original side before you begin with your pursuit.
For Platform Kayak Cart, begin by setting it in your kayak’s center, right off to the side at an angle. Note that if it’s closer to the cart’s center, chances are the more weight it should support. Then, pick the kayak right up to its nose and bring it over the cart slowly. Once the kayak is set down on the cart, you can strap the kayak into the right place firmly.
Tip: When it comes to strapping your kayak correctly, the key starts right underneath it. You should wrap the strap around one of the posts on the cart then bring it back heading to your position. And before you tighten it down, make certain that you bring it over the kayak right on the other side and wrapping it around the designated post on the other side.
Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Kayak Cart
Kayak carts today are both purposeful and functional. But there just those products in which they may come with more features than you bargain for certain components that may not be that important. Point, in fact, there are only a few considerations that you need to look for, and they’re as follows:
#1 The Method of Attachment
Sans the DIY and handmade carts, there are two methods in which model kayak carts are produced: the fold out strap version and the scupper drain hole model. The latter should work on those that are equipped with scupper holes — holes that are located right at the bottom of the kayaks (some of which are sit-on-top kayaks). These holes are also used for boat-draining.
Meanwhile, the fold out strap version is the type of cart in which you can fold it up when not in use and can be expanded during its operation. This is ideal for those with little spaces in their vehicles or are simply into compact carts.
#2 The Tire Types
Tire types come in two varying types: the ones with inexpensive plastic tires and those with wide, inflatable tires. The plastic wheels are smaller in diameter and sport thin ones as well. Imagine those tiny tires right beneath your trash containers. If you’re walking your kayak on soft surfaces, this type may work for you.
The inflatable ones come with thicker and larger wheels that should be ideal for hard surfaces. These are also ideal if you don’t want to worry on the occasional bumping and sticking on any possible hurdle along the way.
Moreover, this type of cart’s mechanism should ensure you to float the wheels on soft surfaces like sand; thinner wheels are proven to just sink in the sand
#3 The Frame Material
Your kayak cart’s frame material will come in very handy especially when it’s usually being subjected to some “unavoidable abuse” while transporting it. With that being said, opt for a cart that is made of aluminum. This is definitely lighter than steel and is way more durable than plastic.
#4 The Strap Types
The need for strap types all boils down to the type of duty work or endeavor with your kayaking. If you’re going after a heavy one, then it’s necessary to have ratchet straps. However, one must not opt for these if they’re just treading a lightweight kayak cart.
Verdict
Evidently, it’s a close battle between C-TUG Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart and ABN Universal Kayak Carrier. But what made the latter slightly and significantly better than the former is its unabashed flexibility across all transportable platforms apart from a kayak.
ABN’s entry is also highly-durable, has an impressive tire design, and is ultimately laden with compact and practical features.
Do you agree with our top pick? If you think another product deserves a spot on our list, please feel free to sound them off in the comment section below. In the meantime, be safe and enjoy kayaking!
