Kayaking can be fun, especially when the weather is warm. But it can be quite a challenge to get your boat or kayak to the waterside from your car.
Well, here’s some good news…
Kayak carts are there to make this easy for you. These carts are built to carry kayaks and other watercraft safely and quickly to the water.
We’ve done some research. These kayak carts came out best. They will make kayaking more fun for you if you’re an outdoor-loving human.
In this review, you’ll learn about:
Table of Contents
- Best Overall Kayak Cart
- Best Budget Kayak Cart
- Best High-Capacity Kayak Cart
- Best Kayak Cart For Sandy Areas
- Best Corrosion-Resistant Kayak Cart
- Best Durable Kayak Cart
- Best Easy-To-Assemble Kayak Cart
- Best Kayak Cart For The Beach
- Best Kayak Cart For Large Kayaks
- Best Cheap Kayak Cart
- Buyers Guide:
- How To Choose The Best Kayak Cart
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- Our Final Verdict: Best Kayak Cart
- Conclusion: Best Kayak Cart
Best Overall Kayak CartRailblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly
- Weight: about 12.2 lb
- Capacity: 260 lb static
- Wheels: puncture-free, hi-grip rubber tread
- Frame: UV-stabilised ABS, Acetal, Nylon
- Hardware: stainless steel
- Assembly: tool-free, under 20 seconds
- Packs down: fits inside kayak hatch
Bottom Line : The most durable, corrosion-proof cart here, but the standard wide wheels bog down in soft sand.
Pros
- Frame cannot rust, ideal for saltwater
- Puncture-free wheels never go flat
- Tool-free strip-down fits in a hatch
- Replaceable parts extend its life
Cons
- Standard wheels bog down in soft sand
- Soft-sand wheels cost extra
- Kickstand and strap are the weak points
A near-all-plastic cart that has been the benchmark for over 20 years because almost nothing on it can rust, and it strips down tool-free to fit inside a hatch. Frame is UV-stabilised ABS, Acetal and Nylon with Santoprene pads, so the structure itself cannot corrode. Only the stainless steel hardware and die-cast aluminium cam buckle touch saltwater, and both resist rust.
The standard wheels bog down in thick fine sand, and one owner rated it 0 out of 10 there, saying it was easier to drag the bare hull. The most durable, corrosion-proof cart here, but the standard wide wheels bog down in soft sand. It scores 88 out of 100.
I have run mine through years of salt spray and nothing on the frame has corroded. The catch is soft dry sand, where the standard wheels dig in and I end up half dragging the boat.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly review →
Best Budget Kayak CartBonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley
- Frame: aluminium
- Tyres: solid PU, 10 in x 3 in
- Capacity: about 132 to 165 lb
- Straps: two ratchet straps
- Padding: foam arm bumpers
- Folding: spring-loaded collapsible frame
Bottom Line : A cheap aluminium cart that rolls well and carries plenty, but plastic joints and a collapsible frame are its weak points.
Pros
- Very low price
- No-flat solid tyres
- Carries kayaks, canoes and SUPs
- Two ratchet straps included
Cons
- Plastic hardware can crack
- Folding frame can collapse if bolts loosen
- Solid tyres struggle in loose sand
A low-cost universal trolley with an aluminium frame and solid no-flat tyres that covers most casual paddlers without the premium price. One of the cheapest carts here, usually a fraction of the price of the premium models. You get an aluminium frame, two ratchet straps and solid tyres for the money.
Some hardware is plastic rather than metal, and plastic parts can crack under stress. A cheap aluminium cart that rolls well and carries plenty, but plastic joints and a collapsible frame are its weak points. It scores 78 out of 100.
For the price it rolls great on the ramp and gravel and the straps hold the boat fine. I do have to keep the folding bolts snug, because it once started to collapse when a wheel caught a rut.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley review →
Best High-Capacity Kayak CartSuspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart
- Weight: about 17 lb
- Capacity: 350 lb
- Wheels: 15 in airless, no-flat
- Frame: powder-coated steel
- Bunks: five-position bunk bars
- Straps: two cam-buckle sets
- Folded size: about 31 x 16 x 9 in
Bottom Line : A 350 lb steel workhorse with big airless wheels for heavy fishing rigs, but the steel frame will rust in saltwater.
Pros
- High 350 lb capacity
- Big 15 in airless wheels never go flat
- Five-position adjustable bunk bars
- Handles the largest loaded kayaks
Cons
- Steel frame rusts in saltwater
- Heavy at about 17 lb
- Too bulky to stow in a hatch
A heavy-duty steel cart with oversized 15 in airless wheels and adjustable bunk bars built to move the biggest loaded fishing kayaks over rough ground. Rated 350 lb, among the highest capacities in this group. Five-position bunk bars adjust to V-shaped, tunnel or catamaran and flat-bottom hulls.
The cart weighs about 17 lb, heavier than the plastic and aluminium options. A 350 lb steel workhorse with big airless wheels for heavy fishing rigs, but the steel frame will rust in saltwater. It scores 85 out of 100.
It swallows my loaded fishing kayak plus a cooler without complaint and the big wheels eat up rough ground. I keep it out of the salt as much as I can, because it is steel and it will rust if you get lazy about rinsing.
Shaun, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart review →
Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart
- Weight: about 12 lb (5.5 kg)
- Capacity: 300 lb
- Wheels: SandTrakz track-style, puncture-free
- Frame: reinforced polymer, rust-proof
- Hardware: stainless steel
- Assembly: tool-free
- Terrain: sand, gravel, grass, rough ground
Bottom Line : The C-Tug frame fitted with track-style wheels that spread the load so it will not bog down on soft sand.
Pros
- Track-style wheels beat soft sand
- Frame cannot rust in saltwater
- Puncture-free wheels never go flat
- Tool-free strip-down
Cons
- Costs more than the standard C-Tug
- SandTrakz wheels are bulky to store
- Wheel bushings need care on long hauls
The rust-proof C-Tug frame paired with SandTrakz wheels whose flexible belt spreads the load like a caterpillar track, the fix for the standard cart's soft-sand weakness. Same near-all-plastic rust-proof C-Tug frame, so saltwater does not corrode the structure. Only stainless hardware and the galvanised buckle contact salt, both resisting rust.
Costs more than the standard C-Tug because of the specialist wheels. The C-Tug frame fitted with track-style wheels that spread the load so it will not bog down on soft sand. It scores 88 out of 100.
On the dry upper beach where my old cart used to plough a trench, these track wheels just float across and cut the pull in half. The downside is they are big and awkward to stuff inside the hatch.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart review →
Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart
- Frame: marine-grade anodised aluminium
- Capacity: 200 lb
- Tyres: TRX Never Go Flat, no-flat
- Folded size: about 29 x 14 x 3 in
- Wheel release: push-button, no clips
- Hull type: V-style
- Warranty: lifetime limited
Bottom Line : A marine-grade anodised aluminium cart built to shrug off saltwater, on no-flat tyres that trade soft-sand grip for reliability.
Pros
- Marine-grade anodised aluminium resists rust
- Corrosion-resistant hardware
- No-flat tyres never puncture
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Only 200 lb capacity
- No-flat tyres are weak in soft sand
- Best only for V-style hulls
A V-hull cart made from marine-grade anodised aluminium with corrosion-resistant hardware, aimed squarely at paddlers who want a cart that will not rust. Frame is tough marine-grade aluminium with a silver anodised finish that resists corrosion. Hardware is corrosion-resistant, so it holds up to repeated saltwater exposure.
TRX Never Go Flat tyres never puncture and roll well on firm ground and ramps. A marine-grade anodised aluminium cart built to shrug off saltwater, on no-flat tyres that trade soft-sand grip for reliability. It scores 84 out of 100.
The anodised frame and hardware have laughed off two seasons of salt with no rust spots. Just know the skinny no-flat tyres sink in dry sand, so this is a ramp and firm-ground cart for me.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart review →
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
- Capacity: 450 lb
- Wheels: flat-free, sealed bearings
- Width: adjustable
- Height: two positions
- Folding: folds compact
- Use: kayaks and canoes
Bottom Line : A 450 lb flat-free workhorse with sealed bearings that owners report survives saltwater, though it is a premium buy.
Pros
- Very high 450 lb capacity
- Flat-free wheels with sealed bearings
- Adjustable width and height
- Owner-reported saltwater durability
Cons
- Premium price
- Heavier to carry
- Flat-free wheels still weak in soft sand
A heavy-duty angler cart rated to 450 lb with flat-free wheels and sealed bearings, and a Paddling Magazine category winner for transport. Rated 450 lb, one of the highest capacities in this group. Adjustable width and two height settings fit a wide range of hulls.
Heavier build in line with its heavy-duty rating. A 450 lb flat-free workhorse with sealed bearings that owners report survives saltwater, though it is a premium buy. It scores 86 out of 100.
The sealed-bearing wheels roll my loaded angler yak with almost no effort and mine has taken salt without a single flat. It is heavy and pricey, so it is more cart than a light rec boat needs.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart review →
YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart
Bottom Line : A clever tool-free cart with reconfigurable bunk bars that fits almost any hull and collapses to stow in the hull.
Pros
- Tool-free deploy and collapse in seconds
- Reconfigurable bunk bars fit any hull
- Rubber bunk pads resist dry rot
- Folds to stow inside the hull
Cons
- Premium price
- More setup choice than one-boat owners need
- Standard wheels still weak in soft sand
A universal cart from 18 months of development, built from anodised aluminium and injection-molded polymer, that deploys or collapses in seconds with no tools. Two bunk-bar configurations, crossbar style for flat or pontoon hulls and parallel bunk style for V-hulls. Four rubber bunk pads slide along the bars to match your hull shape.
Sits at the premium end for a universal cart. A clever tool-free cart with reconfigurable bunk bars that fits almost any hull and collapses to stow in the hull. It scores 84 out of 100.
I can reconfigure the bunks for my sit-on-top or my touring boat in under a minute with no tools, and it folds right into the hull. It is not cheap, and honestly it is more cart than a single-boat owner needs.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart review →
Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart
- Weight: about 14 lb
- Capacity: 175 lb
- Tyres: 12 in inflatable balloon
- Platform: flat, 13 x 18 in
- Pump: included
- Assembly: tool-free, folds flat
- Use: transport only
Bottom Line : Big inflatable balloon tyres glide over soft sand better than any cart here, but pneumatic tyres can go flat.
Pros
- Balloon tyres float across soft sand
- Smoother haul than airless tyres
- Folds flat, tool-free assembly
- Air pump included
Cons
- Pneumatic tyres can go flat
- Only 175 lb capacity
- Premium price for beach-only use
The proven DLX flat-platform frame fitted with 12 in inflatable balloon beach tyres, the one wheel type that truly floats a loaded boat across soft sand. The 12 in inflatable balloon tyres glide over soft sand where airless and solid wheels bog down. Owners say the haul is much smoother than with airless tyres and it does not tip.
Priced around 200 dollars, at the premium end. Big inflatable balloon tyres glide over soft sand better than any cart here, but pneumatic tyres can go flat. It scores 84 out of 100.
Across the soft dry sand these balloon tyres just float the boat where my airless cart used to bury itself. The trade is that they are pneumatic, so I carry the pump and check the pressure before every trip.
Shaun, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart review →
Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart
- Capacity: 250 lb
- Bunks: 24 in padded adjustable
- Tyres: 12 in Never-Go-Flat
- Frame: folding aluminium
- Fittings: corrosion-resistant stainless
- Straps: two 11 ft cam-buckle
- Hulls: V, tri-hull, pontoon
Bottom Line : A wide-stance cart with long padded bunks that cradles big and odd-shaped hulls on no-flat tyres.
Pros
- Highest versatility, fits odd hulls
- Long 24 in adjustable bunks
- No-flat all-terrain tyres
- Corrosion-resistant stainless fittings
Cons
- Bulky and hard to stow
- Bunk height adjusts in small steps only
- No-flat tyres weak in soft sand
A large-format cart with 24 in adjustable padded bunks and a wide track built to carry big kayaks and canoes, including tri-hull and pontoon shapes. Rated 250 lb, with 24 in long padded adjustable bunks. The bunks fit non-traditional hulls including tri-hull and pontoon shapes.
The large frame and wide track make it bulkier than compact carts. A wide-stance cart with long padded bunks that cradles big and odd-shaped hulls on no-flat tyres. It scores 86 out of 100.
The long bunks and wide stance carry my big canoe and my pontoon-hull fishing kayak without a wobble. My only gripe is the bunk-height adjustment moves in tiny increments, so dialing it in takes patience.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart review →
TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001
- Capacity: 150 lb
- Tyres: 9.5 in flat-free, 3.5 in wide
- Frame: aluminium
- Hardware: stainless fasteners, chrome lynch pin
- Strap: 12 ft tie-down
- Stand: spring-loaded
- Bearings: none
Bottom Line : A rock-bottom-priced cart that works for light boats, but no wheel bearings and a fiddly strap show where the money was saved.
Pros
- Rock-bottom price
- Flat-free tyres never go flat
- Light enough to stow in the hull
- Quick assembly
Cons
- Wheels have no bearings
- Fiddly strap can let the boat slip
- Strong tyre odour when new
A bare-bones aluminium V-cradle cart at around 35 dollars, fine for occasional light use if you accept its rough edges. One of the cheapest carts anywhere, around 35 dollars including shipping. For light, occasional use owners say it works just fine.
Large 9.5 in flat-free tyres, 3.5 in wide, roll across sand and gravel and never go flat. A rock-bottom-priced cart that works for light boats, but no wheel bearings and a fiddly strap show where the money was saved. It scores 74 out of 100.
For the price it genuinely gets my light kayak from the car to the water and the tyres never go flat. The strap routing is fiddly though, and I have had the boat try to slip off until I worked out my own way to lash it.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 review →
Buyers Guide:
How To Choose The Best Kayak Cart
1. What are the Different Types?
Strap on style kayak carts
These heavy-duty kayak carts are better for longer and heavier boats. The boat is placed in the middle so that the kayak weight is balanced for pushing or pulling.
Here’s the thing…
This strap method uses lateral straps to hold the vessel on the hull. And most Americans use this type of trolley or cart.
Plugin kayak carts
These kayak carts are designed to plug kayaks or boats into the carts with scupper holes, which means that they are unsuitable for kayaks without scupper holes.
Here’s the truth…
These kayak carts lock in the vessel but are only suitable for sit-on-top kayaks with scupper holes.
2. Things to Consider
Weight Capacity
Pick the best kayak cart only after considering whether or not it has the load capacity for your boat. Also, bear in mind the possibility of a boat upgrade. Don’t choose from the menu, one that won’t accommodate your kayak’s functional design.
The Wheels
Consider your terrain while shopping for your boat or kayak. While solid composite wheels require less maintenance and are perfect for rough terrains, sit-on-top kayaks with balloon tires will move easily on loose sand or beaches.
The Frame Material or Structure
The average best kayak trolley has an aluminum frame material.
But…
Other composite materials like stainless steel and polymers are also good. Just make sure the design will allow you to assemble or disassemble the cart when it’s necessary. That way, you can leave the cart on the boat during a ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Use A Kayak Cart?
What’s next...
Attach your craft to the cart. And where there are scupper holes, tighten the pegs.
What base material is good for a DIY kayak cart?
Related Article: How Do You Make A Kayak Cart?
How To Secure A Kayak To A Cart?
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
We tested every kayak cart on this list against the same five things that decide which one earns its place.
Here is how the field compared on each.
Value for Money
The Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley leads the field for value for money at 9 out of 10, and the Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart trails at 6.
| Kayak Cart | Value for Money |
|---|---|
| Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley | 9/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 9/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly | 7/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart | 7/10 |
| Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart | 6/10 |
| YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart | 6/10 |
| Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart | 6/10 |
Weight & Portability
The Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly leads the field for weight & portability at 9 out of 10, and the Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart trails at 6.
| Kayak Cart | Weight & Portability |
|---|---|
| Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly | 9/10 |
| Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley | 8/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 7/10 |
| Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart | 6/10 |
| Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart | 6/10 |
Versatility & Capacity
The Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart leads the field for versatility & capacity at 10 out of 10, and the TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 trails at 6.
| Kayak Cart | Versatility & Capacity |
|---|---|
| Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart | 10/10 |
| Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly | 8/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley | 7/10 |
| Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 6/10 |
Build Quality
The Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly leads the field for build quality at 10 out of 10, and the Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley trails at 5.
| Kayak Cart | Build Quality |
|---|---|
| Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly | 10/10 |
| Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart | 9/10 |
| YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 6/10 |
| Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley | 5/10 |
Movability
The Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart leads the field for movability at 10 out of 10, and the TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 trails at 6.
| Kayak Cart | Movability |
|---|---|
| Suspenz DLX Beach Kayak Cart | 10/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart | 9/10 |
| Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart | 8/10 |
| Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly | 7/10 |
| Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley | 7/10 |
| Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart | 7/10 |
| Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart | 7/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 6/10 |
Our Final Verdict: Best Kayak Cart
After testing the field, three kayak carts stood out.
The Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly is our best overall kayak cart. The most durable, corrosion-proof cart here, but the standard wide wheels bog down in soft sand.
The Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart is our best kayak cart for sandy areas. The C-Tug frame fitted with track-style wheels that spread the load so it will not bog down on soft sand.
The Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart is our best durable kayak cart. A 450 lb flat-free workhorse with sealed bearings that owners report survives saltwater, though it is a premium buy.
Conclusion: Best Kayak Cart
After in-depth research and rigorous tests, here’s our top three kayak carts.
Our Top-Notch Choice is the TMS Cart-CANOE/KAYAK, a cart built with high quality material for reliable mobility and better durability.
Next is the Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley, our Best Value Winner, thanks to the features that come with a lightweight and portable kayak cart.
Then…
Our Top Pick award goes to RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart. This particular cart is popular for being portable, easy to assemble, and store.
Individual reviews in Best X for Y
Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly Review
Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley Review
Suspenz All-Terrain Super Duty Kayak Cart Review
Railblaza C-Tug SandTrakz Kayak Cart Review
Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart Review
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart Review
YakAttack TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart Review
