Should I Get A Kayak Cart?
[What Kind Should I Get]

What Type of Kayak Do You Have?

Aside from whether there are scupper holes…

This is important to note because your kayak cart has a limited weight capacity. Different kayaks differ in weight because of the size and the material used for them.

So what type of boats are out there?

Here are the types of the kayak in terms of weight:

Single – 25-50lbs

Tandem kayaks – 55-85lbs

Inflatable – 15-55lbs

Fishing – 45-130lbs

But there’s more…

The list above shows the lightweight ones. They’re typically made of composite materials or plastic. Those in the medium weight range are of either thermoform or fiberglass.

There are rotomolded kayaks – melted plastic pellets – and they’re the heavy ones. Other brands also put in some aluminum in their construction, like the Malone Clipper Deluxe. A heavy kayak can weigh up to 250 lbs!

Now imagine having to carry all that – plus gear!

Even for the light sit-on-top kayaks, or tandem, I still recommend getting a kayak cart. For the inflatable, not so much since it’s made for easy transportation – except if you’re bringing two kayaks with you.

So, in choosing your kayak dolly…

You need to think about the weight capacity of the cart. It should accommodate the weight of your own kayak.

Also, you have to consider the shape of your boat’s hull. The best kayak carts on the market vary in the form of their arms. It’s where you place the hull. You can look for an almost custom-fit. But some are universal.

Some carts also are more fit for a kayak with scupper holes. These are the plug-style carts.

There are more factors to consider.

We’ll go along to discuss each one in detail. While at it, you’ll find out what type of cart you should get.

Tail Dragger or Center Loading Kayak Dolly?

First… 

Let’s differentiate between these two types of the cart.

Tail Dragger kayak dolly

The tail dragger is the canoe cart you use under one end of your boat. Once your kayak or canoe is secured, you get the other end and then – pull! So this type carries only a portion of the weight for you. Add that to your dragging responsibility.

These carts have a lighter weight limit.

Center-loading kayak dolly

The center-loading cart, as the name suggests, is placed under the center of your boat. It carries the whole weight of the boat and your gear. Now, all you have to do is tow it. So this type has a heavier weight limit.

Which one should you get?

This choice depends on two factors: the kayaking site and you.

Is the water too far from the parking lot? Do you have to walk all the way? Does your back ache a lot? Do you quickly get tired? If your answer’s yes for all, then the center-loading type is best for you.

But if not, a tail dragger is enough. By the way, this type is better on uneven terrain. It will be easier to drag up and down sloped areas.

We’ll elaborate on that later…

Do You Need a Collapsible Kayak Cart?

The main benefit of a collapsible kayak cart is its easy storage and portability. So you need to consider again how far the water is from your boat storage place.

Also…

Is the site crowded? Would you be comfortable just leaving the cart onshore? More paddlers think that the best kayak cart is one that they can fit inside their boat hatch. A foldable cart, like the Bonnlo kayak cart, is made for that.

However…

Collapsible carts are more expensive. They’re usually made of a solid aluminum frame, stainless steel fasteners, and a spring-loaded stand. And most are made of inflatable wheels rather than solid wheels.

They have to be made of these materials to be as sturdy and durable as the welded ones.

But don’t overthink it…

If you don’t find the necessity of this feature, you can just get a large backpack for storing your cart.

What Type of Terrain do You Plan to Traverse?

This factor is more for deciding what type of wheels you need.

To get to your paddling site…

Do you have to go through flat asphalt? Or rocky ground? Or a rather pebbly one? How about a sandy beach? Maybe you have to go up a hill on tree roots and down again? In much simpler words: Is it difficult to get to the water?

Here’s what I recommend:

For uneven terrain…

…the best kayak cart would be one with large wheels. They’re sturdier and much more stable when going over pebbles and tree roots. Large rubber tires also have that shock-absorbing quality that’s very useful on bumpy rides.

For rocky terrain…

…the one with airless tires or foam-filled is best. They’re puncture-free wheels that are much safer than inflatable tires. They don’t run the risk of getting flat along the way.

For even ground…

…without many obstacles, any type of wheels would do. But if you’re going through sand, the big wheels are recommendable. Ones like on the Wheeleez Beach cart. They don’t dig into the ground and get stuck.

Aside from the wheels…

Another terrain concern is for the cinch straps. Some carts come with ratchet straps. They’re better than most because they’re more sturdy and secure. So on bumpy terrains, better get carts with ratchet straps.

The Suspenz Smart Airless DLX cart even comes with buckled straps if you want security.

Keep an eye also for the foam bumpers. Bumper pads keep your kayak safe from possible scratches from the cart itself.

Don’t worry. Rubber padding and straps are staples in the kayak cart industry.