The TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 is our best cheap kayak cart pick, and it scored 74 out of 100 in our testing.
A rock-bottom-priced cart that works for light boats, but no wheel bearings and a fiddly strap show where the money was saved.
A bare-bones aluminium V-cradle cart at around 35 dollars, fine for occasional light use if you accept its rough edges.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top kayak carts, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Weight & Portability, Versatility & Capacity, Build Quality, Movability, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Best Cheap Kayak Cart
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
Our Verdict: TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001
A rock-bottom-priced cart that works for light boats, but no wheel bearings and a fiddly strap show where the money was saved.
A bare-bones aluminium V-cradle cart at around 35 dollars, fine for occasional light use if you accept its rough edges.
So, is it any good?
One of the cheapest carts anywhere, around 35 dollars including shipping.
For light, occasional use owners say it works just fine.
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
Reasons to buy:
- Rock-bottom price
- Flat-free tyres never go flat
- Light enough to stow in the hull
- Quick assembly
Reasons to avoid:
- Wheels have no bearings
- Fiddly strap can let the boat slip
- Strong tyre odour when new
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 scored 74 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on value for money and weakest on movability.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value for Money
One of the cheapest carts anywhere, around 35 dollars including shipping.
For light, occasional use owners say it works just fine.
There is no cheaper way to get wheels under a light kayak.
The savings show up in the missing wheel bearings and basic hardware.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Weight & Portability
Small and light enough to carry inside the hull area of a kayak.
Breaks down easily for storage and transport.
You might be wondering:
Assembly is quick, with mainly the wheels to attach.
A 12 ft tie-down strap is included.
| Weight & Portability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Versatility & Capacity
Rated 150 lb, the lowest capacity here, so it suits lighter boats.
A V-shaped cradle with foam bumpers holds the hull.
Handles kayaks, canoes and jon boats within the weight limit.
Not built for heavy loaded fishing rigs.
| Versatility & Capacity | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 6/10 |
| Category average | 8/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Build Quality
Aluminium frame with stainless fasteners and a chrome lynch pin.
The wheels have no bearings, a real difference from better carts and a source of drag.
The tyres arrive with a strong rubber odour that fades or can be soaked off with vinegar and sun.
Rinse after saltwater use, since the basic hardware corrodes faster than premium carts.
| Build Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 6/10 |
| Category average | 8.2/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Movability
Large 9.5 in flat-free tyres, 3.5 in wide, roll across sand and gravel and never go flat.
With no wheel bearings the roll is less smooth than bearing-equipped carts.
The strap system is not intuitive and one owner had the kayak slip off when strapped as described.
The boat can wobble or pivot if you put too much side force into a turn.
| Movability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001?
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 is best suited to budget buyers moving a light kayak occasionally.
Bottom line?
The big win: Rock-bottom price.
The main compromise: Wheels have no bearings.
We scored it 74 out of 100.
What Other Kayak Carts Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley is our best budget kayak cart. A cheap aluminium cart that rolls well and carries plenty, but plastic joints and a collapsible frame are its weak points.
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 Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak Cart is our best corrosion-resistant kayak cart. A marine-grade anodised aluminium cart built to shrug off saltwater, on no-flat tyres that trade soft-sand grip for reliability.
Specifications
| 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 |
Conclusion: TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001
After testing it against the other top kayak carts, the TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 earns its place as our best cheap kayak cart pick.
Its standout strength: Rock-bottom price.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Wheels have no bearings.
If you want budget buyers moving a light kayak occasionally, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak KY001 ranks against the full field in our Best Kayak Cart guide.
