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TMS CART KAYAK/CANOE: Definitive Review (2026)
Review

TMS CART KAYAK/CANOE: Definitive Review (2026)

Updated August 3, 2023

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This is the Top Notch Outdoor Review of the TMS CART CANOE/KAYAK…

In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover:

  • This kayak cart’s specs and features;
  • The reasons why the TMS KY001 boat/kayak/canoe cart is our Top-Notch Choice;
  • The details of how we decided on the scores for each metric;
  • The pros and cons of using this carrier;
  • How it compares with the other brands; and
  • Lots more...

The TMS cart got the highest overall score in our metrics, and that is saying a lot.

Why?

Because our Top List includes very worthy competitors and this cart towered over them all! This is why the TMS trolley is our Top-Notch Choice.

So if you want the best quality and the most durable cart you can buy for your kayak or canoe, you’ll love this guide.

Waiting’s over!

Let’s roll!

Top-Notch Choice AwardTop-Notch Choice

TMS CART KAYAK/CANOE

Value for Money9/10
Weight & Portability9/10
Versatility & Capacity8/10
Build Quality10/10
Movability9/10
  • Manufacturer: TMS
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 8.18 Ibs
  • Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.25 inches
  • Capacity: 150 Ibs

Bottom Line : High-quality material for hassle-free transport of your kayak

Pros

  • Reasonable price
  • Very stable
  • Quick assembly 
  • Solid materials

Cons

  • Tire odor
  • Strap issues

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Performance Comparison

1. Value For Money

The quality and the features we found in this product are what we’d expect from the most expensive brands. So imagine how impressed we were when TMS gave us the same ones - for a lower price!

Rating

TMS CART for CANOE or KAYAK9/10
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley9/10
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart9/10
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier8/10
Wistar Canoe Cart Kayak8/10
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart8/10
Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires8/10
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart8/10
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak8/10
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart8/10

2. Weight/Portability

The TMS kayak or canoe dolly is only 8.18 lbs. It’s easy to carry as is.

But what’s better…

... is that this kayak dolly breaks down easily for hassle-free storage and transport.

It’s made of quick assembly material - even the wheels! The stainless steel fasteners and chrome lynch pin are not that hard to install, especially for paddling enthusiasts like us.

This feature isn’t unique to this canoe carrier tote trolley, but it’s still quite impressive because I found it the easiest to disassemble and reassemble.

Plus…

It’s the sturdiest of all in the top list, with almost the same stability as the permanently assembled or welded boat/kayak/canoe carrier.

Rating

TMS CART for CANOE or KAYAK9/10
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley9/10
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart9/10
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier9/10
Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires9/10
Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak8/10
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart8/10
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart8/10
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak8/10
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart8/10
TMS CART CANOE/KAYAK

3. Capacity/Versatility

If your kayak is heavier than 150 lbs, we don’t recommend this product. But to us, hoarders - I mean, collectors - this cart is still helpful.

What we didn’t like…

It’s obvious. Only the lightweight, single sit-on-top kayak can be used on this cart.

I, for one, have a few boats, so even if we didn’t have to try and review all these carts, this couldn’t be my only purchase.

But if you only have the lightweight kayaks, you wouldn’t need the bigger, heavier carts.

That said…

Even if you have a collection of boats, this may come in handy too. Most of my friends prefer a lighter canoe and kayak dolly when we’re only bringing our small kayaks. They say it’s more convenient to store anyway.

But what’s great about it is the versatility of the wheels.

The 9 ½ inch-diameter flat-free tires are wide enough for less pressure on the ground. So whether it was a gravelly, flat terrain, or uneven terrain, or even a soft and sandy beach…

The TMS kayak or canoe dolly is the deal!

It never got stuck even on damp ground. And that’s something to look out for when buying your cart.

Rating

RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak and Canoe Trolley Cart9/10
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier9/10
Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak9/10
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Carts9/10
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak9/10
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Carts9/10
TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK8/10
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley8/10
Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires8/10
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart7/10

4. Build Quality 

Now, this is what you came for!

Of all the canoe carrier tote trolley brands on our top list - even with the most expensive one - the TMS KY001 boat/kayak/canoe trolley is of the best quality.

Why is that?

It’s very durable for an easy-assembled cart. This dolly breaks apart conveniently, as we said, but it’s very stable at the hinges.

The stainless steel fasteners and chrome lynch pin on the tires fit perfectly - no risk of falling off and but it would roll smoothly across sand or more uneven terrain.

Plus…

The solid metal frame, foam bumpers, and wheels are very sturdy. Anodized stainless steel is known to improve the durability of the aluminum pipe, and we can attest to that by experience.

When we were trying this out, and I was - I mean, my friend - wasn’t looking where he was going, let’s just say there was a mild accident.

It involved the cart toppling over and the kayak almost sliding off if it weren’t for the strap. To be honest, we were pretty nervous about the cart because the thud was a little loud.

But voila! Nothing happened. The frame was intact, and the rock that it landed on only gave it a little scratch.

Also notable…

It didn’t just roll smoothly across sand when we tried it. The nine ¼ inch-H spring-loaded stand kept the dolly cart propped up firmly too. Rolling the boat on and off the cart was hassle-free.

Rating

TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK10/10
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley9/10
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier9/10
Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak9/10
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart9/10
Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires9/10
Deluxe Molded Foam Seat9/10
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart9/10
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak and Canoe Trolley Cart8/10
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak8/10

5. Movability

My friends laugh at me when I say this: My peace is a huge factor when I judge a kayak/canoe carrier tote cart.

What does it mean?

I just can’t stop checking my boat behind me when I transport it. The result? I tend to sacrifice paddling time for moving-the-kayak time. It’s just the same as having a dolly that doesn’t roll as smoothly as I want.

As for the TMS cart… Its solid metal frame, foam bumpers, and even the 12-foot strap all add to my boat’s security. Not to mention the 

I easily glided through the terrain when I used this cart because I knew that my boat had less chance of falling over.

Now to the more tangible factors…

The wheels just roll and glide on flat terrain, as most carts do. So the actual contest is how it performed on uneven, rocky, pebbly, and soft ground. Well, this cart just I

Who knew quick-assembly material could be driven as if engineers themselves assembled them? Alright, maybe I’m too excited here, but - it really was quite impressive how this affordable cart can compete with the expensive ones!

Another thing…

Mounting the boat was also very easy and convenient because this dolly cart propped up firmly. It’s very stable to drive and to stand.

Rating

TMS CART for CANOE or KAYAK9/10
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley9/10
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart9/10
Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak9/10
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart9/10
Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires9/10
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart9/10
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier8/10
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak8/10
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart8/10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. How do you strap on a kayak?

A 12-foot strap is included when you buy the TMS cart. You just have to loop it around the arms first, and then you get it around your kayak. You’ll get the hang of it!

2. Would this cart be good for a 12' Classic Nucanoe?

Unfortunately, the TMS cart’s capacity doesn’t exceed 150 lbs. The Nucanoe Classic 12 is at least 500 lbs.

3. How does the canoe carrier work?

You just have to place one end of your kayak or canoe hull on top of the carrier, strap it in place, and then pull at the other end. Then off you go!

4. Does this cart support a 17 ft, sit-inside kayak,55 lb?

The TMS trolley can carry up to 150 lbs of boat weight.

Our Final Verdict: TMS CART: CANOE AND KAYAK DOLLY

The TMS kayak/canoe carrier tote cart is our Top-Notch Choice because of its durability and overall built quality.

Especially the flat-free tires that can keep you at peace on any type of terrain!

Overall

This cart served us very well.

TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK90/100
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley88/100
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart88/100
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier86/100
Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak86/100
Kayak Trolley Cart with Airless Tires86/100
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart86/100
Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart84/100
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart82/100
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Kayak82/100
TMS CART CANOE/KAYAK

Conclusion: TMS CART KAYAK

The decision’s up to you!

We’ve given you the facts and our opinions based on what we experienced when we tried these carts out.

So what’s it going to be? Our Top-Notch Choice? Or maybe you want the Best Value Bonnlo kayak cart? Maybe our Top Pick Railblaza C-tug cart?

Over to you now to make your choice...

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