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Owning a kayak offers you the freedom to explore the pristine lakes, serene rivers, protected coastlines, and open oceans in your own backyard and beyond.
Your adventure depends, however, on you getting your boat onto the water, so we’re here to help you overcome that hurdle.
Owning a kayak cart takes the heavy lifting out of transporting your kayak. Whether you’re out for a day trip or planning a full-blown expedition, your kayak cart will assist you in getting on the water with the least amount of effort possible.
With many brands and styles on the market, it can be difficult to know which kayak cart will do the job without breaking on the second or third day. We’ve identified and reviewed the 9 best kayak carts on the market today, while our guide below will outline in greater depth the most important factors to consider when purchasing a kayak cart.
Check out our our buyers guide for answers to the most common questions we receive from those looking to purchase the best kayak cart.
The Top 4 Kayak Carts in 2023
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1
Most Versatile: Railblaza C-Tug Kayak Cart -
2
Most Durable: Suspenz Heavy Duty Airless Cart -
3
Most Transportable: Wheeleez Kayak Cart Mini -
4
Best Value: Rad Sportz Kayak Cart
All the Kayak Carts We've tested
The Railblaza C-Tug is a beast of a kayak cart. It can carry 265 lbs. of gear and feels like it could absorb a nuclear blast and continue rolling.
This is the most versatile set of kayak wheels, too, as it can be completely disassembled and packed down to fit into a kayak hatch.
More enthusiastic, serial kayakers should consider this transport piece, even with the bigger price tag. For very occasional paddlers using carts over very short distances, the Railblaza might be overkill. The value of these wheels is worth considering for anyone, though.
Specs & Features
- Material: Reinforced composite material
- Weight Capacity: 265 lbs.
- Straps: Included 1x 4 ft., 1x 5 ft., 2x ladder locks
- Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 6 inches
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Tool-free assembly -
Can be disassembled to fit in most kayak hatches
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Convenient custom-made strap attaches to the cart
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Hull pads adjust to accommodate various hull sizes
Things we don't like:
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Single-kickstand isn’t as stable as a double-kickstand -
Chassis can be difficult to pull apart once assembled
Where to buy:
The Suspenz Heavy Duty Airless Cart is a top-of-the-line, robust kayak cart built to carry the load of a fully packed and weighted kayak. The strong powder-coated aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware make this kayak cart virtually indestructible.
The double kickstand makes loading your boat onto the cart easy, as the cart is anchored to the ground and won’t shift when the weight of your kayak is placed on top. The durable rubber pads that support the hull of your kayak are scratch-resistant and will not deteriorate like foam padding often does.
Suspenz is a well-respected brand and their Heavy Duty kayak wheels acquit this reputation quite well.
Specs & Features
- Material: Aluminium and Stainless Steel
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs.
- Straps: Included 2 x tie-down straps
- Dimensions: 31” x 15”
- Weight: 11 lbs.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Designed to carry large loads
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Indestructible aluminum and stainless steel design
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Double kickstand enables easy loading
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Includes mesh carry bag for convenient storing
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Rubber hull pads won’t deteriorate
Things we don't like:
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Large frame will not fit in most kayak hatches
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Heavier than other aluminum-frame carts
The Wheeleez Kayak Cart Mini is an option intended for those needing a more compact version of your standard aluminum kayak cart. Designed for touring, the 23 x 10 x 4” folded frame and 7.8” tires are small enough to fit inside the hatches of most kayaks, making this one of the most transportable and lightweight kayak carts on the market.
Despite its small size, the Wheeleez Kayak Cart Mini can still transport loads up to 121 lbs., which is sufficient for most loaded single kayaks. A fully-loaded tandem kayak might be a challenge, as would a heavily-loaded canoe, but I’ve seen these wheels transport sea touring kayaks loaded with gear on and off ferries multiple times.
One disadvantage of this cart is the single kick-stand, which doesn’t give the cart as much stability when loading your kayak on top. The Wheeleez Kayak Cart Mini also comes with foam hull pads, which tend to degrade over time.
Specs & Features
- Material: Aluminium and Stainless Steel
- Weight Capacity: 121 lbs.
- Straps: Includes 1 pair of 13’ tie-down straps
- Dimensions: 23 x 10 x 4”
- Weight: 7.25 lbs.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Compact and light-weight
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Designed to fit inside most kayak hatches
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Quick and easy to assemble
Things we don't like:
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Single kick-stand is less stable than a double kick-stand
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Foam hull pads deteriorate over time
The Rad Sportz Kayak Cart is similar to the Suspenz Heavy Duty Airless Cart, but it’s half the price. The reason for the price difference is the construction and materials. The frame is made from powder-coated aluminum but is lighter than the robust frame on the Suspenz. The hull pads are also made from foam and not rubber, and the tires are a little stiffer and made with polyurethane.
The advantage of a lighter frame means the cart is easier to transport, especially if you have to strap it to the deck of your kayak. The disadvantage is its weight capacity, which is 140 lbs. compared to the 200 lbs. of the Suspenz cart. This is a factor if you’re transporting a fully-loaded single or tandem kayak over a long distance, but for most applications and boat sizes, its weight capacity should be sufficient.
Specs & Features
- Material: Aluminium
- Weight Capacity: 140 lbs.
- Straps: Included 1 single nylon tie-down strap
- Dimensions: (L) 27.5” x (W) 13” x (H) 12”
- Weight: 9.7 lbs.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Affordable
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Light-weight compared to other aluminium frames
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Double kickstand enables easy loading
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Puncture-resistant tires
Things we don't like:
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Large frame will not fit in most kayak hatches
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Foam hull pads deteriorate over time
You won’t be able to transport a few kayaks at once, but if your goal is carrying a single piece of equipment on a trailer, the OxGord prototype is your go-to.
Due to the compact size of the trailer, you can approach the lake, river, or the ocean as closely as possible without having to unload the equipment beforehand. This is particularly helpful when the gear is heavy and there is no one to help you with the task.
The V-shaped cradle makes it easy to manage, while the option of folding down the trailer makes it easy to transport. To tie down your watercraft equipment to the trailer, use the cam buckle strap that comes with it. The strap is built to firmly secure your load and avoid loosening up or breakage along the way.
The 10-inch airless tires have the ability to handle any kind of terrain including rocky and dirty land, which is great for scenarios when you can’t cut the road short and are forced to cross uneven roads on the way to the water.
Specs & Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight Capacity: 165 lbs.
- Straps: Included, 1x 144 inches
- Dimensions: 27 x 14 x 18.5 inches
- Kickstand: V-shaped
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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The corrosion-resistant aluminum frame prolongs the life of the trailer
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The foam cushion tires are not susceptible to scratches and dents
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The 1-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind in case something happens to the trailer
Things we don't like:
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Not suitable for transporting more than one kayak at a time
The kayak trailer by Seattle Sports is Amazon’s Choice for a reason – its hard-wearing construction is reminiscent of the military equipment that is built to withstand rough usage.
The 16-inch tire wheels are made to be rolled down the rugged roads that no other trailer is able to tolerate. They also help to push and pull from the more convenient height.
The stable kickstand has adjustable top pad bars and cinch straps that allow you to secure heavy canoes and kayaks with no issues. It is capable of hauling up to 300 pounds of weight, meaning that you are not limited to one type of equipment only.
The steel frame speaks of the trailer’s sturdy composition and longevity – you are basically set for at least a few years of continuous use.
Specs & Features
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Wheels: 16 inches
- Dimensions: 30.4 x 18 x 8.2 inches
- Kickstand: Spring-loaded
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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The cinch strap along with the padded top bar is adjustable to fit any type of water equipment
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Its versatility allows you to carry canoes, paddleboards, kayaks and some types of boats
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The price is not high
Things we don't like:
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The saltwater can rust the wheels over time
Where to buy:
If you are in search of a kayak trailer that will take on your chores and leave you feeling excited about the upcoming trip, the FDW model is your best choice.
This trouble-free carrier is able to transport a kayak, a canoe, or a paddleboard without demanding too much from your side. All you have to do is load your equipment and secure it with 12-inch Nylon straps – the rest is on the trailer.
It has 10-inches wheels with 3 ½-inch foam tires that make the carrying process smooth, and a V-shaped cradle that substantially adds to the overall comfort.
The manufacturer ensured stainless steel fasteners and chrome lunch pins are a part of the trailer too, thus contributing to the long-lastingness of the carrier. With 195 pounds of weight capacity and a quick assembly, there is hardly anything you will miss out on when investing in this kayak trailer.
Specs & Features
- Material: Stainless Steel, Nylon
- Weight Capacity: 195 lbs.
- Wheels: 10 inches
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.2 inches
- Kickstand: V-shaped
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Tires can be removed and thrown in a backpack for easy transportation
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The price tag makes this kayak trailer extremely affordable
Things we don't like:
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Not suitable for carrying more than one kayak
You don’t need a second person to load your kayak or canoe onto the Attwood kayak trailer – you can do it by yourself. It is similar to the other one-kayak trailers that are easy to bring close to the water and avoid carrying the heavy water equipment.
Unlike other trailers, this model takes pride in the non-deflatable wheels that have a large diameter for effortless transportation.
You will be able to quickly transport your gear that can hold up to 100 pounds of weight to the destination and not lose interest in the water activity along the way..
The Attwood’s trailer is a breeze to assemble and you will be able to have fun in the water in a matter of minutes.
Specs & Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight Capacity: 100 lbs.
- Wheels: 9.5 inches
- Tires: 3.5 inches
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 13.2 x 6.5 inches
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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One of the best kayak trailers for crossing uneven terrains
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You can quickly disassemble it and store it into a kayak hitch
Things we don't like:
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Not suitable for transporting more than one kayak at a time
Related Reviews
Guide to choosing the Best Kayak Cart
When we see images of kayakers paddling on glassy lakes or between weather-beaten islands in remote archipelagos, what’s missing from the picture is how the paddler got there. Getting your kayak on the water can be half the battle, which is why owning a kayak cart should be synonymous with owning a kayak.
Moving a kayak from the roof of your vehicle to a beach, riverbank, or pebbled shoreline can be daunting, especially if you’re on your own. If your boat is over twenty pounds it’s unlikely you’ll be able to carry it for more than fifty feet. But owning kayak wheels is a game changer because the heavy lifting is taken out of the equation.
There are a number of considerations to take into account when selecting the perfect kayak cart for your kayak:
- Budget
- Width and Style of your kayak
- Weight Capacity
- Collapsibility
- The terrain you’ll be transporting the kayak across
- Weight
- Adjustability
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Material
Kayak carts come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s important to understand what differentiates a quality kayak dolly from the more affordable versions.
Budget:
Depending on your requirements, it may not be necessary to pay top dollar for a set of kayak wheels. If you’re simply rolling your boat down a level pathway, sealed road, or across a maintained lawn, cheaper plastic wheels might suffice over more durable and maneuverable rubber tires.
More expensive doesn’t always mean better. Generally, the more you pay, the higher quality the materials will be and the better the construction, giving your kayak cart a longer lifespan.
If money is a factor, you might consider a cart like the Rad Sportz Kayak Cart made with slightly cheaper materials but that rivals its counterparts in performance.
Width and Style of your kayak:
The width and style of your kayak will determine the type of kayak cart you require. If you have a very wide boat, you would need a set of wheels that can accommodate the wide hull of your kayak. Some kayak carts can accommodate canoes as well as Stand Up Paddleboards, and these types of carts should accommodate the wide hull of any kayak.
A sit-on-top kayak with scupper holes designed to drain water out of the boat is best suited to a scupper cart with rods that slide through the scupper holes. Scupper carts can only be used on sit-on-top kayaks with scupper holes, and are useful because they don’t require additional straps to secure the kayak to the cart.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity, or load, of your kayak cart should be considered when choosing the most appropriate dolly. Larger carts with a more robust aluminum frame will carry more weight than a more compact, lighter frame.
Some kayak camping trips might require portaging a heavily-laden boat. Consider this when choosing a dolly.
In addition to the weight of your kayak, you need to consider how much gear you plan to haul on your trip. Kayak carts are wonderful for transporting an empty kayak from your car to the beach, but they’re even more useful when transporting a fully-loaded boat on a longer expedition.
Packing a Kayak Cart
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to transport the kayak cart on or in your kayak when paddling. If this is the case, you may want to choose a cart that is more compact or can be collapsed and disassembled to fit inside your hatch.
The C-Tug and Wheeleez carts are the best stowable kayak carts on this list and probably on the market right now.
If the cart is too big to fit inside your hatch once collapsed, you have the option of strapping it to the deck of the kayak using bungee cords or straps. But adding weight to the deck of your kayak will alter its performance and compromise stability. So ensure the cart is evenly balanced and strap it to the stern of your kayak so it doesn’t impede your paddle strokes.
The terrain you’ll be transporting the kayak across:
In most cases, for a kayak cart to be effective, you’ll want a relatively accessible trail to follow to the water. However, some of the more sturdy carts with larger wheels will navigate roots, rocks, sandy beaches, or even a shallow staircase with ease.
The terrain you’ll be transporting your kayak across will determine the type of wheels you’ll want on your kayak cart. Rolling your kayak over deep sand will require a wider wheel with a greater surface area to prevent the cart from becoming buried in the sand.
Transporting your kayak on paved roads might require a softer, rubber tire that will create less friction than a stiffer, plastic wheel.
Maneuvering your kayak over challenging terrain like tree roots, pebbled beaches, and even down a shallow staircase will also require a stronger rubber tire with a bit of flex to allow the cart to glide over these surfaces more freely.
Railblaza’s wheels tackle tough terrain very well. Suspenz’s cart does a good job too. But in most cases, the landscape will be groomed enough for any wheels.
What Do Kayak Wheels Weigh?
The weight of the kayak cart will be determined by the materials it’s constructed from. Most kayak wheels use an aluminum frame and plastic or rubber tires, but the grade of the aluminum will vary. An aluminum frame designed with a greater weight capacity will likely weigh more.
Materials like plastic will also alter the weight of the cart, and the wheels will play a big part in the overall weight of the product. Weight is an important factor if you’re transporting the kayak cart in or on your boat when paddling. Weight may not be as important if you’re simply leaving the wheels in your car or on the shoreline.
Adjustability:
Some kayak carts have hull pads that can be adjusted to fit the specific shape of your hull. This might be important if you’re using the cart for multiple style boats such as a sea-touring kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe.
Most kayak carts will also come with adjustable straps, which can accommodate boats of various shapes and sizes.
Durability:
General wear and tear are inevitable on all kayak carts, but the more durable carts will be made from materials that withstand wear and tear better than others.
Foam hull pads, for example, are more susceptible to cracking over time with exposure to salt water and UV light than rubber pads. A stronger aluminum frame will also be less likely to warp or bend under stress than a cheap, lightweight frame.
The necessary durability of your kayak cart will be determined by how much weight you’re planning to load onto it and the terrain you’ll be traveling across.
Maintaining Kayak Carts:
Maintenance of your kayak wheels should be as basic as hosing down the wheels after use, drying them, and keeping them stored out of the sun and rain to avoid sun damage and rust.
Some wheels may be fitted with tubes, which require being pumped with air like a bike tire. But most modern kayak carts are fitted with puncture-free wheels that require little to no maintenance.
Material:
The material your kayak cart is made from will determine its weight and durability. As mentioned above, if you’re hauling more weight, you may need a more robust aluminum frame, whereas lighter loads could use a lighter-plastic frame.
The Railblaza C-Tug is the plastic exception. It’s actually made with composite polymers on top of steel axles.
Plastic will be less susceptible to rust from saltwater but may not have the longevity of its aluminum counterpart.
Choosing the material of your kayak cart will depend on how much weight you’ll be hauling, the type of terrain you’ll be traveling over, and whether you plan to paddle with the cart with you on the water.
What is a scupper cart?
A scupper cart is designed to fit sit-on-top kayaks with built-in scupper holes, which are designed to drain water from the kayak. Think kayak wheels with two prongs sticking up.
How do you use a scupper cart?
A scupper cart has two poles that slide through the scupper holes of a sit-on-top kayak to hold it into place. The advantage of a scupper cart is it doesn’t require any additional straps.
The disadvantage of a scupper cart is it can only be used with sit-on-top kayaks with scupper holes. It also requires the kayak to be turned on its side to mount onto the cart, which can be problematic if you have items stored on top of your kayak.
Make Life Easier
Using kayak carts–the right set of wheels–will dramatically cut down on the energy spent on transporting. The goal is to save time and energy for the water. Choose the right cart for your boat and getting to and from the water will be faster.
Frequently asked questions about Kayak Carts
Some kayak carts like the Wheeleez Kayak Cart Mini and the Railblaza C-Tug are small enough to be stowed inside the hatches of most kayaks. Larger carts that aren’t able to collapse small enough to fit inside the kayak can be attached to the back deck of the kayak with bungee cords or straps.
If you don’t want to carry your kayak cart on the water with you while you’re paddling, you will either need to walk it back to your vehicle or if you’re solely on foot, bring a bike lock and chain it to a permanent object near the shore like a fence or sign post.
I’ve seen kayak carts discreetly left behind logs or beneath bushes on the shore. But if you’re concerned your kayak cart might be taken, it’s advisable to either lock it up or take it with you.
Most kayak carts will attach to either the center or rear end of the kayak just beneath the stern hatch. The further away your wheels are from the center of your boat, the more weight you will need to bear on your arms because of the angle of the boat.
Generally, the cart will be more secure at the widest part of your boat with the least amount of width change in the hull on either side.
The main considerations you’ll want to make when buying a kayak cart include:
- Budget
- Width and Style of your kayak
- Weight-bearing
- Collapsibility
- Terrain you’ll be transporting the kayak across
- Weight
- Adjustability
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Material
You can read our reviews of the best kayak carts on the market as well as our buyers guide above for assistance.
When not in use, you should store your kayak cart in the garage or somewhere out of the elements and away from UV light to prolong its lifespan.
When you’re paddling, you can store your kayak cart in your vehicle, along the shoreline, inside your hatches, or on the back deck of your kayak.
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