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Updated on October 20, 2022 at 17:21
A kayak is certainly light compared to other types of boats, but that doesn’t mean that kayaking is difficult. To get a heavy fishing kayak and gear from the garage or yard to the car, then from the car to the water—and then back again after a long day of paddling or fishing—you’ll need the best kayak cart. Kayaking is one of the biggest concerns for kayak anglers, and the latest kayak wheels are at the top of the list of essential kayak accessories.
What to Look for in the Best Kayak Cart
The best kayak cart (also called a kayak doll) is strong enough to support the weight of a heavy fishing kayak and has a wide, adjustable saddle that will accommodate tunnel hulls and V-hulls. over rough terrain and sand, the best kayak cart can be equipped with low-pressure balloon tires.
After rolling the kayak into the water, many anglers pack their kayak into a hat or strap it to the well. For maximum portability, look for a model that breaks down easily so you can fit it on board without taking up too much space.
The best overall Railblaze C-Tug
Load it with 200 pounds of kayak and fishing gear, unload the kayak, and pack it into a cover. RAILBLAZA
To be the best kayak cart, a set of wheels must be strong, light and easy to load. The C-Tug from Railblaza checks all these boxes.
Constructed of reinforced plastic with a stainless steel shaft, the C-Tug has no parts to rust or pick up dust and dirt. Instead of ball bearings, the C-Tug hugs uses replaceable bushings to keep the wheels turning smoothly.
Thermo-bonded elastomeric pads on the saddles hold the kayak in place while a wide strap and cam buckle keep the boat connected to the kayak’s wheels. With a weight limit of 260 pounds, but only 10 pounds, the C-Tug can handle the heaviest kayak loaded with gear, food, and water, and still deploy undetected in a bow hatch or rough well . The stroller breaks down in seconds, the unique locks release the wheels, and the saddles and cross bar can be separated.
The C-tug sits low to the ground, making it easy to lift the boat and load it onto the saddle. Lightweight, strong and easy to use, the C-Tug has become one of the most popular models among experienced kayak anglers.
Do you need a kayak cart for it get through sand and rough ground?
One of the biggest advantages of kayak fishing is sending the small plastic boat into an isolated area of water that other anglers can’t reach. Among kayak anglers, this is called commando launching. Getting the kayak out on the water often requires rolling it over rocky or sandy terrain, which means you need a kayak with large, low-pressure tires.
Best for rough terrain: Suspenz Deluxe Balloon Sand Cart
Low pressure balloon tires distribute the weight of the kayak, roll over obstacles and absorb shocks. Suspension
Like four wheels for your kayak, the Suspenz Deluxe Balloon Sand Cart will take almost any kayak almost anywhere.
The 12-inch balloon wheels distribute the weight of the kayak so the cart floats over sand and soft ground. The large wheels also provide more ground clearance to get over logs and rocks without hanging up.
Even with the big wheels, the cart’s saddle is low to the ground to make loading easier. Padded rails hold the kayak in place and prevent damage to the hull. The DLX Beach Stroller comes with a large strap and a metal cam buckle to secure the stroller. Suspension includes two strap lengths to accommodate large boats or a SUP.
Our favorite feature is the sturdy double-arm kickstand that holds the dolly in place while loading the kayak. Nothing is more frustrating than lifting a heavy kayak only to have the cart collapse or slip before the boat is safe.
The DLX suspension is bright yellow and bright black for a sharp look. Quick release compartments allow the wheels to be removed so the frame can be folded for transport and storage. The stroller also comes with a tire pump to keep the tires inflated to the optimal pressure.
Do you need to carry a tunnel hull or a tri hull kayak?
Stand-up kayaks and pedal boats often have a tunnel or triple hull that can be difficult to fit into a regular kayak cart. For these, a kayak cart that has adjustable heads is best, as you can adjust the saddle to the hull of the kayak.
Best for a Tunnel Hull or Tri Hull Kayak: Malone ATB Large Kayak Cart
The rails can be moved in and out to fit the shape of the hull. Malone
The best kayak cart for an oddly shaped hull is Malone’s large WideTrak ATB kayak cart with an adjustable saddle for any boat. Two padded rails parallel to the tires can be moved in and out to accommodate a tunnel hull, V-hull or anything in between. Remove the rails to tow a flat hull. The rails are padded to hold the boat in place and two large straps with a metal cam buckle secure the boat to the cart.
For the best ground clearance to jump over parking blocks and curbs, 12-inch never-flat plastic tires carry the heaviest kayak. Stainless steel components and an aluminum frame are corrosion resistant and strong for a lifetime of service.
The Malone WideTrak has a 250-pound capacity to hold the largest full-featured and full-size kayaks. The construction and materials are strong enough to handle the weight.
Want a light seamark?
Not everyone needs a heavy duty kayak dolly. Anglers with a smaller boat or less storage space may want a small kayak cart that can be packed away or stowed aboard and won’t add much weight.
Lightest weight: Harmony Gear Boat Cart
Rolls a small kayak or SUP into the launch, then packs and hides in a hatch. Harmony Gear
Constructed of thin-walled aluminum, the Harmony speedboat’s undercarriage is lightweight while still maintaining enough rigidity to support a 150-pound load. Dual holders hold the kayak dolly in place during loading. When it’s time to roll, the braces fold away. The kayak’s undercarriage is low to the ground for easy loading. Use a camera strap to secure the boat to the cart.
We like grippy pneumatic tires. Unlike the plastic tires that never go flat on many strollers, air-filled and inflated boat-cart tires absorb bumps and roll over obstacles with ease. They also make less noise when you’re hiding in a hidden fishing hole.
The boat trailer’s compact size is easy to pack into a kayak hatch or toss in the trunk of a car and breaks down in seconds to store in a hatch or paddleboard strap.
Budget Kayak GEAR: What you get for less than $70
If you only need to transport your kayak occasionally, you can get an inexpensive kayak cart that will get the job done. It won’t have balloon tires or be the easiest cart to load and unload, but it will save you from lugging your kayak and gear by hand from point to point.
Best Cheap Kayak Cart: Ascend Sit On Top Kayak Cart
The Ascend Sit On Top Kayak Cart gets your boat on the water on a budget. Stick
The Bass Pro Shops Kayak Cart, Ascend Sit On Top Cart, uses a simple operation to save time and hassle when launching.
Instead of a kayak’s straps and saddle, this set of kayak wheels uses two poles that fit into the flaps of a sit-on-top kayak. To load the kayak, turn it on its side, slide the poles into the scuppers and turn the kayak upright. At launch, lift the kayak and the cart falls off the scuppers.
The wheels have adjustable cross bars to accommodate different sizes of kayaks. Rubber pads on the supports prevent slipping and protect the hull. The heavy duty steel frame will not bend or twist under pressure. Airless wheels roll the boat with ease and never flat.
Not only is it the lightest and most compact stroller in this roundup, but the Ascend Sit On Top model costs less than half of the other strollers, proving that you can pull off without breaking the bank.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do you put a kayak on a cart?
When you arrive at a launch, pull your vehicle into a parking spot instead of blocking the launch pad. Next, unload the kayak from your vehicle onto the ground and place the cart next to the kayak next to the seat. Lift the kayak from the edge and roll it over the cart so that the kayak seat is on the cart. Attach the kayak to the frame. Load the kayak with tackle, rods, electronics, life jackets and paddles, and roll the kayak through the parking lot to the launch. Unload the kayak gear, turn the stroller into a car or put it in your kayak and ride off like John Wayne into the sunrise.
Q: Which kayak cart wheels are the best?
There are three main choices for kayak cart wheels: pneumatic, never-flat, and balloon.
Pneumatic tires are rubber and filled with air. The large knobs on the tires provide more traction and the air-filled wheels absorb shocks and vibrations. Air-filled tires are also quieter.
Tires that never go flat require no maintenance, are not affected by temperatures or sharp objects and are always ready to go.
For rough terrain and sand, nothing beats low-pressure balloon tires. These wheels look like a big beach ball and spread the weight of the kayak so the tire doesn’t sink on soft surfaces. Low-pressure tires absorb shock and vibration for a smooth roll when launching the kayak. Even large logs and rocks will not stop the all-terrain balloon tires.
Q: What do you do with your kayak cart when you set out?
After you roll your kayak into the water, what do you do with your kayak cart when you launch? If appropriate, return the stroller to the car. Some anglers detach the cart and insert it into the kayak hatch (see our kayak cart recommendations above for models that break down easily). Other fishermen attach the cart to the tank behind the seat. Another option is to wire the cart to a tree.
It’s wise to invest in a kayak cart so you don’t damage your kayak by dragging it across pavement and rocky ground. Using a cart takes a lot less effort than carrying a kayak – and you can use that energy to paddle farther and fish more.