10 Best Canoe and Kayak Carts To Buy In 2024
Which Kayak/Canoe Cart Should You Get?
Many kayakers have discovered sadly that transporting their kayak from the car park or home to the water itself can oftentimes remove the fun from their kayaking experience. This is enough to put many off the sport, especially recreational paddlers.
Kayak anglers even have it more strenuous as they have to transport not only their kayaks but their gears as well. This makes transporting their kayaks and gear strenuous, burdensome, and time-consuming.
This challenge is not limited to kayakers alone as most canoe paddlers have similar experiences. You might be wondering why is it so? The answer is simple.
Wrong method of transportation. In this age of multiple technological advancements, life has truly been made easier. The solution to the burdensome carting of your kayak or canoe is a kayak or canoe cart.
Kayak/canoe dolly carts not only make transporting your kayak simple and smart, but it also introduces fun to every aspect of kayaking – from transporting your kayak to paddling and fishing.
1. Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
The Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak cart takes away from you the burden of carrying not just your kayak but your gears included. With an amazingly high weight capacity, you can fully load your kayak before strapping it to the cart.
The Wilderness Systems designed this cart with the ability to transport your heavy-duty kayak easily and with no damage to the scupper holes.
The cart is designed with a bunker bar-style frame. The bunker bar frames are parallel to each other and each is padded to serve as a shock absorber.
The bunker frame fits into the contour of the kayak to provide balance and prevents the kayak from twisting on uneven grounds. The bars can be adjusted laterally to fit into the contour of your kayak.
This makes the Wilderness Systems Heavy-duty kayak cart suitable for use with many kayak models. The frame of this kayak cart has 2 height levels –low height and high height levels.
The low height is preferable because it provides a lower center of gravity. The high level is advised for kayaks that rub against the wheels of the cart when in the low configuration.
The Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak cart is amazingly easy to load and unload. All you need to do is place the cart on a balanced ground and lift your kayak over it.
There is no need for kickstands or scupper poles with the Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak cart. It molds into the contours of your kayak providing a perfect fit.
It comes with 2 straps to secure your kayak firmly to the cart. Even better is the weight capacity of this cart. The Wilderness Systems designed this kayak cart to have superior strength.
It is constructed with marine-grade, heat-treated aluminum alloy for exceptional carrying strength. The Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak has 2 wheel options (airless and beach wheels) both with amazing carrying capacities.
The Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak with inflatable beach wheels has a weight capacity of 330 pounds while with the airless wheels you have a carrying capacity of a whopping 450 pounds!
With the airless wheels, the Wilderness Systems rolls over uneven terrains with ease. The inflatable beach wheels are more compatible with sandy terrains.
Both wheel types are large with the airless wheels having 12 inches diameter while the beach wheels have a diameter of 13 inches.
Both wheels are durable and strong but are more suited for different terrains and have different weight capacities. You can pick your most preferred option depending on the road type you would have to transport your kayak over more frequently.
To get the best of both worlds, you can get either of the wheel types and purchase the other wheel. This way you can change your wheels depending on your needs. Both wheel types can be used on the same frame.
The airless no-flat wheels are more suitable for a wider range of terrains. Regardless of the wheel type, the bunker bar frame has an adjustable width of 16 inches.
The Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak cart is collapsible. It can be taken apart for compact storage and transport. Irrespective of whether your water vessel is a single kayak, tandem kayak, sit-in or sit-on kayak, canoe, or even a Jon boat, this cart can transport it conveniently.
Pros
- Exceptional weight capacity
- Bunker bar frame prevents damage to the kayak’s hull
- Single frame can be used with either beach wheels or airless wheels
- The frame has an adjustable height and weight
- Constructed of marine-grade aluminum alloy
- Can be used with various kayak types and sizes
- Requires no kickstand
Cons
- The bunker bar frame has minimal cushioning
- Cannot fit into small kayak hatches
2. Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart
The Suspenz Smart Airless DLX cart is almost ready to use out of the box. All you need to assemble are the tires. It is lightweight and can be used by everyone – but the young and old.
The deep V-hull gives it superior stability when transporting your kayak. The Smart Airless DLX cart comes with four straps positioned strategically. This is twice the number of straps most kayak carts come with.
This ensures double support for your kayak and prevents slipping around. The 2 long straps are placed on one side of the cart and the 2 shorter straps are placed on the other end of the cart for excellent strapping of your kayak to your cart.
To use the Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart, balance the cart on the ground with the kickstand facing forward and then gently lower the kayak on the cart.
Ensure that the straps are not entangled before placing the kayak or canoe on your cart. After placing the kayak on your cart, the cart will rotate upward to support the kayak.
Wrap the straps around the kayak and ensure they fit snugly before attempting to pull or push your kayak. Kick up the kickstand and roll your kayak to your destination. The Suspenz Smart Airless DLX cart is simple to assemble and use.
With a weight capacity of 150 pounds, the Smart Airless DLX Cart doesn’t have the best carrying capacity but it can conveniently transport a moderately sized kayak. It does come with a bag that can accommodate both the frame and wheel of the cart for easy transport.
The airless tires have a diameter of 10 inches and can be used on uneven terrains. The frame is made of powdered aluminum with stainless steel for improved durability.
The frame is padded with rubber to cushion your boat from impacts and prevent the hull from dents. High-quality rubber pads provide superior cushioning ability when compared to most foam padding.
The Suspenz Smart Airless DLX is highly resistant to corrosion. The cart is suitable for both sit-on and sit-in kayaks. The airless wheels are made of molded plastic which makes it easier to transport your kayak over rocky grounds.
The mid-V platform prevents shifting around of your kayak while the flat platform makes the cart suitable for canoes and flat-bottom kayaks.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Airless
- Wheel diameter – 10 inches
- Wheel width – 3 inches
- Dimensions
- Platform – 14 x 18 inches
- Folded – 21 x 13 x 3 inches
- Weight – 9 pounds
- Weight capacity – 150 pounds
- Frame – Powder-coated aluminum with stainless steel
Pros
- No tool is required to assemble
- Comes with a mesh bag for convenient storage and transportation.
- Powder coated aluminum frame with stainless steel provides more durability
- Rubber padding
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fairly low weight capacity
- Performs poorly on very uneven grounds
3. RAILBLAZA C-Tug Kayak Cart
The RAILBLAZA C-Tug kayak cart is arguably the most widely known and accepted kayak cart in the market. The puncture-free airless tires made of plastic are corrosion-resistant and can transverse diverse terrains with ease.
Constructed from UV-resistant, non-corroding plastics, and stainless steel, the RAILBLAZA C-Tug will serve you well for a long time. This uniquely designed kayak cart has a weight capacity of 260 pounds so its usage is not limited to small kayaks only.
It can be used for your tandem kayak as well. The C-Tug cart can easily be disassembled and kept in your canoe or kayak when you are paddling on the water.
This rugged kayak cart is compatible with many kayak hulls from manufacturers like Wilderness Systems, Old Town, Hobie, FeelFree, and many others. Every part of the C-Tug cart including the stainless steel reinforced axels is resistant to rust. This means that rust will not diminish the quality of this kayak cart with time.
The thermo-bonded elastomeric pads are adjustable and have similar properties to rubber providing enough cushion for your kayak or canoe when transporting. This reduces impacts and protects against dents.
Despite its high weight capacity, this cart is very lightweight. The adjustable kickstand makes loading of the C-Tug a breeze while the 2.8m long strap with heavy-duty buckle secures the kayak or canoe to your cart.
If you want a long-lasting, multi-purpose, multi-terrain canoe and kayak cart, then the RAILBLAZA C-Tug is an excellent choice. It can transport even the heaviest of kayaks. The RAILBLAZA C-Tug kayak cart has a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Plastic
- Weight – 10 pounds (4.3 kg)
- Weight capacity – 260 pounds (120 kg)
- Dimension – 6 x 10 x 30 inches (L x W x H)
- Strap length – 9 feet (2.8 m)
- Frame – Reinforced composite material
Pros
- Dismantles in less than a minute
- Requires no tools for assembly
- Weight capacity of over 250 pounds
- Corrosion-resistant construction
- Wheels are puncture-proof and airless
- Adjustable kickstand
- Stainless steel reinforced axles
- Rubberized pads
Cons
- When dismantled, the C-Tug may not fit into small kayak hatches
4. Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart
The WideTrak ATB by Malone Auto Racks provides relief when transporting your kayak or canoe from your vehicle to the water. With its high weight capacity, it can transport heavy canoes and kayaks like tandem and fishing kayaks conveniently.
The 12 inches airless tires would serve you well over multiple terrains and are resistant. With this tire type, you don’t have to worry about having an air pump with you as the tires cannot go flat.
The 24-inch frame is well padded to prevent scratches, dents, or damage to the hull of your kayak. With its 2 kickstands, the Malone WideTrak provides exceptional stability when loading and offloading this kayak cart.
You can be reassured that the cart won’t lose balance when loading as well as when unloading. The stability provided by this kayak cart is parallel to none. The stainless steel fittings of this cart are corrosion-resistant providing additional durability.
The Malone WideTrak comes with 2 buckle straps for securing your kayak. Each strap has a length of 11 inches making it long enough to accommodate even the widest of kayaks. This kayak cart is larger than many others to accommodate larger kayaks and canoes.
With the Malone WideTrak, you get a cart with a foldable and adjustable frame, non-puncture tires suitable for rough terrains, a wide frame to accommodate large kayaks or canoes, well-padded bunks, long buckle straps, and a limited lifetime warranty.
If you are interested in a universal kayak, worth the price, durable, and easy to assemble and disassemble, the Malone WideTrak kayak cart is a perfect choice.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Puncture free
- Wheel diameter – 12 inches
- Wheel width – 3 inches
- Dimensions – 14 x 33 x 16 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight capacity – 250 pounds (115 kg)
- Frame to boat contact width – 24 inches
- Strap length – 11 feet (3.35m)
- Padding – 1.75 inches diameter foam
- Frame – Marine Graded Anodized Aluminum
Pros
- Universally compatible with various kayaks and canoes
- Rugged tires can handle very uneven terrains
- Long straps
- Lightweight
- Above average weight capacity
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Push button wheel release feature
- Foldable frame
Cons
- Not the best on sandy terrains
- Wider than most carts (allows easy transportation of kayaks with wider hulls)
5. ILOKNZI Quick-Detachable Aluminum Sit-on Kayak Cart
ILOKNZI Quick-Detachable Aluminum Sit-on Kayak Cart is a very unique cart due to the ultra-high strength industrial materials it is made of.
Every part of this cart is made of high-quality materials from the aluminum frame to the gray rubber that provides a resting platform for your sit-on kayak. The rubber also protects the hull of your kayak.
As a result of the quality of material the ILOKNZI sit-on kayak cart is made of, it is resistant to corrosion and rust. It is extremely durable providing you with a kayak cart with long service life.
This kayak cart is lightweight yet efficient. The tires are designed to be suitable for various road types whether sand, gravel, wooded areas, grass, or stairs.
The tires do not need to be inflated hence, they can never go flat. No tools are needed to set up or dismember the ILOKNZI Quick Detachable Aluminum sit-on kayak cart. Assembly time is less than 1 minute.
This means you don’t waste precious time setting up or packing away this kayak cart. Another amazing feature is that the width can be adjusted to fit your kayak.
This kayak fits into the scupper holes of sit-on kayaks. It is therefore important to ensure that the distance between both poles is perfectly compatible with the kayak you want to use it with.
The distance is adjustable within a range of 4 – 16.8 inches. Once your kayak is properly placed, you can transport it without worries.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Puncture free
- Wheel diameter – 8 inches
- Dimensions – 19.6 inches (height)
- Weight – 3.57 pounds (1.6 kg)
- Weight capacity – 220 pounds (100 kg)
- Width range – 4-16.8 inches
- Frame – Aluminum
Pros
- Made of lightweight and rugged materials
- The frame is resistant to rust and corrosion
- Long service life
- Adjustable width range
- Wheels are puncture-free and compatible with multiple terrains
- Generous carrying capacity
- Does not need straps
- Great customer service
- Affordable
Cons
- Not a universal carrier (suitable for sit-on-top kayaks only)
6. Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley
With a capacity of 165 pounds, the Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Dolly is suitable for transporting not-too-heavy water vessels (kayaks, floating mats, canoes, etc). It is made of a sturdy aluminum frame which is insulated with foam bumpers on each arm.
This protects your canoe and kayak hulls from scratches, dents, and other damages due to irregularities when transporting them to and back from the water.
On the foot of this kayak cart are rubber bumpers that prolong longevity by providing insulation from wear and tear.
The pneumatic wheels that come with this Bonnlo kayak cart are large and designed such that they provide an effortless glide across sand and gravel terrains among others.
Each tire has a diameter of 10 inches and a width of 3 inches to facilitate easy movement of the cart even when loaded. Assembling and disassembling this canoe cart is like a walk in the park.
With no need for tools of any kind, you can dismantle the cart for easy transport or storage and reassemble it when needed in no time.
Another amazing feature of this kayak cart is the 12-inch spring-loaded stand. This keeps the cart in the proper position for loading and unloading. You can be rest assured that if placed properly, the kayak cart won’t lose position when loading and unloading.
What’s more? The strap! The (2) 12 feet straps will keep your kayak in place even when rolled across far distances. Your kayak is not coming off except you lift it off yourself.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Pneumatic tires
- Wheel diameter – 12 inches
- Wheel width – 3 inches
- Weight capacity – 165 pounds
- Stand – 12 inches spring-loaded
- Frame – Sturdy aluminum frame
Pros
- Ease of assembly and disassembly
- Affordable
- Amazing wheels
- Good weight capacity
- Easy to transport
- The 12-inch spring-loaded stand provides maximum support
Cons
- Straps might need to be replaced
7. Bonnlo Kayak Beach Cart with Balloon Wheels
The Bonnlo Kayak Beach Cart with balloon wheels is a beautiful creation by Bonnlo targeted at paddlers who primarily have to transport their paddleboards, kayak, or canoe across sandy terrains.
The 12-inch low-pressure balloon tires make movement smooth and effortless on sandy roads. This cart is not limited to sandy terrains only as it can also be used on other terrains.
The foam pads protect the hull of your kayak or canoe from impacts and dents. This beach kayak cart by Bonnlo has its frame made of aluminum anodized stainless steel for improved strength and ruggedness.
With a carrying limit of 165 pounds transporting your kayak or canoe to and from the beach, lake, or riverside is made easy.
You don’t need tools to put this cart together. After usage, this kayak cart by Bonnlo breaks down swiftly for convenient transport and storage. If you are concerned about space and ease of transportation, the Bonnlo kayak cart with balloon wheels is the answer you have been looking for.
The kickstand provides additional stability when loading and unloading. This kayak cart comes with foam pads that protect your kayak hull from injury and rubber bumpers that protect the foot of the cart itself from wearing out.
With the 2 straps, you can firmly secure your canoe or kayak to the cart with little to no slipping around. Each strap has a length of 7.75 feet (2.4 meters). To top it off, this product comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Beach wheels
- Wheel diameter – 12 inches
- Dimensions – 38.375 x 13.25 x 12 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight – 15.4 pounds (7 kg)
- Weight capacity – 165 pounds (75 kg)
- Stand – 10-inch spring-loaded
- Frame – Sturdy Aluminum
Pros
- Toolless assembly
- Versatile – can be used to transport paddleboards, floating mat, canoe, kayaks, etc.
- Weight capacity – 165 pounds
- Easy to assembly and disassemble
- Streamlined movement
- Affordable
- Makes transporting your kayak stress-free
Cons
- The wheels are not suited for hard surfaces
- Ground clearance is low
8. Kayak Cart by RAD Sportz
This kayak cart by RAD SPORTZ has a 140-pound capacity and can conveniently transport canoes and kayaks to and from the water. With the 10-inch diameter plastic wheels, deflation is not an issue with this kayak cart.
You have no reason to be scared of puncture even on uneven terrain as the polyurethane plastic wheels are puncture resistant. The tires provide good traction on sandy and wooden terrains which makes transporting a breeze.
The design is such that the RAD SPORTZ kayak cart is compatible with both sit-in and sit-on kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and Jon boats.
For extra stability, this kayak has 2 kickstands and nylon tie-down straps to keep your kayak in place during motion. With the foam pads, your kayak is protected from dents and scratches due to bumps and uneven terrain.
The powder-coated aluminum frame is durable, corrosion-resistant, and foldable. It is conveniently foldable for storage and transportation. The release pins allow for easy removal of the wheels for compact storage.
For a painless transport of your kayak or canoe to and from the water, the RAD SPORTZ Kayak Cart is a smart choice.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Airless tires (plastic)
- Wheel diameter – 9.5 inches
- Dimensions – 27.5 x 13 x 12 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight – 9 pounds
- Weight capacity – 140 pounds ( 63.5 kg)
- Frame – Powder-Coated Aluminum
Pros
- Folds down easily and occupies little storage space
- Sturdy and stable
- Tires will never deflate
- Straps are made of nylon
- Foam pads on the frame protect the hull of your kayak
- Inexpensive
- Effective
Cons
- Low weight capacity
9. GanFindX Quick-Detachable Sit-On-Top Stainless Steel Kayak Cart
The GanFindX is a sit-on-top kayak cart that is adjustable to fit many sit-on-top models without causing damage to the scupper holes. With the grey rubber gaskets, the hull of your kayak is fully shielded from metal knocks.
The GanFindX is made of stainless steel and highly durable rubber which is resistant to rust and corrosion. With this kayak cart, simple is more. The construction is simple but highly effective.
Weighing less than 4 pounds it has a weight capacity that is more than 60 times its weight. Though lightweight at 3.9 pounds, this kayak cart has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. The GanFindX can be used under various circumstances and on varying terrains.
The airless tires provide a firm and stable grip which makes transporting over sandy, grassy, woody, and gravel floors smooth and effortless. The tires are airless and made of solid rubber hence, they don’t need to be inflated before use.
The GanFindX Quick-Detachable Sit-On-Top Stainless Steel Kayak Cart is designed to be symmetrical and uncomplicated.
These features allow for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the kayak cart. In about half a minute, the GanFindX can be assembled and ready for use. It can also be transported easily without disassembling thanks to its structure and weight.
With a properly calibrated scale at the bottom of the cart, this GanFindX can be adjusted to accurately fit into the scupper holes of your kayak. This kayak cart is specifically designed for sit-on-top kayak models.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Airless tires
- Wheel diameter – 8 inches
- Dimensions – 21.5 x 11.1 x 3.75 inches
- Weight – 3. 9 pounds (1.8 kg)
- Weight capacity – 250 pounds (113.4 kg)
- Width adjustment range according to the drain – 2.6 – 17 inches
- Frame – High-Strength Stainless Steel
Pros
- No tools for quick assembly
- Lightweight
- 3 steps intelligent operations
- Great weight capacity
- Can be personalized to fit individual kayaks
- Aesthetically appealing
- Made of long-lasting stainless steel
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Not suitable for sit-in kayak models
- Frame height is not adjustable
10. ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
The ABN Universal Boat Carrier has a 200-pound weight capacity and is suitable for carting your kayak, paddleboard, float mat, canoe, or Jon boat to the water.
This removes the difficulties associated with the transporting of your kayak, canoe, and other small water vessels. The ABN kayak cart is manufactured from high-strength anodized steel to ensure durability.
Despite the weight capacity, this kayak cart weighs only 8 pounds. The tires have a height of 9.5 inches and take little to inflate with the help of a bike pump.
Once inflated, the tires provide streamlined movement on multiple terrains including sandy, wooded, and gravel areas. The tires are best suited for soft and sandy terrains.
The frame is well padded with foam bumper pads that serve as shock absorbers and protect your boat from dents or scratches due to bumps.
With the spring-loaded kickstand, loading and unloading the ABN Universal Kayak Cart is pretty easy. The 12-foot straps make securing your water vessel to the cart effective.
If as a kayak lover you are interested in a compact and foldable cart, the ABN Universal Cart might just be what you have been looking for. For easy storage and transport, the tires can be swiftly removed thanks to the lynchpin.
The frame can then be folded and stored in a large backpack. The ABN Kayak Cart is suitable for many kayak models as well as other water vessels and is made of corrosion-resistant materials.
To get the best out of this kayak cart and avoid difficulty when transporting your kayak, the ABN universal kayak cart should not be used on very bumpy or uneven terrains.
The ABN Universal kayak cart is affordable, durable, and has a great weight capacity. This product comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Specifications
- Wheel type – Pneumatic tires
- Wheel diameter – 9.5 inches
- Dimensions – 22 x 9.2 x 13 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight – 8 pounds (3.6 kg)
- Weight capacity – 200 pounds (90.7 kg)
- Strap length – 12 feet (3.65m)
- Frame – High-Strength Anodized Steel
Pros
- This kayak cart is affordable
- Pneumatic tires provide good traction
- Compact and easy to transport
- Good weight capacity
- Durable and resistant to rust
- Features a spring-loaded kickstand for easy loading and unloading
- Long tie-down straps
- It is a universal kayak carrier
Cons
- Not the most stable kayak cart
- Air pump needs to be purchased separately
Like any other product, there are various types and models of canoe and kayak carts. We have reviewed the very best that ensure your kayak is protected from mishaps as well as convenient for you the user. In this article, we looked at the various types of carts in detail.
You would find one tailored specifically to meet your needs. Many of the dollies discussed here are universal meaning they can cart both your kayak and canoe among other boat types.
One of the major features to pay attention to apart from the weight capacities of the carts is the wheel type. Select a wheel type that best works for the terrain(s) you would be moving your cart over frequently.
Without boring you, let’s get straight into the reason why you are reading this article. What are the best carts that are worth your money?
We are convinced that if you have read this article, you can tell that having a good kayak cart is a necessity. This would make your kayak expeditions as well as other water sports hassle-free and interesting. Preventing you from being tired before the sport even begins.
However, what should guide your choice of kayak cart is the kayak you own and the terrain you would need to cross to get to either the beach, lake, or river.
Now you can go on to enjoy stress-free transport of your canoe as well as your kayak. Enjoy your paddling!
