How to how to choose and use the best foldable or static kayak cart. Buying Guide for Beginners!

Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it can be hard to transport your kayak.

Some people try to carry their kayaks on top of their cars and risk damaging them or even injuring themselves in the process. Others end up renting expensive trailers that they don’t need for one trip.

A kayak cart or trolly makes transporting your kayak easy! The key is using the right kind of cart for your situation – this guide will help you figure out which one is best! This article will show you how easy it is to use these handy devices so you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about how you’re going to get your kayak there!

Let’s take a look at different types of kayak trolleys and choose the most suitable one for you!

How to choose the best kayak cart – types of Kayak Carts and trolleys

There are a few types of kayak carts and trolleys available at stores, which you can choose from.

Folding Cart / Taildraggers

These are ideal for flat surfaces like terrain, beaches, and sidewalks. They feature all-terrain wheels with a folding steel frame that is adjustable for any height. These are then attached to your kayak with two bars, which can be quickly removed once you are ready to place your kayak in the water.

Sit-on-top (SOT)Kayak Cart/Trolley

These kayak trolleys are designed to work with sit-on-top kayaks, which feature a wide area for you to sit on. This makes it easy to wheel your kayak around. Its scupper holes allow water to drain from the kayak and you can plug the cart into these holes securely.

This is the type I use for my sit-on-top kayak because once I’ve wheeled it to the water, I can unplug the trolley from the kayak, and then insert it on top – meaning you can take your kayak trolley with you if you want to portage across the land during your trip. 

Beach Wheelchair

These are great for transporting a kayak on the sand and other loose terrains. They feature 8-inch wheels with sturdy nylon tires that can carry up to 400 pounds.

Sit-in trolleys

A cart or trolley designed specifically for sit-in kayaks that do not have scupper holes or drain holes. These are mounted on two tracks, which you attach to your kayak with straps.  It can easily be rolled along sidewalks and flat surfaces.

They are generally smaller than sit-on trolleys, so they may not work as well on all terrains.

Strap Cart/Trolley

This cart consists of five adjustable straps that can secure your kayak to it. This cart consists of five adjustable straps that can secure your kayak.  The cart itself features a foam base that prevents your kayak from getting scratched.

It features a folding steel frame that is adjustable for any kayak. It also has an aluminum paddle across the front of the cart,  which is very useful for pushing the cart over obstacles such as rocks, gravel, and sand.

How to Use a Kayak Cart

Here you will learn how to use sit-in kayaks vs sit-on-top kayaks. As you may already know, there are some differences between carts/trolleys that will affect your choice of a kayak cart, so make sure you keep these things in mind when buying one.

Here are some tips for loading your kayak on the cart and using it to transport your kayak properly.

• First, lift your kayak into the air and position its hull on top of the cart.
• Make sure that you are doing this correctly by having it parallel to the ground with both ends resting evenly on each side of the cart.
• It is important not to place the bow of the kayak too high, as this can damage your boat.
• Once you have it positioned correctly, make sure that its weight is resting on the cart’s center and not to one side or another.
• Next, secure it in place by tightening the straps around its hull.

Things to Consider When Buying – The Ultimate Buying Guide!

As you know, there are quite a few things that need to be taken into consideration if you want to end up with the best kayak trolley.

Cart Construction Material

The construction material used to make the trolley will determine its weight, durability, and cost. Your best choice is aluminum. It is a good choice for durability and is very lightweight.

Cart Capacity

The capacity is a crucial element in any kayak cart. This refers to how much weight it can support, usually measured in pounds. When choosing your kayak cart, you should consider your needs and pick one that can support them comfortably. The lighter the boat you will be transporting, the lighter the cart you will need.

Adjustability of the cart

The ideal kayak trolley features adjustable parts, which allow you to make any necessary adjustments as needed.

Stability and Durability of the trolley

They should be sturdy enough to carry your kayak safely. Stability is important in preventing accidents and injuries when you are loading/unloading your kayak, especially in case it slips off the cart. The durability is important because you won’t want to buy a new cart every few years. A good kayak trolley should last as long as possible.

Ease of use and size of the cart

You want it to be simple and easy to use. You should also consider its storage size. This is especially important if you live in a small house or apartment. Some carts are not easy to store because they lack an adjustable size, so this is something to keep in mind when shopping.

Cart Portability

Portability is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a cart. You should choose a cart that comes with wheels and is lightweight, allowing it to be easily transported from one place to another. You should also look for a cart that can be collapsed into a smaller size if needed, which is something else to keep in mind when shopping.

Trolley Wheels

Some carts feature all-terrain wheels, which can handle a variety of surfaces. Others feature beach wheels, which often consist of inflatable tires. Beach wheels work well on sand and other loose surfaces.

Cart Pricing

The price of a kayak cart can vary widely. You should consider your needs and budget before going ahead with a purchase.

You can find kayak trolleys online and in specialty gear shops. The price of a cart will depend on its size, weight capacity, construction material used, ease of use, portability, and many other factors.

Top Best Kayak Carts/Trolley

Let’s see the top Best kayak cart for sand. Here we have also compared the top features of the top Best kayak carts.

Table for Top Best Kayak Cart/Trolly

Product	Weight	Dimensions	Check Price (Link)
Best Kayak Cart for Sand – Top Picks!
TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001	7.93 pounds	13 x 22 x 9.25 inches	Click Here
RAILBLAZA C-Tug with SandTrakz Wheels	11.5 Pounds	24.5 x 12.5 x 8 inches	Click Here
ILOKNZI Quick-Detachable Lightweight Aluminum Kayak	10 Pounds	20.5 x 10.5 x 8 inches	Click Here
Perception Kayaks Large Kayak Cart with Foam Wheels	7 Pounds	6.25 x 27 x 15 inches	Click Here
Newcod Kayak Cart, Kayak Doll	13.23 Pounds	36.2 x 18.8 x 7.3 inches	Click Here
Best kayak Cart for Rough Terrain – Top 5
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart	9.6 Pounds	6 x 10 x 30 inches	Click Here
GanFindX Quick-Detachable Stainless Steel Sit on Top Kayak Cart	6.85 Pounds	27.9 x 22.1 x 7 inches	Click Here
Suspenz Sk Airless Cart, Yellow, 24″ x 10.5″	7.2 Pounds	10 x 23 x 12 inches	Click Here
Bonnlo CART-Canoe Kayak Boat Carrier Tote Trolley	‎8.2 pounds	‎28 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches	Click Here
MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart	‎8.18 pounds	‎32.7 x 15.4 x 3.54 inches	Click Here
Best kayak Cart for Hobie Outback – Top Rated
Hobie Heavy Duty Plug-In Kayak Cart	6.79 pounds	36 x 36 x 8 inches	Click Here
Best Kayak Cart For Bonafide Ss127
TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak	7.93 pounds	13 x 22 x 9.25 inches	Click Here
Best Kayak Cart For Old Town Predator
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier	‎7.78 pounds	22 x 9.2 x 13 inches	Click Here
Best Kayak Cart For Jackson Big Rig
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart	8.11 pounds	27 x 13 x 6.1 inches	Click Here

Best Kayak Cart for Sand – Top Picks!

In a kayak, one of the most useful accessories you can have is a cart. With these carts, you can load and unload your kayak from the top of your car, carry it to the water’s edge, and easily dump it overboard when you are ready to go.

1- TMS Kayak Cart – Canoe/Kayak-KY001

The canoe/kayak cart is designed to accommodate almost any kayak. It has a folding tow bar with an adjustable handle, allowing it to fit easily into most vehicles. The wide, sturdy base allows you to store the kayak on top of the car for easy loading and unloading. The cart also comes with two 15 inch pneumatic tires which will ensure a smooth ride over rough roads or grass.

Best Features: The TMS Cart W/Canoe Dolly is the ultimate kayak dolly. Build up your boat with this wagon-style folding cart, designed to move either canoes or kayaks on land.

You have finally found the solution for hauling boats down sandy beaches and concrete ramps, out of muddy lakeshores without worrying about slipping off the edge of a dock, dragging through sand bars that flatten tires quickly, or dealing with excess flex in tires that may create leaks.

The TMS Canoe/Kayak Carrier packs up easily into two small packages measuring about 4′ long by 2′ wide by 22 – 23″ high (with wheels removed). You’ll find plenty of room under your car seat or behind your seat for the carrier just about anywhere to keep it out of sight. The entire carrier weighs less than 20 pounds and can carry boats weighing up to 100 pounds.

Pros:

• The TMS Cart W/Canoe Dolly is designed for ease of use and quality, and it shows well in its sturdy construction.
• Made of heavy-duty steel it can carry up to 100 lbs to transport your kayak.
• It is not only very easy to use but it is also foldable making storage easy.

Cons:

• It supports only up to 100 pounds

2 Railblaza C Tug – The Best Kayak Cart For Sand.

The C-Tug is the ultimate boat trolley with a rigid tubular steel frame that provides excellent stability and comfort for both the skipper and the stoker. The C-Tug has a low center of gravity so it doesn’t roll or flip around in the sand and it has a heavy-duty tow bar that delivers excellent control and safety. The frame folds for easy storage and transport and can be fitted with optional fold-down ski holders

Best Features: Do you want to move your kayak over soft sand without worrying about it getting stuck? This Railblaza C Tug Kayak Cart is a perfect choice. This innovative cart has new puncture-free and Super-strong wheels that reduce the chance of slipping under load. Made from high-quality engineering polymers, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum.

Railblaza parts are durable for use in any environment; whether you’re navigating slippery glassy water surfaces or dragging yourself across a hot beach. The lightweight design makes this product portable enough for any adventure and it can carry any type of kayak!

Pros:

• It has a sturdy frame and is well balanced.
• The Railblaza C Tug kayak cart is one of the most rugged carts available on the market.
• It has an awesome frame that can be folded for easy storage and transportation.
• This trolley comes with puncture-free tires 
• It is super easy to set up and use.

Cons:

• It’s pretty heavy
• It is a bit expensive

3- ILOKNZI Quick – Detachable Aluminum Kayak Trolley Cart

Aluminum kayak carts are fantastic quality and affordable choice for transporting your kayak. The aluminum kayak cart features a bright yellow powder coating for maximum visibility. The Ultralight manual trolley is made of sturdy 1-inch diameter powder-coated aluminum tubing.

The trolley folds up for easy storage and features a soft grip fold-down handle to make transportation comfortable for you.

Best Features: The ILOKNZI Quick-Detachable Lightweight Aluminum Kayak Trolley Cart is a high-quality, convenient, and practical piece of equipment for transporting lightweight kayaks. It features an elegant black synthetic leather bag that stores the contents of the aluminum frame when not in use. With its unique quick detachable design there’s no need to ever assemble it – simply snap each component into place with one hand! The light industrial materials make it both lightweight and durable at nine pounds as well as easy to move with a 55″ adjustable handle height. 

It can be used on any surface thanks to its large front wheels and small rear caster wheels that also provide extra stability when going up or down inclines. Geometric designs make it very easy to lean on while doing things like rooting through your car for snacks or your sunglasses.

Pros:

• It’s lightweight, compact, and folds up making it great for kayak storage
• It’s very easy to assemble
• It comes with large front wheels and small rear caster wheels

Cons:

• It’s pretty expensive for a kayak cart. It only fits small and lightweight fishing kayaks

4- Perception Kayaks Large Kayak Cart with Foam Wheels

Perception Kayaks Large Kayak Cart with Foam Wheels is a stable black kayak trolley for transporting your kayak from the car to the launch area. The cart features large foam wheels for a smooth ride over all kinds of terrain.

Best Benefits: You love kayaking, but then the realizations come crashing in: you have to lug it onto your car and strap it down. Your arms get tired and your backaches. Why not use this Large Kayak Cart with Foam Wheels? This cart has an ergonomic handle for easy transport while its flat-free foam tires will give you a smooth ride over any terrain.

No matter if it’s on the ground or strapped to your roof rack, this cart is so compact and lightweight that storage won’t be a problem either! Approved by Wilderness Systems’ high standards of quality, this cart can hold up to 165 pounds (75 kg), which means you’ll be able to take both kayaks at once! Hooray for convenience!

Pros:

• It’s easy to use
• This kayak cart is very sturdy and durable while also being compact
• It’s perfect for taking kayaks on and off your vehicle
• The foam wheels make it easy to ride over most terrains

Cons:

• It’s a little pricey

5 – Newcod Kayak Cart 

Newcod Kayak Cart is crafted using premium quality durable materials to provide years of service. It is designed to carry kayaks or canoes from the car, down the ramp, and into the water.

Best Benefits: Carrying a kayak can be inconvenient and taxing on your body. Feel the weight lifting off of your shoulders with this Perception Kayaks Large Kayak Cart with Foam Wheels! This product is perfect for easy transport by not only carrying your kayaks to lakes but also walking down hills or up steps.

With balloon-type wheels to absorb shock, this cart is smooth rolling which helps reduce wear and tear on you, as well as protect against scratches. It folds in seconds for minimal storage space, has durable straps to secure multiple loads securely, features sufficient load capacity between 800-1200 lbs., and many more great qualities that make it an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiast! It’s the best kayak cart for sand and water, thanks to its durable design.

Pros:

• This cart is lightweight and easy to fold up
• It’s very durable and can hold a lot of weight
• The foam wheels make it very easy to ride over many different terrains
• It’s much cheaper compared to other kayak carts

Cons:

• This kayak cart doesn’t accommodate all kayaks

Best kayak Cart for Rough Terrain – Top 5

The kayak cart should be able to allow your kayak to move with minimal effort. This is important in different situations, but especially when transporting it through rough terrain. The best carts are the ones that have all-terrain wheels and strong axles that are durable enough to handle a variety of surfaces. Here are the top 5 kayak carts for rough terrain.

1- RAILBLAZA C-TUG Kayak Cart – Best of the Best

The Raiblaza Ctug is very easy to use. It comes with an adjustable strap, making it easy to secure the kayak in place. Its telescopic design allows you to adjust it according to your kayak’s length.

Best Features: Weightless, sturdy, and puncture-free for a hassle-free ride on any terrain. The RailBlaze C-TUG Kayak Cart is designed with your convenience in mind to be easy to set up and tear down so it fits inside your kayak hatches. Puncture Free Wheels keep you from having to worry about a flat tire on this bandwagon of a product! 

Pros:

• Very strong and sturdy
• Adjustable strap, easy to secure the kayak
• Puncture Free Wheels
• The telescopic design adjusts to different kayak lengths

Cons:

• Expensive.

2- GANFindX Quick Detachable Stainless Steel – Sit on Top Kayak Cart 

GanfindX is very easy to use. It comes with its straps, so you do not need to worry about tying the kayak to it.

Why choose the GanFindX Quick Detachable Stainless Steel – Sit on Top Kayak Cart? 

This steel cart is made of grade stainless steel and high-strength rubber, which thoroughly prevents corrosion. GanFindx kayak carts are convenient to detach and carry (3.7lb). The stainless steel construction also ensures years of service. Five strong multipurpose tires can be used on a variety of surfaces, from sand to gravel to dirt paths—even over any obstacles, you might encounter on your journey through nature!

Pros:

• Quick Detachable
• Rubber tire, avoid corrosion
• Multipurpose use
• Strong and sturdy

Cons: 

• Not foldable.

3- Suspenz Sk – Airless Kayak Cart

You’ve seen friends with heavy, awkward kayaks and thought they needed help carrying them around. Well, now it’s time to be that guy! With modifications like an anti-bounce spring system and rubbery pads to keep your boat from getting scratches or dings. The Suspenz Sk – Airless Kayak Cart makes transporting those fun boats as easy as (almost) picking up a book. 

Best Features: It has an anti-bounce spring system & rubber padding so your boat doesn’t get scratched while you’re transporting it. It has a low center of gravity which makes it stable when you load your kayak. It has a maximum capacity of 85 lbs, which is more than enough for most boats.

Pros:

• Way more capacity than the other carts
• Lightweight and compact size
• Cable ties included, easy to transport

Cons: 

• Not foldable.

4- Bonnlo Cart for Rough Terrain- Canoe Kayak Boat Carrier

The Bonnlo Cart for Rough Terrain- Canoe Kayak Boat Carrier is a multipurpose kayak cart that can be used in different situations.

Adapting to the rugged terrain of the outdoors, this robust dolly cart combines protection with convenience. Transport your items with ease across woods, sand, or gravel in this innovative design.

Best Features: The 160Lb capacity allows for large loads while still being lightweight and easy to manage; you can take it anywhere and install it easily without any tools required. It has a nice grip handle on top for confident carriage over rough surfaces and is foldable and compact for easy storage when not in use. 

Pros:

• Multipurpose use
• Foldable, compact size for easy storage
• 160Lb capacity
• Easy to install without tools required

Cons:

• A plastic wheel

5- MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart for Rough Terrain

The MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart for Rough Terrain is a multipurpose kayak cart that can be used in different situations.

The MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Trolley features a sturdy frame and solid tires for durability. The perfect solution to transporting large kayaks from place to place, the MorTime Universal Kayak Trolley can withstand up to 165 pounds.

Best Features: Consider these benefits: no more scratches on your freshly bought kayak from packing straps, our trolleys are ergonomic which means they won’t hurt your back or hands, and their leg-kickstands help provide additional stability when the ground is uneven or hard since it doesn’t depend solely on carrying handles.

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle
• Lightweight can be moved by one person easily
• Folds down for easy storage
• 165Lb capacity

Cons:

• No anti-bounce system
• No anti-winding system

Best kayak Cart for Hobie Outback – Top Rated 

Are you looking for a kayak cart for the Hobie Outback?

Then there is no need to worry about that. Here we have reviewed the best kayak cart for the Hobie Outback. It is available in different models and designs, suitable for single-person kayaks, large kayaks, and canoes.

Hobie Heavy Duty Plug-In Kayak Cart

The Hobie Heavy-Duty Plug-in Kayak Cart with 200 lb per tire is the standard cart for your heavy-duty needs. If you’re looking to transport one thing up to four times as heavy, come get this plug-in kayak cart. It has a higher capacity and more durable tires.

Best Features: This is so much better than your standard plug-in kayak cart. These tires are foam-filled and standard rubber tires with a deep tread pattern – it’s got more capacity than the other carts, plus these rugged tires won’t get mud all over you while giving your best friend an epic ride.

Pros:

• Heavy duty.
• Can be used with Oasis & Outback as well as inflatables
• Comes with square crossbars.
• Will carry 200lbs of weight on each wheel.

Cons:

• Big in size
• Heavy, approximately 15 lbs.
• Expensive compared to other carts.

Best Kayak Cart for Bonafide ss127 – Top Pick Up!

The solution to safely moving and loading a bonafide SS127 kayak is the Kayak Cart that offers high-quality material and a sturdy design. So, you should consider buying a kayak cart.  A kayak cart is a type of vehicle that holds kayaks upright and with a low center of gravity. This means it makes loading and unloading kayaks very easy on roof racks.

TMS CANOE/KAYAK CART – KY001 for Bonafide SS127 

So TMS canoe/kayak-KY001 is a kayak cart that is named for the Bonafide SS127. It has been designed to carry one sit-on-top kayak. This cart is extremely easy to use as well as durable. Although the TMS canoe/kayak-KY001 is not a roof carrier.

Best Features: TMS KY001 carries your canoe or Bonafide ss127 kayak from shore to water and back, anywhere you need it. The aluminum design is lightweight, yet durable enough to carry a load up to 150 lbs. A durable solid metal frame with foam bumpers protects your hulls while the large 9-1/2″ wide flat-free tires make for a smooth ride no matter what terrain you encounter. The spring-loaded stand features a locking feature that keeps the cart propped upright onshore for quick loading out of the water without having to pick away from beach sand between rocks!

Pros:

• The aluminum frame is lightweight but durable.
• A solid metal frame with foam bumpers protects your kayak’s hulls.
• Can carry up to 150 lbs of load easily.
• Large 9-1/2 inch wide flat-free tires

Cons:

• The design of this cart is such that it is not suitable for carrying kayaks on roof racks.

Best Kayak Cart For Old Town Predator

You should think about getting a kayak cart if you wish to transport and load your old town predator kayak. So here we have discussed one of the best kayak carts/trolleys that can be used for an old town predator kayak.

This kayak cart is manufactured using high-quality material that makes it sturdy and durable.

Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart for old town predator

This carrier is perfect for anyone who needs a way to transport their boat. Whether you need to bring your kayak on vacation or take your boat home after it’s been serviced, this carrier will make the journey easy and safe. 

Best Features: The sturdy construction was designed with durability in mind–it can hold up to 200 pounds! For safety reasons, look no further than the sturdy ratchet straps that hold your kayak in place.

The 9.5” knobby tires allow for smooth movement over rough terrains like sand, gravel, and through wooded areas so you can get to your destination safely.

Pros:

• A well-made product with sturdy construction.
• The ratchet strap holds the boat in place securely when it is on the road.

Cons:

• The product cannot be used to carry the boat on roof racks or in truck beds.
• The kayak easily falls out of the strap while moving on bumpy terrain.

Best Kayak Cart for Jackson Big Rig – Best Choice

Jackson Big Rig kayaks are mainly famous for their large size. And if you are looking for a cart that helps to move and load your Jackson Big Rig securely on car roof racks, then you need a roof rack carrier. So we will discuss some of the best roof carriers that can be used for a Jackson Big Rig completely securely and with ease.

Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart for Jackson Big Rig

This cart is perfect for anyone who needs a way to transport their boat. Whether you need to bring your kayak on vacation or take your boat home after it’s been serviced, this carrier will make the journey easy and safe.

Best Features: Built for big rigs and boat lovers with loads of gear, the Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart rolls effortlessly even while fully loaded. The sturdy aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware are built to last and collapse down to 27x13x3″. This powerful cart features easy-to-use. This cleverly engineered cart offers stability and strength to hold all your gear when heading off for a day fishing. It includes two-rod holders and a built-in storage bag so you can grab it quickly when going out for an adventure.

Pros:

• Sturdy aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware.
• Built to last with loads of rod holders
• Collapse down to 27x13x3″

Cons:

• Cannot be used as kayak rack carriers and cannot carry kayaks on roof racks.
• The carrying capacity is relatively low.

How to how to choose and use the best foldable or static kayak cart. Summary

If you are in the market for a kayak cart, we have hopefully provided all of the information that will help make your decision easier and more informed. Before purchasing, have a think about which type of cart might be best suited for your needs, what features to look out for, how much weight it can carry, and even where to buy one. Whether you’re new or an expert with years of experience under your belt, there are tips here that everyone can benefit from to help you choose the best foldable or static kayak to use when you need it.