Although they glide through the water, kayaks and canoes can be cumbersome to move around on land. A good cart or trolley will help you get your vessel from your garage to where it belongs - the water. There are a wide range to choose from and the best models will have you looking forward to a paddling session without dreading getting your kayak or canoe there in the first place.
The most important consideration for a cart is how easy to assemble it is. It’s worth remembering you will probably want to carry your cart in your boat rather than leave it on the shore. The basic types are a plug-in cart, strap cart and end cart. Plug-in carts are most suited to sit-on-top kayaks. The strap cart works like a roof rack and can take different shapes and sizes of craft. The End cart attaches to one end of your vessel so you can pull it along. It’s good to look at the construction of your cart to see if it can hold enough weight. Solid wheels are best for rocky terrain, air-filled ones are better on sand or gravel (but you’ll need a pump). It’s also worth considering bumpers and protection for your precious kayak as the last thing you want is an unnecessary scratch or ding when loading and unloading your vessel.
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
Air-filled tires and foam bumpers
Constructed from anodized steel, this durable boat carrier can take kayaks, canoes or paddleboards up to 200 pounds in weight. The easy-to-inflate knobbly tires help smooth your way over sand and gravel. Foam bumpers protect your craft and there’s a 12-foot strap to tie it down. The whole thing folds up for easy storage and transport.
RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart
Robust and easy to dismantle
Puncture free tires on this cart will help you get your kayak across all terrains to the water. Adjustable rubberized pads fit most hull shapes. You can dismantle the cart in 20 seconds with no tools to transport or store it until needed. Made from reinforced composite material with stainless steel axles that won’t rust and it can take loads up to 300lbs.
Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley
Straps and spring-loaded stand
Get your kayak or canoe anywhere on these solid tired, easy-to-assemble carts. It has two ratchet straps on a solid aluminum frame with foam bumpers to stop dents and scapes. A spring-loaded stand will keep the dolly cart propped up onshore for quick loading. The cart will take 165lbs of weight.
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
Tough cart with big carrying capacity
This heavy-duty cart will take up to 450 pounds so can transport even the heaviest kayak. Even weighty crafts are easy to load and unload with no kickstand required. The bunker bar frame is adjustable and there are two height options for odd-shaped hulls. It’s completely collapsable for easy storage.
Bottom line
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There couldn’t be a bigger contrast between the freedom and lightness you feel when paddling your canoe or kayak on the water and the back straining difficulty of getting it there in the first place. The best canoe carts are invaluable for giving you a much-needed hand. The cart we would recommend for most paddlers is the ABN Universal Kayak Carrier. It does everything you want a kayak cart to do and is strong but easy to assemble. The air-filled tires are great for sand and gravel.
For a tough cart that won’t buckle even with the heftiest loads, the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart is a good choice. It’s robust but treats your vessel gently with a range of adjustable options.
