A kayak cart (also called a kayak trolley) solves the problem of moving a 50–70 lb kayak from your car to the water without destroying your back or dragging the hull. Essential for any solo paddler carrying a heavy fishing kayak any distance.
Best Kayak Carts
Polymer build that won't rust in salt environments, folds flat for cockpit storage, and the optional balloon sand wheels convert it for beach launches. Most versatile cart for mixed environment paddlers.
All-terrain solid foam tires (no flat risk), adjustable hull saddles, stainless steel frame for salt resistance. Best for paddlers who launch from rocky or uneven terrain.
Scupper-style cart — designed to insert into scupper holes on sit-on-top fishing kayaks for secure no-strap transport. Clever design for fishing kayak users who have open scuppers near the stern.
Budget option — aluminum frame, basic foam saddles, standard inflation tires. Works on smooth concrete and packed surfaces. Not ideal for sand or very rough terrain, but capable for most boat ramps and parking lots.
Cart Wheel Types Explained
Standard pneumatic tires: Good on pavement and packed surfaces, can go flat, cheapest. Foam-filled solid tires: No flat risk, slightly more resistance on soft surfaces. Balloon/sand wheels (large diameter, wide): Float over sand and soft ground — essential for beach launches. Usually available as upgrade on modular carts. Scupper-mount style: No saddles needed — inserts into scupper holes for sit-on-top kayaks. Simplest setup, limited to SOT kayaks with accessible scuppers.