Owning a kayak comes with a lot to learn. Just like buying a car, you realize you may need to change tires, you will need oil, and you may need to find storage space. One last thing you may need is a kayak cart.
This is a cart that helps paddlers transport kayaks from their home to fishing or recreational areas. It’s also important if you’re moving your kayak to an area that can’t be maneuvered without wheels. Just like there are important considerations in selecting a kayak, you have to be very selective in the kind of cart you pick out.
The Top Selling Kayak Carts in 2018
What to Look for in a Kayak Cart
Here are a few of the things you should consider when buying a cart of your kayak.
1. The Kind of Terrain You Plan on Accessing
Most rivers and lakes are completely different. There are those that are ultimately rocky, characterized by sharp rocks and edges, while others are completely sandy or filled with clay soil which is extremely sticky. You have to be able to choose a kayaking cart that won’t get thrown over the edge or stuck each time you venture into the water. This decision begins with selecting the right size of a kayak and the kind of tires you want.
2. The Size of Your Kayak
The size of your cart should correlate to the size of your kayak. Don’t buy a cart that is smaller than your kayak. Pick a cart that is roughly the same size as your kayak so you’re able to balance it as you ride. A smaller cart will prove to be a challenge when riding and this leads to cases of toppling over.
3. The Type of Tires
Just like a good car can be seen by the rims, so does a great stable kayak. The tires are what enable you to navigate the terrains and the rough rides. Basically, the tires are what define the cart. There are different kinds of tires, depending on what you are looking for and the kind of terrain they can maneuver.
Plastic Tires
The most common among anglers. Their popularity is definitely justified because of the various advantages they offer over various other kinds of kayak cart tires:
- They are the usually the cheapest
- Easiest to carry because of their light weight and the fact that they can be also be collapsed
- They are very easy to store mostly because of their lightweight
And of course there are a few challenges with having plastic tires:
- They are not to be used on sandy soils, mostly because they get stuck and they can overheat
- They are also not a good choice if you’re planning on riding up a rocky terrain
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires are air-filled, meaning they can be used on basically any terrain. Using an air regulation system, you can fill them up to different levels depending on the gradient of the area you will be riding. The major challenge with pneumatic tire kayak carts is that you can easily get a flat tire if you’re on aggressive terrain. There’s also the challenge of losing air, which is very common.
Foam-Filled Tires
These are the newest, most modern types of tires on the market. They cannot be deflated and they are used in most kinds of terrains (which is a plus, especially if you don’t want a new cart for every new place you are visiting). The only challenge with them is that their air pressure cannot be regulated. Compared to all the other kinds of tires, you will have to pay much more for a pair of these.
Balloon Tires
Just as the name implies, these tires are inflated balloons. They are handy for beaches and sandy soils. Their major challenge is the risk of bursting in rocky areas, leading to flat tires and unhappy paddlers.
4. Personal Style
Manufacturers have three different types of carts based on the location of the cart in reference to the kayak itself:
End Cart
This cart drags the kayak at the back. They are attached in many different ways and this is the most common type of cart. You have to ensure the cart and the kayak are compatible, though. It’s also important to check whether the kayak is too wide, posing an incompatibility issue.
Strapped Cart
The kayak is strapped on the cart in many different places, the most common one being the roof. The safety issue here is dependent on how many straps you use on the kayak and how tight the straps are.
Plug-in Cart
In this case, you plug your cart in on the kayak scupper holes, which are found in the seat area. Different kayaks have different plugin sizes and it is important that you note this while purchasing for an easy installation process.
5. New vs. Used vs. DIY
Once you decide the features you want in a kayaking cart, you’re faced with the final decision of whether you to buy new, get a used cart that is still in working condition, or just sit down and make one for yourself.
New kayak carts are definitely beautiful, but you can get a used one that’s still working and in good condition, go for it. If all else fails and you trust your workmanship, you can make one – just make sure it’s well-constructed.