Transporting a fully rigged Hobie Outback from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most challenging part of a fishing trip. A quality kayak cart is not just a luxury; it’s an essential piece of gear that saves your back and protects your investment from scratches and damage. The right cart makes the journey to your launch spot smooth and effortless, letting you save your energy for what really matters—catching fish.
For Hobie Outback anglers, finding a cart that fits the unique scupper hole configuration and handles the weight of a loaded fishing kayak is crucial. This roundup focuses on durable, affordable carts designed to tackle tough terrain without breaking the bank. We’ve compiled a list of top-performing options to help you find the perfect partner for your next angling adventure.
Top-Rated Kayak Carts for Your Hobie Outback
- Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
- Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear Kayak Cart
- Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Kayak Cart
- Scupper Gear Kayak Cart for Hobie Kayaks
- Hobie Gear Bucket – Deep
- RAILBLAZA C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly
- Suspenz Kayak Canoe Stern Cart
- SeaSense Porta-Dolly Kayak Cart
- Malone Auto Racks EZ Cart Kayak Cart
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
Recognized as a winner by Paddling magazine, the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart is built for performance. Its standout feature is the ability to transport kayaks weighing up to 330 pounds, making it ideal for a fully loaded Hobie Outback. The large inflatable beach wheels provide excellent flotation on soft surfaces like sand and mud.
This cart simplifies the loading process by eliminating the need for kickstands or scupper posts. You can easily roll your kayak onto the cart and secure it, saving time and effort at the launch site. The robust construction ensures it can handle the demands of regular use across various terrains.
Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear Kayak Cart
The Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear is a specialized solution designed specifically for the Hobie Pro Angler series, and its robust design principles are worth considering for Outback owners seeking a semi-permanent option. It functions as a retractable set of wheels, offering a unique “hands-free” experience when launching and landing your kayak.
This system is installed directly onto the kayak’s hull, allowing you to deploy the wheels with a lever from your seated position. This means you can roll directly into and out of the water without needing to lift the kayak onto a separate cart. It’s a fantastic option for anglers who frequent sandy beaches or steep boat ramps.
Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Kayak Cart
The Seattle Sports Scupper Swift is a heavy-duty scupper hole cart built for stability and ease of use. Its adjustable width axle, which fits boats from 8.5 to 18 inches, ensures a custom and secure fit for your Hobie Outback. The coated and cushioned uprights protect your kayak’s scupper holes from wear during transport.
Built with a super beefy 35mm anodized frame, this cart is made to last. The airless tires are a major benefit, completely eliminating the worry of flat tires on rough trails or sharp shells. This combination of a sturdy frame and reliable wheels makes for a very dependable cart.
Scupper Gear Kayak Cart for Hobie Kayaks
Engineered with Hobie kayaks in mind, the Scupper Gear Kayak Cart offers a direct-fit solution for many models, including the Outback. Its construction from stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance, which is essential for a product that will frequently be exposed to saltwater and harsh conditions.
The cart uses strong plastic standard wheels that are durable and require no maintenance. The design focuses on simplicity and reliability, providing a straightforward way to move your kayak over hard-packed surfaces like pavement and gravel. It’s a no-fuss option built from quality materials.
Hobie Gear Bucket – Deep
While not a cart, the Hobie Deep Gear Bucket is an invaluable accessory for organization. It is specifically designed to fit the Hobie Twist and Seal hatch, providing a secure and watertight container for your small essentials. Keeping gear organized makes your setup and breakdown process much more efficient.
With five inches of depth, this bucket offers ample space for items like tools, tackle, safety gear, and personal belongings. By having a dedicated spot for these items, you reduce clutter in your kayak’s cockpit and ensure that critical gear is always within easy reach when you need it.
RAILBLAZA C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly
The RAILBLAZA C-Tug is a highly versatile and portable cart known for its puncture-free wheels. The high-grip rubber tread performs well on a variety of terrains, from rocky paths to sandy beaches, and you never have to worry about a flat tire. Its design includes an adjustable kickstand for stable loading.
Built with reinforced composite materials and stainless steel reinforced axles, the C-Tug is both durable and rust-proof. The thermo-bonded elastomeric hull pads gently cradle your kayak without causing scratches. It folds down compactly for easy storage, making it a great space-saving option.
Suspenz Kayak Canoe Stern Cart
The Suspenz Stern Cart features a unique strap suspension system that sets it apart. Instead of resting on hard bars, your kayak’s hull is cradled by a strap, which provides excellent protection against scratches and hull deformation. This is particularly beneficial for composite or delicate kayak hulls.
Weighing only 4 pounds, this cart is remarkably lightweight and compact. The quick-release wheels and integrated straps make setup and breakdown fast and simple. Its small size allows it to fit inside a 7-inch hatch, so you can store it on board without taking up valuable deck space.
SeaSense Porta-Dolly Kayak Cart
The SeaSense Porta-Dolly is a budget-friendly and straightforward cart designed for basic transport needs. Its simple design focuses on functionality, providing a reliable way to move your kayak over relatively smooth ground. It’s an excellent entry-level option for anglers on a tight budget.
This cart typically features a tubular steel frame and two pneumatic or hard plastic wheels. While it may not have the heavy-duty rating of some other carts, it is perfectly capable of handling a Hobie Outback for shorter distances on paved or hard-packed surfaces.
Malone Auto Racks EZ Cart Kayak Cart
The Malone EZ Cart is designed with user-friendly features that make transport simple. Its wide, adjustable cradle and strap system secure your kayak firmly during movement. The cart is built to be stable and easy to maneuver, reducing the risk of your kayak tipping during transport.
Often equipped with large, pneumatic tires, the EZ Cart can handle a variety of terrain types, including grass, gravel, and sand. The design focuses on quick assembly and disassembly, allowing you to get from your car to the water with minimal hassle.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Kayak Cart for Your Hobie Outback
As a Hobie Outback owner myself, I know that finding the right kayak cart isn’t just about price; it’s about finding a cart that actually works with the unique hull of our kayaks. The Outback is a fantastic fishing platform, but its Mirage Drive well and pronounced scupper holes can make using a standard cart a real headache. Over the years, I’ve learned what separates a good, affordable cart from one that will just collect dust in the garage.
The first and most critical thing I look at is the wheel type. You have two main choices: pneumatic (air-filled) or solid. Pneumatic wheels are my go-to for soft, sandy beaches. They provide a much smoother ride and won’t dig into the sand, making the trek from the parking lot to the water’s edge significantly easier. The trade-off is that they can go flat, so you need to keep a small pump and patch kit handy. Solid plastic wheels are virtually maintenance-free and great for paved boat ramps and hard-packed trails, but they can sink in soft sand and transmit every bump directly to your kayak.
Next, consider the cart’s design and how it supports the kayak. For the Hobie Outback, a cradle-style cart is often a better choice than a scupper cart. Scupper carts insert posts directly into the kayak’s scupper holes, which seems like a great idea until you realize the Hobie’s scupper holes are part of its structural integrity. Using a scupper cart can potentially void your warranty and, in worst-case scenarios, cause hull damage. A cradle cart, with its padded or webbed supports, cradles the hull directly. It’s a much safer bet for our specific kayak. Just make sure the cart is wide enough to provide stable support.
Finally, think about portability and assembly. My favorite carts are the ones that break down quickly and store easily in the Outback’s massive rear tankwell. Look for models with a foldable or quick-disconnect design. The last thing you want to do after a long day on the water is struggle for ten minutes with a complicated assembly process. A cart that sets up in under a minute is worth its weight in gold. When searching for the 9 best affordable kayak carts for Hobie Outback anglers, I prioritized models that balance cost with these key features: the right wheel type for common terrain, a hull-friendly cradle design, and easy, tool-free setup and breakdown.
FAQ
Can I use a scupper hole cart with my Hobie Outback?
I strongly advise against it. Hobie themselves explicitly states that using a scupper cart can damage the hull and will void the warranty. The scupper holes on the Outback are not designed to bear the entire weight of the kayak, especially when loaded with gear. The stress can lead to cracks or deformation. It’s much safer to use a cradle-style cart that supports the hull directly.
What is the best wheel type for a mix of sand and pavement?
If you frequently encounter both soft sand and hard surfaces, your best bet is a cart with wide, pneumatic (air-filled) tires. The large volume and softness of these tires allow them to float over sand without sinking, while the air cushion provides a smooth ride on pavement. While they require a bit more maintenance to keep them inflated, their versatility makes them the top choice for anglers who launch from a variety of locations.
How do I secure my kayak to the cart?
A good cart will have a strap or a buckle system. I always run the strap through a secure point on the kayak itself, like a molded handle or a sturdy deck line, before tightening it down on the cart. This does two things: it prevents the kayak from sliding off the cart, and it adds a backup in case the strap on the cart fails. Never rely on friction alone; always use a strap to positively secure the kayak.
Will a kayak cart fit in the storage hatches of my Outback?
Most quality, folding kayak carts, when disassembled or collapsed, will fit perfectly into the large rear oval hatch of the Hobie Outback. This is a huge advantage, as it means you don’t have to leave your cart on the shore while you’re out fishing. Before you buy, check the product specifications for the folded dimensions and compare them to your hatch opening.
Are the more expensive kayak carts worth the money?
It depends on how often you use it. For an angler who goes out every weekend, investing in a more robust cart with stainless steel hardware, better bearings, and tougher materials can be a smart move. However, there are several excellent and durable options available that won’t break the bank. When I was compiling my list of the 9 best affordable kayak carts for Hobie Outback anglers, I focused on models that offer the best balance of price, durability, and features specifically for our kayak.