Transporting your Hobie Outback from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most strenuous part of your fishing trip. A heavy kayak loaded with gear is a challenge to move across sand, gravel, or pavement. The right kayak cart makes this process effortless, saving your back and energy for what you love—fishing and exploring.
This roundup focuses on affordable and reliable carts specifically suited for the Hobie Outback’s hull and scupper holes. We’ve compiled a list of top-rated options to help you find the perfect cart that fits your budget and your favorite kayak, ensuring you spend less time hauling and more time on the water.
Top Affordable Kayak Carts for Your Hobie Outback
- Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
- Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear Kayak Cart PA Kit
- Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Sit-on-Top Kayak Cart
- Scupper Gear Kayak Cart for Hobie Kayaks
- Hobie Gear Bucket – Deep
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
- Maretron Spare Paddle Wheel Kit
- C-TUG Sand & Mud 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 engineered for performance. Its standout feature is the ability to handle kayaks and canoes weighing up to 330 pounds, making it a great match for a fully loaded Hobie Outback. The large inflatable beach wheels provide excellent flotation and smooth rolling over soft sand and other challenging terrain.
This cart simplifies the loading process by eliminating the need for kickstands or scupper posts. You can easily slide your kayak onto the padded bars, secure it, and be on your way. The robust construction ensures reliability trip after trip, providing a dependable solution for anglers who carry significant gear.
Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear Kayak Cart PA Kit
The Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear is a specialized system designed for a semi-permanent installation on certain Hobie models. This kit offers a unique, integrated approach to kayak transport. Once installed, the wheels can be deployed or retracted as needed, which is very convenient for frequent launches.
This design keeps the cart with your kayak at all times, so you never have to remember to pack it separately. It provides a clean and streamlined look while offering serious utility. It’s an excellent choice for anglers who want a dedicated, always-ready transport solution.
Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Sit-on-Top Kayak Cart
The Seattle Sports Scupper Swift is built with a heavy-duty, 35mm anodized frame that promises long-term durability. Its key advantage is the adjustable width axle, which can be set from 8.5 inches to 18 inches to fit a wide variety of kayaks, including the Hobie Outback. This adjustability ensures a secure and custom fit for stable transport.
Loading your kayak is straightforward thanks to the coated and cushioned uprights that protect your hull from scratches. The cart uses airless tires, which are a major benefit as they completely eliminate the worry of flat tires, whether you’re on a rocky trail or a hot parking lot.
Scupper Gear Kayak Cart for Hobie Kayaks
Constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, the Scupper Gear Kayak Cart is made to withstand the harsh marine environment. This build quality ensures the cart will last for many seasons without succumbing to rust. It is specifically designed to fit most Hobie model kayaks, providing a reliable and secure connection.
The cart uses strong plastic standard wheels that are durable and maintenance-free. The straightforward scupper-hole design makes installation and removal a quick process. For Hobie Outback owners seeking a simple, robust, and purpose-built cart, this is a solid and affordable option.
Hobie Gear Bucket – Deep
While not a kayak cart, the Hobie Deep Gear Bucket is an essential accessory for organization. It is specifically tailored to fit the Hobie Twist and Seal hatch, providing a secure and watertight storage solution for your smaller essentials. Keeping your gear organized and dry improves your overall experience on the water.
The deep design offers five inches of space, giving you ample room for tools, keys, phones, and other small items you need to protect. By having a dedicated place for these items, you can reduce clutter in your kayak’s cockpit and access what you need quickly and easily.
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
For Hobie Outback anglers using electric motors or electronics, the NOCO GENIUS1 is a vital piece of gear. This compact yet powerful smart charger is an all-in-one solution, functioning as a battery charger, maintainer, and desulfator. It works with both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, making it very versatile.
A key feature is the integrated thermal sensor that adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature. This prevents overcharging in hot weather and undercharging in the cold, ensuring your kayak’s battery is always at optimal performance and ready for your next adventure.
Maretron Spare Paddle Wheel Kit
The Maretron Spare Paddle Wheel Kit serves as a crucial backup for specific marine instrumentation. While not a kayak cart, it highlights the importance of having spare parts for a seamless day on the water. This product is a specialized component for certain navigation systems.
Having a spare part like this ensures that a minor equipment failure doesn’t end your fishing trip prematurely. For kayakers who rely on precise data from their onboard systems, carrying a spare paddle wheel is a simple and smart precaution.
C-TUG Sand & Mud Kayak Cart
The C-TUG Kayak Cart is renowned for its performance in soft conditions. It comes equipped with Sand Trac wide tires that provide a large contact area, preventing the cart from sinking into sand, mud, or gravel. This makes it an ideal choice for beach launches and landings.
Its modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, and it breaks down into a compact package for convenient storage in your kayak’s hatch. The C-TUG is a favorite among kayak anglers for its combination of terrain capability, durability, and storage-friendly design.
Malone Auto Racks EZ Cart Kayak Cart
The Malone EZ Cart offers a simple and effective design for transporting your kayak. It features a straightforward setup that gets you from your car to the water quickly. The design focuses on ease of use and reliability without unnecessary complexity.
With its sturdy construction and practical wheel design, the EZ Cart handles a variety of surfaces with ease. It is an affordable and dependable option for Hobie Outback owners who need a basic, no-fuss cart that gets the job done effectively.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Kayak Cart for Your Hobie Outback
I’ve been using my Hobie Outback for years, and one of the best investments I ever made was a good kayak cart. Trying to carry a fully rigged Outback from the parking lot to the water is a real chore. A cart changes everything, turning a heavy lift into a simple walk. But not every cart is a perfect match for the Outback’s unique hull and weight. When I started looking for the best affordable kayak carts for Hobie Outback models, I focused on a few key things.
First up is the hull compatibility. The Hobie Outback has a Mirage Drive well and a specific hull shape. You need to think about how the cart will sit under the kayak. Some carts are designed to go through the scupper holes, which can be a great, stable option. However, you must check your Outback’s manual, as Hobie has specific weight limits and recommendations for scupper hole carts to avoid damaging the hull. Other carts use a cradle or strap system that supports the kayak from the outside. These are generally very safe for the hull but can be a bit trickier to load by yourself.
Next, consider the wheels. You’ll see two main types: plastic and pneumatic (air-filled). Plastic wheels are tough, never go flat, and are fine for hard surfaces like pavement and boardwalks. Pneumatic tires, on the other hand, are my go-to for sand, gravel, or mud. They provide much better flotation and a smoother ride over soft, uneven terrain. If you launch from a beach, pneumatic tires are pretty much a must.
Portability is another huge factor. The best affordable kayak carts for Hobie Outback models need to be easy to break down and store on the kayak itself. Look for carts that are lightweight, have a quick-fold or quick-disassembly design, and don’t use a ton of bulky parts. You don’t want a cart that’s so cumbersome it becomes a burden to bring along. I prefer carts that can strap securely to the rear tankwell or another spot on my Outback without getting in the way of my pedaling or gear.
Finally, look at the build quality and weight capacity. The Hobie Outback is not a light kayak, especially when you add gear, a battery, and other accessories. Make sure the cart you choose has a weight rating that comfortably exceeds your fully loaded kayak’s weight. Check the materials—stainless steel or aluminum frames with good quality bolts and straps will last much longer, especially with regular saltwater use. A little extra investment in a sturdy cart now will save you from a broken cart and a long carry later.
FAQ
Can I use a scupper hole cart with my Hobie Outback?
Yes, but you need to be very careful. Hobie specifies that scupper holes are not designed to support the entire weight of the kayak, especially when it’s stationary. The main risk is cracking the scupper well, which is an expensive repair. If you choose a scupper cart, it should only be used for brief transport over smooth surfaces and you must never leave the kayak resting on it. Many owners, including myself, prefer cradle-style carts because they distribute the weight more safely across the hull.
What is the best type of wheel for sand?
For sand, pneumatic (air-filled) wheels are the only way to go. Their larger volume and ability to flex allow them to “float” on top of the sand instead of digging in. Thin, hard plastic wheels will just sink, making it impossible to pull your kayak. Big, wide balloon tires are your best friend for any beach launch situation when you’re looking at kayak carts for Hobie Outback models.
How do I secure the kayak cart to my Hobie Outback?
Most carts use a strap system. You’ll position the cart under the kayak’s hull, roughly at the balance point (which is often just behind the seat). Then, you run the straps over the hull and tighten them securely. Some carts have a buckle, while others use a cam-lock style. The key is to get it tight enough that the cart doesn’t shift or wobble when you start pulling. Always do a test lift to make sure the kayak is stable on the cart before you start moving.
Are there any specific carts that Hobie recommends?
Hobie sells its own branded carts, like the Heavy-Duty Kayak Cart, which are specifically engineered for their kayaks. They are a safe and reliable choice, but they often come with a higher price tag. The good news is that many third-party manufacturers make excellent carts that are fully compatible with the Outback. Brands like C-Tug, Malone, and Wilderness Systems offer some of the best affordable kayak carts for Hobie Outback models that work great without breaking the bank.
Can I leave the cart assembled while fishing?
Generally, no. A kayak cart is for transport only. It is not designed to be a permanent stand or a docking system. Leaving your heavy Outback resting on a cart, especially a scupper hole type, for an extended period can put stress on the hull and potentially damage it. Once you get to the water’s edge, you should remove the cart, strap it to your kayak, and then launch.