Transporting your heavy Hobie Outback from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most challenging part of a perfect fishing day. A quality kayak cart is an essential piece of gear that saves your back and protects your kayak’s hull from unnecessary wear and tear. With the right cart, you can effortlessly glide over sand, gravel, and pavement, conserving your energy for paddling and casting.
The market offers many options, but finding a durable, affordable, and compatible cart for the Outback’s unique hull and weight is key. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten excellent carts and related accessories designed to make your life easier. We have focused on models known for their value and performance, ensuring you can find a reliable solution without overspending.
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
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
- Scotty Side Deck Mounting Bracket
- Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader
- Hobie Trax 2-30 Plug In Cart
- C-TUG Sand & Beach Kayak Cart
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
This cart is a proven performer, having earned Paddling magazine’s 2018 award in the transport category. It is engineered to handle substantial loads, with a weight rating of up to 330 pounds, making it more than capable for a fully loaded Hobie Outback. The design prioritizes ease of use, allowing you to load and unload your kayak without the need for additional kickstands or scupper posts.
The large inflatable beach wheels provide excellent flotation and a smooth ride over soft sand and other challenging terrain. This feature is particularly beneficial for anglers who frequently launch from sandy beaches. Its robust construction ensures long-term reliability, making it a smart investment for any serious kayaker.
Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear Kayak Cart
Specifically designed as a PA Kit for the Hobie Pro Angler series, the Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear offers a semi-permanent mounting solution that can be highly effective for the larger Hobie models. Its low-profile design keeps the center of gravity low, which increases stability during transport. This cart is built for rugged use and is often favored for its integrated look and feel.
While it is a model-specific accessory, its heavy-duty construction and clever design principles make it a noteworthy option for Hobie owners seeking a dedicated cart system. It installs directly onto the kayak, meaning it’s always ready when you need it without taking up extra storage space.
Seattle Sports Scupper Swift Sit-on-Top Kayak Cart
The Scupper Swift is a popular choice for its straightforward, scupper-hole-based design. It features an adjustable width axle, accommodating a range of kayaks from 8.5 to 18 inches, which should fit the Hobie Outback well. The coated and cushioned uprights protect your kayak’s scupper holes from damage during transport.
This cart is built for durability with a super beefy 35mm anodized frame and reliable airless tires that eliminate the worry of flats. The design allows for easy sliding of your boat on and off the cart, getting you on the water quickly and with minimal effort.
Scupper Gear Kayak Cart for Hobie Kayaks
Constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, this cart is built to resist corrosion from saltwater and freshwater environments. It is specifically marketed to fit most Hobie model kayaks, ensuring a good compatibility with the Outback. The robust materials promise a long service life, even with frequent use.
It comes equipped with strong plastic standard wheels that are suitable for paved surfaces and hard-packed trails. The scupper-post design provides a secure connection to your kayak, offering a stable and reliable method for moving your gear from point A to point B.
Hobie Gear Bucket – Deep
While not a cart, this accessory is incredibly useful for Hobie Outback owners. It is tailored to fit the Hobie Twist and Seal hatch, providing a secure and accessible storage solution right in your kayak. The deep design offers five inches of space to keep small essentials like tackle, tools, or personal items organized and within easy reach.
By using this bucket, you can consolidate your smaller gear, making your load-out more efficient. This can help you manage the weight distribution in your kayak and ensure that critical items do not get lost in the hull.
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
For Hobie Outback anglers using a trolling motor or electronic accessories, maintaining the battery is crucial. The GENIUS1 is a compact yet powerful solution, functioning as an all-in-one battery charger, maintainer, and desulfator. It is compatible with both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, making it versatile for various power needs.
Its precision charging feature includes an integrated thermal sensor that adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature. This prevents overcharging in hot weather and undercharging in cold, ensuring your battery is always ready for your next adventure and extending its overall lifespan.
Scotty Side Deck Mounting Bracket
This simple but effective mounting bracket increases the customization options on your Hobie Outback. It can be mounted on the top or the side of the gunnel, offering flexibility for installing your favorite gear. It works seamlessly with all Scotty post-mount rod holders, allowing you to position your rods exactly where you need them.
Measuring 4″ x 2″ x 2″, it is a low-profile addition that can significantly improve your kayak’s functionality and organization. Installing additional rod holders can free up deck space and make your fishing setup more efficient.
Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader
Getting your Hobie Outback onto your vehicle roof is often the first transport challenge. The Rhino-Rack Side Loader is designed for a one-person operation, making this task simple and safe. It is incredibly useful for loading kayaks, canoes, and SUPs onto taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
The process is straightforward: you set up the loader, lift one end of your kayak onto it, and use the loader as a pivot to slide the other end onto your crossbars. This accessory reduces strain and risk, encouraging you to get out on the water more often.
Hobie Trax 2-30 Plug In Cart
As a genuine Hobie part, the Trax 2-30 cart is designed with direct compatibility for Hobie kayaks in mind. The “Plug In” system is typically straightforward, allowing for quick attachment and detachment. Using an official accessory can provide peace of mind regarding fit and function.
While details are limited, Hobie’s reputation for quality ensures this cart is built to perform reliably. It is a solid choice for owners who prefer to stick with manufacturer-approved accessories for their kayak.
C-TUG Sand & Beach Kayak Cart
The C-TUG is renowned for its performance on soft terrain, thanks to its specially designed sand tires. The unique wheel design provides a wide footprint that glides over sand without sinking in, which is a common issue with standard wheels. Its modular design also allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it convenient for storage and transport.
It features a flexible strap system that cradles your kayak’s hull securely, distributing pressure evenly to prevent damage. For anglers who frequent coastal areas or sandy lakeshores, the C-TUG is a purpose-built tool that excels in the conditions where other carts may struggle.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in an Affordable Kayak Cart for Your Hobie Outback
Finding the right kayak cart for my Hobie Outback was a game-changer. No more awkwardly dragging my prized kayak across a parking lot or struggling to carry it solo. A good cart makes getting from your vehicle to the water a simple, one-person job. But with so many options, how do you pick the best affordable kayak cart for the Hobie Outback without wasting money? I’ve learned it comes down to a few key things.
First, you need to think about the hull type. The Hobie Outback has a unique, stable MirageDrive hull with scupper holes. This is a huge advantage because it opens the door to scupper carts. These carts have posts that slide directly into the scupper holes in the kayak’s hull, holding it securely from the inside. It’s a very stable and straightforward system that I prefer for my Outback. The alternative is a cradle-style or strap-style cart, which uses padded arms and straps to cradle the hull. These are more universal but can sometimes be less secure if not strapped down tightly. For the Outback’s specific design, a scupper cart is often the most reliable and affordable choice.
Next, consider the wheels. You’ll see two main types: plastic and pneumatic (air-filled). Plastic wheels are solid, so you never get a flat tire. They’re great for hard, smooth surfaces like paved boat ramps. Pneumatic wheels, on the other hand, are like bicycle tires. They provide a much smoother ride over rough terrain like sand, gravel, or rocky beaches. If you frequently launch from soft sand, pneumatic wheels are worth the slight extra hassle. For a truly affordable kayak cart, you might start with plastic, but if your launch spots are rough, investing in pneumatic is a smart move.
Portability is another big factor. How does the cart break down, and where will you store it on the kayak? Many affordable carts are two-piece designs that fold or come apart for easy storage in a hatch or strapped to the deck. Look at the overall weight and packed size. You don’t want a cart that’s so bulky it becomes a nuisance to transport. Finally, check the weight capacity. The Hobie Outback is not a lightweight kayak. Make sure any cart you’re considering can handle the full weight of your kayak plus all your gear. A cart rated for at least 150 pounds is a safe bet. By focusing on these areas—hull compatibility, wheel type, portability, and weight capacity—you can confidently find a cart that makes your kayaking trips easier without stretching your budget.
FAQ
What is the best type of cart for a Hobie Outback?
In my experience, a scupper hole cart is the best type for the Hobie Outback. The Outback is designed with this in mind, and the scupper posts provide a very secure and stable connection point. It lifts the kayak from its strongest points and is generally easier to load and unload solo compared to strap-style cradles that can shift around.
Can I leave the kayak cart attached while I’m fishing?
I strongly advise against this. Most kayak carts, especially affordable scupper carts, are not designed to be left attached while you are on the water. It can affect the kayak’s stability and handling, and there’s a real risk of snagging fishing line or underwater debris. It’s best practice to remove the cart and stow it away once you launch.
Are pneumatic wheels better than solid plastic wheels?
It really depends on the terrain you tackle most often. For paved ramps and hard-packed dirt, solid plastic wheels are fine and you never have to worry about a flat. However, if you frequently launch from soft sand, mud, or rocky beaches, pneumatic wheels are far superior. They roll more easily and absorb bumps, making the transport much less of a workout.
How do I load my heavy Outback onto the cart by myself?
It’s easier than it looks! I position the cart on the ground next to the kayak. Then, I lift the bow of the kayak and slide it onto the cart’s frame. With one hand steadying the kayak on the cart, I walk to the stern, lift it, and push the entire kayak forward until the cart is centered under the kayak’s balance point. You’ll quickly find the sweet spot.
What is the weight capacity I should look for?
The Hobie Outback has a hull weight of around 85-90 pounds, and with gear, you can easily be over 120-150 pounds. To be safe, I recommend looking for a cart with a weight capacity of at least 150 pounds. Many quality carts are rated for 200 pounds or more, which gives you a good safety margin and ensures the cart will hold up over time.
Where is the best place to store the cart while kayaking?
I usually break down my two-piece cart and store it in the large rear tankwell of my Outback, strapped down securely. If it’s a compact model, it might fit inside a front hatch, though that’s less common. The key is to make sure it’s strapped down well so it doesn’t shift or become a hazard. Finding the best affordable kayak carts for the Hobie Outback means considering how you’ll store it during your paddle.