Transporting your kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most strenuous part of your paddling adventure, especially when dealing with heavy loads or challenging terrain. A reliable kayak cart is an essential piece of gear that saves your back and protects your kayak from unnecessary wear and tear. For those on a budget, finding a cart that balances cost with performance is key to getting more time on the water and less time struggling on the shore.
Malone has built a reputation for creating durable and thoughtfully designed marine accessories that don’t break the bank. This roundup focuses on their most affordable and effective kayak carts, highlighting the specific features that make each model stand out. Whether you need a cart for sandy beaches, rocky paths, or a universal solution, there is a Malone option designed to meet your needs without compromising on quality.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Malone Kayak Carts
- Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart with Bunks
- Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak/Canoe Cart
- Malone Nomad TRX Kayak Cart
- VEVOR Sit on Top Kayak Cart Dolly, 280lbs Load Capacity
- Malone MPG564-S XpressTRX-S Scupper Kayak Cart
- Malone MicroSport Heavy-Duty Universal Kayak Cart
- Malone Foldable Kayak Cart with Wide Balloon Tires
- Malone EcoLight Universal Kayak Cart with Straps
Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart with Bunks
The Malone WideTrak ATB is an excellent choice for paddlers with larger kayaks or canoes. Its standout feature is the 24-inch adjustable padded bunks, which provide a generous and soft cradle for your vessel. This wide support system distributes weight evenly, enhancing stability during transport and helping to protect your kayak’s hull from scratches and pressure points.
Built for longevity, this cart features a folding silver and black anodized aluminum frame that is both lightweight and strong. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel fittings ensure that the cart can withstand frequent exposure to water and salt without succumbing to rust. When not in use, the folding design allows for compact storage, making it easy to stow in your vehicle or garage.
Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe Kayak/Canoe Cart
Designed specifically for V-style bottom canoes and kayaks, the Malone Clipper TRX Deluxe offers a secure and tailored fit. This targeted design prevents your boat from shifting or wobbling as you move it across various types of ground. It’s a smart solution for those who want a cart that feels like a natural extension of their specific watercraft.
The construction relies on marine-grade aluminum tubing, which provides a robust frame without adding significant weight. Combined with corrosion-resistant hardware, this cart is built to handle the marine environment season after season. The TRX system offers a straightforward setup, getting you from your car to the water with minimal effort.
Malone Nomad TRX Kayak Cart
For kayakers with V-bottom hulls, the Malone Nomad TRX is a reliable and efficient transport partner. Its design focuses on compatibility with this common hull shape, ensuring a snug and stable connection. This makes moving your kayak over hard-packed trails and boat ramps a much simpler task.
Like its counterparts, the Nomad TRX is constructed from marine-grade aluminum tubing, offering a great balance of strength and portability. The use of corrosion-resistant hardware throughout the design means you can confidently use it in freshwater or saltwater conditions without worrying about premature wear.
VEVOR Sit on Top Kayak Cart Dolly, 280lbs Load Capacity
The VEVOR Kayak Cart is a powerhouse, built to handle heavy sit-on-top kayaks with ease thanks to its impressive 280-pound load capacity. It is specially designed for kayaks with drain holes, featuring foam-protected supports that securely hold the boat in place while safeguarding the hull and drain holes from damage. This thoughtful design provides peace of mind when transporting your valuable gear.
Equipped with 10-inch all-terrain solid tires, this cart eliminates the hassle of flat tires and pressure checks. The large wheels are adept at absorbing shock and rolling over obstacles, making them suitable for sand, gravel, and grass. The frame is made from a 2mm thickened aluminum alloy, ensuring it remains rigid and reliable under heavy loads without bending or deforming.
Malone MPG564-S XpressTRX-S Scupper Kayak Cart
If your primary paddling destination is the beach, the Malone XpressTRX-S is your ideal companion. It comes with low-pressure balloon beach wheels that float over soft, sandy terrain where standard wheels would sink. This feature alone can save a tremendous amount of energy on your way to the water.
This model also introduces a convenient push-button wheel release mechanism. This system allows for quick and tool-free assembly and disassembly, and it eliminates the small metal clips that are commonly lost. The design is tailored for kayaks that are compatible with scupper hole carts, providing a direct and secure method of attachment.
Malone MicroSport Heavy-Duty Universal Kayak Cart
The Malone MicroSport Heavy-Duty Universal Kayak Cart is built for those who need a no-fuss, robust transport solution. As a universal cart, it is designed to accommodate a wide variety of kayak shapes and sizes, making it a versatile first cart for any paddler. Its heavy-duty construction inspires confidence when moving heavier kayaks over longer distances.
The design prioritizes strength and durability, ensuring the cart can handle the rigors of frequent use on different types of pathways. While maintaining a straightforward and user-friendly setup, the MicroSport provides the reliable performance that Malone is known for, all at an accessible price point for budget-conscious adventurers.
Malone Auto Racks Foldable Kayak Cart with Wide Balloon Tires
Portability and soft-terrain performance are the hallmarks of this foldable kayak cart from Malone. The wide balloon tires are perfect for navigating sandy beaches, muddy riverbanks, and other surfaces that would challenge narrower wheels. The cart folds down compactly, making it exceptionally easy to store and transport in your vehicle when not in use.
This model is an excellent all-around choice for the recreational kayaker who encounters a mix of terrains. The combination of a collapsible frame and high-flotation tires offers great convenience and capability, ensuring you can get your kayak to the water no matter where your adventures take you.
Malone EcoLight Universal Kayak Cart with Straps
The Malone EcoLight Universal Kayak Cart is designed for the paddler who values lightweight gear and simple operation. As a universal cart, it works with a broad range of kayaks, and the included straps make securing your boat a quick and secure process. The lightweight design does not sacrifice durability, making it easy to carry on longer portages.
This cart is an ideal entry-level option or a great spare to keep on hand. Its straightforward design and included straps mean you have everything you need for a successful transport without any complicated setup. It embodies the principle of providing essential functionality at an affordable price.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Affordable Malone Kayak Cart
When I’m looking for an affordable Malone kayak cart that doesn’t sacrifice performance, my first stop is always the weight capacity. I need to know the cart can handle my kayak’s weight plus any gear I have stashed inside. Overloading a cart is a surefire way to break it and potentially damage my kayak. I check the manufacturer’s specs carefully and always leave a little buffer room. A cart rated for 150 lbs might be fine for my 120 lb kayak, but if I add a 20 lb cooler and a 15 lb tackle box, I’m pushing it too far. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Next, I think about the wheels. This is where the “performance on a budget” really comes into play. For mostly paved surfaces or hard-packed sand, those simple, narrow plastic wheels you often find on budget models are usually sufficient. But if I plan on tackling softer terrain like deep sand, mud, or gravel, I know I need wider, air-filled pneumatic tires. They act like shock absorbers and won’t sink in as easily, making my life a whole lot easier. The trade-off is that pneumatic tires can potentially go flat, so I consider if that’s a risk I’m willing to take for the added comfort and traction.
The cart’s frame material is another big one for me. Steel is strong and durable, but it’s also heavy and can rust if I don’t rinse it off after a saltwater trip. Aluminum is my personal favorite for a balance of strength and light weight, and it’s naturally corrosion-resistant. It might cost a bit more upfront, but it’s a workhorse that lasts. I also look at how the cart folds down. A compact, easy-to-fold design is a game-changer for storage in my car’s trunk or inside the kayak’s hatch during transport.
Finally, I pay close attention to the cradle or strap system. This is what actually holds my kayak secure. A simple webbing strap is common and effective, but I make sure it has a solid buckle that won’t slip. Some carts have padded cradles or contoured arms that help distribute the weight and prevent scratching the hull. I think about my kayak’s shape—a cart with adjustable arms is incredibly versatile if I have a kayak with a pronounced V-hull or if I ever plan to carry a different boat in the future. By focusing on these key areas, I can find a Malone cart that gets the job done without blowing my budget.
FAQ
What is the weight capacity I should look for in a Malone kayak cart?
You should always choose a cart with a weight capacity that exceeds the total weight of your kayak and all the gear you typically carry inside it. For most recreational kayaks, a capacity between 100 and 150 pounds is a good starting point. It’s crucial not to max out the capacity; leaving a 20-30 pound buffer helps ensure the cart’s longevity and safety during transport over rough ground.
Are pneumatic tires better than solid plastic wheels?
It really depends on the terrain you frequent. Solid plastic wheels are maintenance-free and perfect for hard surfaces like boat ramps and pavement. However, if you often launch from beaches with soft sand or uneven, rocky trails, pneumatic (air-filled) tires are far superior. They provide much better shock absorption and traction, making it easier to pull your loaded kayak. The downside is they can puncture, so it’s wise to carry a small repair kit.
How do I prevent my kayak from getting scratched by the cart?
Scratches are a common concern, but they’re easily preventable. Look for a cart with padded cradles or straps. If your cart doesn’t have much padding, you can easily add your own. Wrapping the contact points with foam pipe insulation or even an old pool noodle works wonders. Always make sure the straps are tight and the kayak is securely positioned so it doesn’t shift and rub against the cart’s frame during transport.
Can a single kayak cart fit different types of kayaks?
Many can, especially models with adjustable cradles or straps. Carts that feature two independent, adjustable arms are the most versatile, as they can be positioned to fit the unique hull shape of a sit-inside, a wide sit-on-top, or even a canoe. If you own multiple watercraft, looking for one of these adjustable models is your best bet for a one-cart-fits-all solution that delivers performance on a budget.
How important is a folding design?
From my experience, a folding design is extremely important for convenience and storage. A cart that collapses into a compact size is easy to stash in your car’s trunk or even inside a hatch on your kayak once you get to the water’s edge. This means you don’t have to leave it on the shore or make a trip back to your vehicle. A quick-fold mechanism is a feature I always prioritize.