Transporting your kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most strenuous part of any paddling adventure. A reliable kayak cart eliminates the struggle, turning a cumbersome carry into a smooth, effortless roll. Choosing the right cart is crucial for protecting your kayak’s hull and saving your energy for the main event—paddling.
Malone has built a reputation for crafting durable, user-friendly carts that offer fantastic value without compromising on performance. This roundup focuses on their most popular and affordable models, along with a standout from VEVOR, to help you find the perfect cart that fits your kayak type and the terrain you frequent, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
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 WideTrak SB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart
- Malone Foldaway-J Kayak Carrier
- Malone EcoLight Universal Kayak and Canoe Cart
- Malone Seaway Heavy-Duty Universal Kayak/Canoe Cart
Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart with Bunks
The Malone WideTrak ATB is an excellent choice for paddlers with larger kayaks or canoes who need superior hull support. Its defining feature is the 24-inch adjustable padded bunks, which provide a wide, cushioned cradle for your vessel. This design distributes weight evenly and prevents pressure points, making it ideal for delicate hull materials.
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 saltwater or frequent use won’t lead to rust or premature failure. When not in use, the cart folds down compactly for easy storage 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 stable transport solution. Its configuration cradles the hull’s shape perfectly, preventing shifting or wobbling as you move over uneven ground. This targeted design makes it a reliable partner for traditional canoeists and kayakers.
The cart is constructed from marine-grade aluminum tubing, which provides a robust frame while resisting the damaging effects of water exposure. Combined with corrosion-resistant hardware, the Clipper TRX is built to handle the rigors of frequent use in various environments, from freshwater lakes to coastal boat ramps.
Malone Nomad TRX Kayak Cart
For kayakers with V-bottom hulls seeking a straightforward and effective cart, the Malone Nomad TRX is a fantastic option. Its design focuses on simplicity and function, providing a stable platform that fits the contours of your kayak for a secure ride. This model is all about getting you and your gear to the water with minimal fuss.
Like its sibling models, the Nomad TRX utilizes marine-grade aluminum tubing to keep the overall weight down without sacrificing strength. The inclusion of corrosion-resistant hardware means you can confidently use it in all your aquatic adventures without worrying about maintenance or rust compromising its integrity.
VEVOR Sit on Top Kayak Cart Dolly, 280lbs Load Capacity
The VEVOR kayak cart stands out with its impressive 280-pound load capacity, making it suitable for heavy sit-on-top kayaks and loaded fishing kayaks. Its frame is made from a 2mm thickened aluminum alloy, engineered to carry significant weight without bending or deforming. For paddlers with heavier setups, this cart offers exceptional strength and reliability.
This model is specially designed for kayaks with drain holes, featuring foam-protected supports that securely fix the kayak in place while safeguarding the hull. The 10-inch all-terrain solid tires require no inflation and are perfect for navigating challenging surfaces like sand, gravel, and grass, providing a smooth and stable roll every time.
Malone MPG564-S XpressTRX-S Scupper Kayak Cart
If your primary launching ground is a soft, sandy beach, the Malone XpressTRX-S is the tool for the job. It is equipped with low-pressure balloon beach wheels that float over sand instead of sinking in, drastically reducing the effort required to move your kayak. This feature makes it a favorite for ocean and sandy lakefront kayakers.
This cart also introduces a user-friendly push-button wheel release system. This design eliminates the small, easily lost metal clips found on many other carts, making setup and breakdown quicker and ensuring you don’t lose critical parts when you’re far from home.
Malone WideTrak SB Large Kayak/Canoe Cart with Balloon Wheels & Bunks
The Malone WideTrak SB combines the best of both worlds: the superior hull support of the WideTrak bunks with the all-terrain capability of balloon tires. The 24-inch adjustable padded bunks offer a secure and protective cradle, while the larger, softer wheels are adept at handling a mix of surfaces, from paved paths to slightly softer ground.
This cart maintains the robust construction of the WideTrak line, with a folding anodized aluminum frame and corrosion-resistant stainless steel fittings. It’s a versatile workhorse for the kayaker who encounters a variety of terrains on the way to the water and wants the extra assurance of wide, supportive bunks.
Malone Foldaway-J Kayak Carrier
The Malone Foldaway-J prioritizes compact storage and quick deployment. Its fold-down, corrosion-proof frames collapse into a very small package, making it incredibly easy to stow inside a hatch or under a deck bungee. This is a major advantage for paddlers with limited storage space on their kayak or in their vehicle.
Featuring universal fit mounting hardware and lever-actuated quick-release hubs, this cart can be assembled and disassembled in moments without any tools. The quick-release system is both secure and convenient, ensuring your wheels stay on during transport but come off easily when you’re ready to hit the water.
Malone EcoLight Universal Kayak and Canoe Cart
The Malone EcoLight is designed for the minimalist paddler who values lightweight performance. As the name suggests, this cart is built to be exceptionally light, reducing the overall weight you need to carry to and from your outing. Despite its light weight, it does not compromise on strength or utility.
Its universal design accommodates a wide range of kayaks and canoes, providing a simple and effective solution for most paddlers. If your primary concern is keeping your gear load as light as possible while still adding the convenience of wheeled transport, the EcoLight is an option worth serious consideration.
Malone Seaway Heavy-Duty Universal Kayak/Canoe Cart
For those who need maximum durability and strength, the Malone Seaway Heavy-Duty cart is built to perform. This model is engineered to handle frequent use and heavier loads, making it a reliable choice for guides, rental operations, or any paddler who demands the toughest gear available.
It features a universal design that works with a broad spectrum of watercraft, supported by a more robust frame and components. If you are looking for a cart that can withstand rigorous, daily use and provide unwavering performance season after season, the Seaway Heavy-Duty model is designed to meet that challenge.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Affordable Malone Kayak Cart
Getting your kayak from your car to the water’s edge can be the most exhausting part of the whole trip, especially if you’re dealing with a heavy boat or a long, rugged path. That’s where a good kayak cart comes in, and Malone has built a reputation for making reliable, affordable ones. But with a few different models, how do you pick the right one for your needs? I’ve put a few through their paces, and here’s what I think you should consider before buying.
First, think about the terrain you usually tackle. Are you rolling across a smooth, paved boat ramp, or are you bouncing over rocky beaches and root-filled forest trails? For easy, hard surfaces, carts with solid plastic wheels are usually fine and are often more budget-friendly. But if you’re heading off-road, you’ll want something with pneumatic (air-filled) tires. They’re like the suspension for your kayak, absorbing bumps and preventing jolts that could damage your boat. The wider the tire, the better it will handle soft sand or mud without sinking in.
Next, pay close attention to how the cart attaches to your kayak. The two main styles are strap-through and cradle-style. Strap-through carts have a simple bar or frame, and you run a strap directly through the scupper holes of your kayak (if it has them) or around the hull. This is a very secure method, but it only works if your kayak has scupper holes in the right locations. Cradle-style carts use padded arms or cradles that the kayak sits on, secured with straps over the top. This is more universal and works for kayaks without scupper holes, including many sit-inside and recreational models. I always check that the padding is thick and non-slip to protect the kayak’s finish.
Portability is another huge factor. You’re not just going to leave the cart at the car; you need to take it with you on the water. Look for a model that is easy to break down and stow away. Many Malone carts feature a quick-release or fold-down design that makes them compact enough to fit in a hatch or strap to the deck. The last thing you want is a bulky, awkward cart that’s a pain to transport.
Finally, consider the weight capacity and the overall build quality. Check the cart’s maximum weight rating and make sure it can handle your kayak’s weight, plus any gear you might leave inside for the portage. Look at the materials—sturdy, powder-coated steel or corrosion-resistant aluminum will last much longer, especially if you’re in saltwater environments. A good Malone kayak cart strikes a balance between being lightweight for you to carry and robust enough to do its job reliably trip after trip. By thinking about where you paddle, how your kayak is built, and how you’ll store the cart, you can find the perfect model that offers both performance and value without breaking the bank.
FAQ
Will a Malone kayak cart work with any kayak?
Most Malone carts are designed to be pretty universal, but it’s not a perfect one-size-fits-all situation. The key thing to check is the attachment system. If you have a kayak with scupper holes, a strap-through model is a great, secure option. If your kayak doesn’t have scupper holes (like many sit-inside or inflatable kayaks), you’ll need a cradle-style cart that supports the hull directly. Always double-check the cart’s design against your specific kayak model to ensure a good fit.
How do I prevent my kayak from sliding off the cart?
This is a common worry, but it’s easily solved with proper technique. First, make sure the straps are tight and secure. On cradle-style carts, position the kayak so it’s centered and settled into the padded cradles. For strap-through models, ensure the strap is snug and not loose. The padding on the cradles or the bar is usually made from a non-slip material, which helps a lot. I always give the kayak a little shake test before I start moving to make sure it’s locked in place.
Are the pneumatic tires a hassle to maintain?
They require a tiny bit more attention than solid tires, but it’s really not bad. The main thing is checking the air pressure before a big trip, just like you would with your bike tires. A small hand pump is easy to keep in your car. The benefit you get—a much smoother ride over rough ground that’s easier on both you and your kayak—is almost always worth the minor extra step. Some models even come with foam-filled tires that can’t go flat, which is a fantastic low-maintenance option.
Can I use a kayak cart for a canoe or a SUP?
Yes, in many cases you can! Cradle-style carts are generally more adaptable for different types of watercraft. As long as the canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fits within the cart’s weight capacity and can be securely strapped down to the padded cradles, it should work. The wider hull of a canoe might overhang a narrower cart, so just be mindful of balance. It’s one of the reasons a versatile, affordable Malone kayak cart is such a good value—it can often serve more than one purpose in your gear shed.
How small do these carts fold down for storage?
Malone designs their carts with storage in mind. Most of their popular models feature a quick-fold or quick-release mechanism that allows them to collapse down to a fairly compact size. You’re typically looking at a bundle that’s around three to four feet long and a foot or so wide, which can easily fit in the back of most vehicles and can be stowed in a kayak’s rear tank well or through a large hatch. It’s always a good idea to check the specific folded dimensions of the model you’re looking at to be sure.