I usually like to keep my trips simple. Most of the places I launch are close to the water and there is no need for a kayak cart. This year I have found a few places that are longer jaunts than my shoulders can comfortably make. Longer portages keep me out of sight from either my gear or kayak, and I try to avoid that as well.

I tried to build a cart out of PVC and some tires that came off of a cooler, but it never fit well and the tires were always flat. I decided the amount of time I wasted building it and the money for the parts would have been enough to buy a gold-plated cart that was motorized. I finally broke down and started looking for a “store bought” kayak cart.

After looking at a few different models, I liked the look of the Malone “Nomad MPG503”. It was simple, foldable, and I liked the fact that it had a lifetime warranty. After looking online for the best price I found one on sale with free shipping. The box arrived at my house within a few days, and I was ready to put it to the test.

The first trip with the cart was one of the roughest places I launch. The terrain starts as a rutted hill, and then steeply drops off into shin-deep mud and soft sand. If there was ever a place to check out a cart, this was it. I loaded my Jackson Kayak “Cuda 14” on it and quickly realized there is a “sweet spot” for cart placement. Too far back, and there is very little benefit from it; too far forward, and the bow of the boat will really give you a workout. The cart did well that day, even in the mud and soft sand that bogged my feet down.

When I got to the water I found that the Nomad cart breaks down well and fits inside the bow compartment of the Cuda 14. On subsequent trips I found that it is just as easy to flip it upside down and use the bungee of the back tankwell to hold it in place. On my Jackson “Big Tuna” I use a small bungee to hold it in place on the rear handles. This may look like your kayak has training wheels, but it gets you out fishing faster and every minute on the water counts.

I have used it on three different models of our kayaks, and after a small learning curve I have been pleased with it. It takes a little time to figure out exactly where the best placement on your kayak is, and then a bit of finesse to center the cart on the kayak. The included strap works well if you can center it in a paddle notch or on a flat spot on the gunnels, but I find adding a second strap really helps in rough terrain.

The features and specifications of the Nomad MPG503 according to the Malone website are:
10" Airless "Never-Go-Flat" all terrain tires
Folding silver anodized aluminum frame
Corrosion resistant stainless steel fittings
1" Wide cam buckle style load strap
Corrosion free and UV resistant construction
Integrated full length kick-stand for stable loading
Works well over sand and hard rocky terrain
Breaks down in seconds - fits nearly all kayak hatches
Lifetime warranty
Capacity: 150 lb (68kg)
Weight: 7.9 lb (3.6kg)
Dimensions: 12"(length) x 24"(width) x 14"(height)
Frame: Marine Grade Anodized Aluminum
Padding: 1.75" Diameter Foam

A kayak cart is a tool that can come in handy when needed. It can open up access to places that are difficult to get to, and help keep your gear in sight and secure. The ability to reduce multiple round trips will save time in travel and get you on the water faster. The Malone Nomad MPG503 can be purchased at www.maloneautoracks.com for $89.95. I have also found it on a few other sites on sale and with free shipping, so it pays to do your homework.