Are Scupper Carts Bad for Kayaks? Pros, Cons, and Tips You Must Know

Scupper carts for sit-on-top kayaks are like the superhero sidekick of the kayaking world. They make transport a breeze, allowing you to focus on more important things like avoiding that rock and catching fish. 

But are scupper carts bad for kayaks? The way these carts are designed allows for some risk of potential damage to the kayak, which all kayakers would love to avoid.

Scupper carts can cause damage to your kayak if not used properly. You need to choose a cart that is designed specifically for your kayak and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it properly. Also, ensure not to overload the cart and be cautious when traveling over rough.

Continue reading if you want to learn more about the different types of scupper carts, their pros and cons, and how to use them safely to avoid damaging your kayak.

What Are Scupper Carts?

Scupper carts are a type of accessory that can be used to transport kayaks, typically on land, from one location to another.

These carts can be useful for kayakers who need to transport their kayaks to and from a launch site or for those who plan to explore areas that are not easily accessible by water.

They are designed with two wheels and two upright poles that fit into the scupper holes of sit-on-top kayaks, so they don’t work for other types of kayaks. You can learn more about why sit-on-top kayaks have scupper holes here.

Are Scupper Carts Bad for Kayaks?

Although scupper carts can help transport kayaks, there are some setbacks to using them. The main concern is the potential damage that your scupper cart can cause to the kayak, especially if it is not handled with care.

Overloading the kayak or incorrectly positioning the scupper cart can cause undue stress on the scupper holes, potentially damaging the kayak.

However, if you use your scupper cart correctly, it can make it much easier for you to transport your kayak on land and enable you to go through areas that are not easily accessible by water.

It’s important to choose a cart that is specifically designed for kayaks and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully in order to use it correctly. Also, be sure not to overload the cart and take caution when traveling over difficult ground.

Pros and Cons of Scupper Carts

There are many benefits and drawbacks of using a scupper cart for kayaks, and learning these factors can help kayakers decide whether a scupper cart is a good fit for their needs.

Pros of Scupper Carts

• Convenience: Scupper carts make it much easier to transport a kayak from one location to another, particularly over long distances or rugged terrain. 
  • This can be especially useful for kayakers who need to transport their kayaks to and from a launch site or for those who plan to explore areas that are not easily accessible by water.
• Maneuverability: Scupper carts have wheels, making maneuvering the kayak through tight spaces or obstacles easy.
• Affordability: Scupper carts are the most affordable of all types of kayak carts because of their simple design, and even though they’re affordable, they’re still highly functional and durable.

Cons of Scupper Carts

• Potential Damage: The main problem with scupper carts is that they can damage the kayak if misused, which may cause severe issues to your kayak.
  • Scupper holes are not meant to support a lot of weight, and if the cart is overloaded or not in the right spot, it could strain the kayak and potentially break it.
• Difficulty in navigating rocky terrain: Scupper carts can make it more difficult to navigate rocky terrain or other challenging environments, as the wheels can get stuck or the kayak can tip over. It’s like trying to roll a shopping cart over rocky terrain, it’s not impossible, but it’s definitely not smooth sailing.
• Size and weight: Scupper carts can be bulky and heavy, making them hard to store or transport when they are not in use.

Best Scupper Cart for Kayaks

For a scupper cart, I would definitely have to recommend the Bonnlo Scupper Hole Kayak cart.

One of the most important things about a sit-on-top kayak cart is its width. The more space to adjust this width, the better, and with the Bonnlo Scupper cart, you can do just that.

You can adjust the width from 6.5 to 16.5 inches, which is great for most kayaks, especially fishing kayaks. It’s made of heavy-duty aluminum, which makes it incredibly durable as well as lightweight.

With the Bonnlo Scupper cart, you can easily move around thanks to its rubber bumpers on the no-flat tires. These bumpers protect it from wearing and tearing.

6 Tips to Use Scupper Carts Safely

Using scupper carts safely is crucial to ensure your kayak’s longevity and prevent accidents while transporting it.

To safely transport your kayak using a scupper cart, follow these tips:

1. Use a cart specifically designed for kayaks: It is important to use a cart that fits the scupper holes of a kayak. Using an unsuitable cart can lead to damage and increases the likelihood of accidents occurring.
2. Position the cart correctly: Ensure that the kayak cart is properly positioned in the scupper holes. The cart should be centered, and the wheels should be aligned with the kayak.
3. Don’t overload the cart: Putting too much weight in the kayak can damage it and make accidents more likely. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s limit guidelines.
4. When traveling over rough terrain, keep your eyes peeled: Scupper carts can make rocky crossing terrain or other tricky areas a bit of a pain. So, be prepared to carry your kayak if need be.
5. Give your cart some care: To keep it in tip-top shape and avoid any potential accidents, give it a regular once-over. Check for any wear and tear; if you spot any damage, get it fixed up pronto.
6. Listen to the manufacturer: Always make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your cart. They know best, and following their advice will ensure you use your cart safely and correctly.

By following these tips, kayakers can safely use scupper carts to transport their kayaks on land and minimize the risk of damage to the kayak and accidents.

For more instructions, check out this video on assembling a scupper cart and attaching it to your kayak.

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