Dock carts are carts used to transport gear and equipment from your vehicle to your boat or from your boat to your vehicle. They are called dock carts because a boat is typically parked at a dock and the cart is wheeled down the dock. A standard dock cart is typically made from a sturdy material shaped in a wheelbarrow type body with two wheels and a handle. However, there are different styles on the market. One of the most popular cart styles are the fold-able or collapsible carts. They are very convenient to store and transport.
Many marinas provide the use of carts to their clients however one can’t always guarantee availability and cleanliness. Having your own dock cart is more convenient as most people will transport gear and equipment directly from a car to a boat or vice versa. It is much more convenient to have a cart on hand rather than having to go search for one and possibly clean it before using it. Some people prefer a more sturdy standard type of dock cart, while others prefer the convenience and ease of a fold-able/collapsible cart. It’s all about personal preference. Fortunately, there are many options on the market.
When buying a dock cart, it’s important to purchase one that is sturdy and made to last. Each cart is made with a specific material and in a specific style. Below are two of the most popular styles on the market and their added features.
Collapsible/Fold-able Dock Carts
A fold-able dock cart is very convenient as it is compact and easy to transport itself. Once folded, it fits into your car or boat easily. It opens into a full-size cart, so you do not lose any space either way. This type of dock cart is made with a heavy-duty crate which usually comes in different sizes. They are convenient and compact and usually fold down to flat. Most also come equipped with an aluminum handle that is usually a telescope handle. A folding dock cart is great to have when there is limited storage space. When opened, they tend to be a little smaller in size than a standard dock cart and not quite as heavy duty, but the benefits of being lightweight and easy to store are huge.
Standard Dock Cart
A standard heavy-duty dock cart is usually made with a heavy-duty metal frame that holds a removable heavy-duty plastic bucket. Each bucket is made to withstand the elements and is spacious enough to transport boating gear and equipment. Depending on the brand purchased they can come equipped with different types of tires. Hard tires are common and popular because they do not deflate and don’t require air. However, some are made with pneumatic tires, which are just air-filled tires. While hard or solid tires tend to last longer, pneumatic tires absorb more shock and cushion the load making the cart easier to pull or push. Most handles are made to extend or curve so that there is no need to bend over while pushing or pulling it. They are not quite as easy to store and transport as a fold-able cart however the benefits of the larger size and sturdiness outweigh the cons.
Choosing a dock cart is a personal preference. What works for one person might not work for another. There are many important factors to consider before making a decision. Fortunately, there are tons of options and styles on the market to fit all needs.
