Comments on: How to choose the right kayak roof rack

By: хидрогенна система

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By: caixa econômica

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By: kwikle

kwikle — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:59:44 +0000

The point about plastic boats and heat is a good one. I have two plastic boats. I always put them on their side, even when only carrying one.

As to high end foam core-Those too on their sides should be fine. I’ve had high end surf kayaks with foam core on my roof this way in the california sun with no deformation.

By: gnarlydog

gnarlydog — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:49:15 +0000

While a lot of consideration has gone into the all the different types of roof racks the author does mention that his preferred method for “cradles” is closed cell foam.
If your kayak is a composite one and transported in a hot climate (summer temps of above 90F) chances are that a high end foam core epoxty kayak might deform in the sun. Yes, it is not just the palsti boats that have to be taken care of when hot, composites too.
My carbon/Kevlar clear coat kayak dimpled badly when transported on Thule cradles. Transporting on J cradles onit’s side did not improve that either. If temps are high transport your high end kayak resting on the deck (mine is vinylester) and with a perfectly shaped closed cell foam cradle.

By: kwikle

kwikle — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:39:01 +0000

I really want a trailer for the minivan. I am sick of the roof rack on that particular car. I think a trailer would be better. They cost serious scratch I usually spend on kayaks.

Keith

By: kwikle

kwikle — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:38:04 +0000

Tom:
You can always glue minicell foam pieces to the standard foam pads to carry a SOF upside down. Thanks for mentioning the aerodynamics. MY friend Doug Van Doren swears that he gets better gas mileage with his Betsie Bay Recluse upside down. I think it is probably true with upswept ends and all that.

Do you have a picture of the VW system? I’d like to see it?

Keith

By: kwikle

kwikle — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:35:49 +0000

I like malone, but they are primarily known for saddles. Which in my experience are fancy, expensive foam pads with less carrying capacity.

The prius install looks pretty serious man. You’d have to be pretty darn sure you got it right, cause if you don’t no body shop in the world will come near you to fix it!

Also it doesn’t eliminate the bar spread problem of the short rounded roof. But it is better than the door jamb solution I will give you that.

Thanks for posting the link to the blog!

Keith

By: Marius

Marius — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:49:25 +0000

Great review!

Both Yakima and Thule sell rail systems as well – you attach rails to your roof, q towers and whatnots can be used for the rest. That is what Michael had on his Element. System allows the use of almost all the roof space for bar spread. Unfortunately, some drilling is required.
Here is how it looks on Prius: http://thulepriusrack.blogspot.com/

And, how could you forget Malones? http://www.maloneautoracks.com/

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:20:37 +0000

Volkswagen has a nice system where the tower fits over a bolt under a gasket at the rain gutter.

One advantage of saddles is that they allow you to carry and SOF upside down. This is more aerodynamic, and the deck is stronger than the hull. I think you can get a better fit than with foam.

By: eurion

eurion — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:41:30 +0000

You could of course consider towing a trailer