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Old 02-08-2013, 11:22 AM   #1
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Roof rack for canoe

Looking into a rack system to get the canoe up to on an E-350 with a penthouse. I've heard the Thule system works well, what are you guys using and how tall do the bars stand unloaded from the roof? I've heard of rollers at the back to help in loading, is that a Thule add-on or is it a product someone else offers?
I'll be adding solar panels in the future so trying to keep that in mind when I look at options.

Thanks for any input. We'll be doing a two week trip down to the Sea of Cortez the last week of May/first week of June so trying to get a jump on things...

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Old 02-08-2013, 01:24 PM   #2
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Discountramps.com have a wide variety of kayak and canoe attachments that go on different rack systems.
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Old 02-08-2013, 07:06 PM   #3
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Thanks Copescobra, I'll check it out.
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Old 02-08-2013, 10:26 PM   #4
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Check out the Yakima Showboat. It's a roller system with a fairly wide roller that extends out over the back of the SMB. It's an add on that works with either Yakima or Thule crossbars. Both companies also have systems to hold a canoe on the crossbars themselves. My crossbars probably stand 3" to 4" above the penthouse roof.

Many options out there, this is just one.

Mike and Kris
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Old 02-09-2013, 09:14 AM   #5
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Thanks for the info on the roller system Mike &Kris. I'm very interested in finding out what people are using and why they like them or wish they had gone with something different.
I'm going to check out the Yakima site for that Showboat.
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Old 02-11-2013, 10:45 AM   #6
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

I have a Thule Slipstream on our SMB. It has worked great for kayaks (with a 130w solar panel up front). However, I am not sure how it would do with a heavier canoe. The Yakima solution looks like a good one as well.
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Old 02-11-2013, 12:06 PM   #7
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

On the complete dirtbag side of things, I simply have a piece of PVC pipe over the top of my load bar and it works just dandy for the amount we haul our canoe around. The price was right!
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Old 02-11-2013, 06:27 PM   #8
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Quote:
Originally Posted by rockbender
On the complete dirtbag side of things, I simply have a piece of PVC pipe over the top of my load bar and it works just dandy for the amount we haul our canoe around. The price was right!
I like that idea, but I'd have to have the rear cross-member pretty close to the rear of the vehicle for it to support the canoe during initial loading (if I'm picturing your description right)? I was figuring the rear bar would be somewhere in the neighborhood of the rear tires, or maybe that's where I figure I'll be standing to work the straps.
Do you have a pic of your setup?

Edit: On second thought, the straps are probably going to be out of reach up on top along side the canoe... Gotta put some pool noodles on the gunnels and throw it up there, get a feel for things.
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Old 02-12-2013, 06:02 PM   #9
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Sorry - my camera battery died, so you get a crappy cell phone photo:


Yes, my rear bar is pretty close to the back of the van. My bars sit fairly low, so I have to pay extra close attention to the solar panel when loading and unloading.
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Old 02-12-2013, 08:08 PM   #10
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Re: Roof rack for canoe

Or if you have a galley box with a rail, I used the same concept, pvc pipe wrapped in pipe insulation foam, and covered with black electrical tape. I lean my kayak on this and climb up top and easily haul it up!
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