Kayaks on Roof

Scamron · 11-19-2015, 06:16 PM

I'm looking for the best solutions for hauling the kayaks (2) on my SMB roof. I had the SMB North shop install the Thule crossbars (square) when I bought the conversion (pop top). I can just lash them to the crossbars, but wonder if people recommend other accessories, like a roller for ease of putting them up on the roof. I tried putting one up the first time this afternoon, doable but a strain!

PatO · 11-19-2015, 06:23 PM

I use the Yakima side loader bar which slides out of the front bar. The Hobie's weigh about 65#. They also like to be upside down during transit so I use the Yakima gunwale brackets. I have carried 2 Hobies, where one was just strapped to the bars.

MKRyan · 11-19-2015, 08:55 PM

Steve,

I have my two kayaks on Yakima saddles that are on the square Thule cross bars. I added a Yakima Showboat for assisting the loading and unloading. The Showboat is a movable roller that can move out over the back and also move from side to side. I can load and unload by myself if needed. My kayaks are 53 lbs. each plus gear.

Mike

DocSavage · 11-19-2015, 09:14 PM

I think it depends on your boats too. We had 16 foot plastic boats that weighed 60 lbs and we had a tandem than weighed 90 lbs. We used Yakima kayak racks and they worked great. We upgraded our boat to 18 foot glass, 40 lbs and Kevlar for her and 20 foot surf ski glass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, 32 lbs for me so we upgraded the racks. Good boy racks rock! Guy in a small private shop builds them out of aluminum. Great hold, easy to tie down, I won't use anything else.

xcnick · 11-19-2015, 09:43 PM

My signature picture shows a weird solution. However I write to mentioned the tule helavator. My wife was in tears because she could not get it up on the subaru this summer. (We get older every year) We bought, or should I say mortgaged the house for a helevator. Worth ever penny. You already have the tule so look into it.

xcnick · 11-19-2015, 09:50 PM

here is the Rube Goldberg rack I use on the sportsmobile.

https://sites.google.com/site/rvnote...cks/kayak-rack

**macmcintire** · 11-20-2015, 08:52 AM

Here is how I carry mine. I'm too old to lift them onto the top of my SMB.