Kayak Roof Rack Guide - What to Look For

The most popular kayak roof rack systems are made by Thule and Yakima. They are the safest method to carry a kayak on a vehicle. The racks are very secure, stable and can be used to haul other outdoor gear. These roof rack systems can be fitted to most any car, truck or van.

Most kayak roof racks begin with towers; these are sturdy, vertical supports that hold the horizontal bars that keep your kayak off of the car's roof.

There are a number of different kayak rack attachments that can utilized as well. The attachments allow you to carry different types of equipment safely and securely. Touring kayaks are usually carried in a saddle or cradle. These padded supports cradle the kayak hull and provide the best in protection. The better kayak cradles are designed to hold kayaks right side up, which serves to protect the edges of the hull.

To load a kayak onto your vehicle, use two people if possible. Lift the kayak over your heads and set it down gently inside the rack saddles. Center the boat in the rack. Reverse this process to unload the kayak.

The saddle system car rack consists of four padded holders that are attached to your vehicle for the kayak to rest on. This car rack system also combines with straps that wrap around the kayak to prevent your craft from becoming a projectile if you have to stop suddenly. As the popularity of kayaking increases, manufacturers are designing systems that are tailor-made for kayaks. Yakima makes a very secure kayak saddle called the Mako Saddle. With a pair of Mako Saddles on the front of your rack and a pair of Yakima Hully Rollers on the back, you've created one of the best kayak hauling systems available. For the best in security, replace the Hully Rollers with a second pair of Mako Saddles. That will give you a solid kayak transport system that will weather any storm. Yakima also sells Mako scuff pads, which are pre-cut and have an adhesive backing. Seriously consider installing these pads on your Mako Saddles. They will prevent any scuff marks fron appearing on the hull of a fiberglass or composite kayak.

If you own a vehicle with a narrow roof, it may be impossible to fit two kayaks side-by-side. J-shaped cradles carry the kayak up on its side, reducing the amount of space that's necessary on the roof. Because they're side-loading, some paddlers find it easier to load and unload. Instead of loading your kayak from the rear of the vehicle, you pick the whole kayak up and load it from the side. Depending on how much your kayak weighs, this requires some strength, so it may not work for smaller paddlers who have trouble reaching the roofline of their vehicle. Two excellent examples of this type of rack are the very popular Thule Hull-A-Port and the Kayak Stacker also from Thule.

The roller roof rack system is the exact same as the saddle system except that it has wheels. This makes for a easy loading and easy removing of the kayak. Even though kayaks aren't that heavy, if you want the ultimate in ease of use, then you'll want to consider a roller system. A great set of rollers called Hully Rollers are made by Yakima. Hully Rollers are best suited to vehicles with longer rooflines, like a van or full-size sport utility vehicle. Just remember that your kayak will wiggle around a little on the Hully Rollers if used on a vehicle with a short roofline.

Kayaks are waterproof, but they also hold water. As I remember, water weighs 10 pounds per gallon. If your kayak roof rack requires you to transport your kayak in an upright position, you should definitely invest in a quality cockpit cover. Why? Because if it rains and your cockpit fills with water, all the additional weight will put tremendous strain on your roof rack, or the kayak hull might buckle under the stress.

A good cockpit cover will keep out water and wind too. Your kayak will ride better because the cockpit no longer acts as an air scoop. You should invest in a cockpit cover even if you haul your kayak upside down. Wind is an issue either way. Bottom line: If you haul your kayak on a roof rack, buy a cockpit cover. I highly recommend the Outfitter Series cockpit covers from Snapdragon. They have a bungee cord that's adjustable and makes a tight fit easy to achieve. Tightness is critical: a loose cockpit cover will fly off as you're driving.

Regardless of the kayak roof rack you choose, follow these safety precautions when loading and securing your kayak to your vehicle:

• If your roof rack has no padding, place padding between the kayak and horizontal rack bars.
• Align the kayak so that it is parallel with the car, ensuring the bow points as straight forward as possible.
• Run two straps across the kayak and secure to the rack. Use two wide webbing straps with spring-loaded buckles to tie the kayak down to the roof.
• Avoid over-tightening as you may damage your kayak or the car roof.
• As an extra measure of safety, use two other tie downs, one from the bow to front bumper and one from the stern to the rear bumper.
• To check your kayak while on a trip, grab hold of either end of the boat and try to swing it from side to side. If your kayak is secure, there should be very little to no sideways movement. Tighten both bumper lines when you check your kayak.
• Be sure your kayak is securely lashed down prior to heading out on the road and secure all loose line ends. If you leave a length of line dangling and it catches under your tire, you'll fold your kayak in half.
• Be aware of garage door heights and bridge clearances, as well as low hanging branches.

1-inch or wider nylon load straps distribute pressure over a wider hull area than ropes. They also tend to chafe less against the kayak's surface. Look for the type with self-locking buckles. They're easy to use and cinch quickly, providing a snug, uniform grip.

Regardless of the type of straps you use, remember to place some sort of padding (like and old hand towel) underneath the buckle if it makes contact with the kayaks hull. This will eliminate hull abrasion. Tie off any extra length of strap. This will also increase security when you're driving.

It's not difficult to drive safely with a kayak on your car. Make sure your boat is securely fastened to your kayak roof rack before you leave home. Check it occasionally throughout your trip. Your kayak represents a considerable investment. Take a little extra time to protect it.