Carrying Kayaks

[jeffporfirio]

The only slightly relevant post I found about this was from 2010, so I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere sooner.

For those that have Kayaks, how do you transport them?
I have a pair of these (6ft long):

Spoiler!

In the past, I have folded half the second row of my wife's SUV, but it's really uncomfortable plus it always get really messy.

I have been looking at purchasing two pairs of J-Hook carriers for the rack,

Spoiler!

But the cheapest (non-no-name brand) I have found are Swagman for $125 a pair out of a store in Edmonton.

Any experiences or suggestions are appreciated.

[Hockeyguy15]

Looking to do some portaging, huh?

[GP_Matt]

I have the J-Hooks but most of the time I just tie them to the roof racks directly using nylon strapping.

I am moving whitewater kayaks though so the tie down points and boat itself is more structurally sound. I might be nervous about tying to the rope handle on the boat shown above.

[jeffporfirio]

Originally Posted by GP_Matt

I have the J-Hooks but most of the time I just tie them to the roof racks directly using nylon strapping.

I am moving whitewater kayaks though so the tie down points and boat itself is more structurally sound. I might be nervous about tying to the rope handle on the boat shown above.

Thanks.
That is why I have never tried nylon strapping (ratchet straps), it would seem to me that these kayaks would just slip under it.

I'm thinking that with the foam padded J-Hooks and bow/stern straps, they might be secure.

opinions are more than welcome

[GP_Matt]

I lie the kayak upside down and run one strap over each of the front and rear racks. Then I tie the rear handle to the rear rack. You just have to be careful because you can still vibrate the boat forward if you have the straps in the wrong spot.
I drive a truck which can fit three kayaks in the box though so I have only done this on the highway when I have a fourth or fifth kayak, or on resource roads and quick highway trips for a shuttle run.
I haven't lost anything on the highway yet.

[wwkayaker]

https://www.yakima.com/ca/kayakstacker
https://www.thule.com/en-us/ca/sport...tacker-_-13694

Here are a couple other options that allow for more than one kayak. I have used both extensively and they are excellent. Like GP_Matt said, without an attachment point on the boat to go through, I would be hesitant to tie down a boat to my rack. The exception would be how much curvature the kayaks have...if the straps are around a narrower part of the boat toward the bow and stern, the straps should pinch the boat and stop it from moving forward or backward.

[InglewoodFan]

I've used something like these https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5010-3...yak-Foam-Block with a strap around each bar on the rack. Just for around town though.

[schteve_d]

I can tell you what not to buy. Figured for only forty bucks this would be "good enough". It's not!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...3870p.html#srp

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

I can tell you what not to buy. Figured for only forty bucks this would be "good enough". It's not!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...3870p.html#srp

Sportrack does not make good products. I got a roof cargo box from them for a road-trip, and no matter what I did the damn thing kept popping open whenever there was a strong cross-wind. Eventually I drilled some holes in it and came up with my own clamping system to keep it shut on the drive home. But it was so poorly designed I'd never buy anything made by them again.

[Scoopdogg]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

I can tell you what not to buy. Figured for only forty bucks this would be "good enough". It's not!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...3870p.html#srp

There has to be a good story behind this post???