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Boat Transport and Carriers

Alright, you did your homework and got the right kayak - now you need to make another decision. How are you going to move your new kayak?


https://www.blinkbest.com/fishing-kayaks/


Some kayaks are heavy and awkward - especially rigged fishing kayaks. You'll need to put some thought into what will be the very best transport method for you, your kayak, and your vehicle. A variety of vehicles will create different circumstances to contend with. For instance, in case you have a very tall vehicle it might not be practical for you to load your kayak on the roof - with a trailer is the way to go, or simply a Hullavator. Maybe you have a health issue14921 or an injury that will prevent you from lifting a kayak. Or perhaps you just don't feel like raising a 60+ lb boat over your head. All of these challenges can be addressed.


Let's discuss some of the different methods to transport your kayak(s).


Transport Options


Rack Systems


Most boat transport needs can be happy by adding an after-market slab system. A rack structure includes the bars and feet (adapters) that fix the system to your particular vehicle. The bars can be used exclusively or they can serve as the bottom for additional kayak carriers and accessories. The most widely used programs are made by Thule and Yakima. These types of racks provide the most weight capacity and therefore are the safest way to move kayaks on a vehicle.
Manufacturer Racks


Many vehicles have factory bars (usually the flat oblong shaped ones) and these can work great to transport your kayak and may usually be fitted with many kayak carriers, but they shortage the carrying capacity and long term strength of a fantastic after-market rack system. So if you need to carry multiple kayaks or even one heavy one kayak, investing in a good rack system will be your best option.
Polyurethane foam Blocks


This method is a lot like the duct tape way of kayak transport. With this method the foam blocks are placed on the roof of the car and the kayak is strapped down sandwiching the foam between the roof and also the kayak. The reason foam pads are so popular is that they are a very economical transport system. But care needs to be taken to make sure the kayak is guaranteed properly to prevent any challenges and or damage to your kayak and/or vehicle.


foamblock


Car with foam wedge carrier system


Trailers: This is fast becoming a popular alternative if you happen to are tired of lifting or perhaps for the family that an easy way to haul the fleet. Many trailers are very well made, perfect for kayaks, and in some cases can be close to cost of an aftermarket rack system. We all recommend Trailex Trailers.


Trailex makes a single kayak model that is light enough to unhook and use as being a dolly to get up to the water. For those who want to carry more than one kayak additionally they make multi-kayak trailers.


Rack Accessories


Rack Pads


Rack Pads were originally designed for surfboards but work well to get kayaks. The pads wrap around your factory or after-market bars and are held in place by Velcro straps. Tray pads are a very good decision if you transport you boat face down (the couch area facing the roof), by carrying face straight down you are placing the load within the gunwales (the strongest part of the kayak) and it is the way many kayak companies recommend to transport the kayak to prevent distorting or damaging the hull.


Pros: Like foam blocks, it can be a very economical set up, particularly if you already have bars on your vehicle. Unlike foam blocks rack pads can't fly off the vehicle.


Cons: Pads usually don't a lot of cushion and can indent some kayaks if carried with the hull down as well as if you over tighten the tie-down straps.


Cradles and Saddles: A very popular way to hold a kayak designed to take the kayak right part up (just like it is on the water). Some examples these are the Thule Set-To-Go as well as Malone Seawing.


Pros: All these tend to keep kayak in position and protect the hull from damage. These systems usually work well with other items that aid in getting your kayak on your vehicle like rollers and glide pads (we will discuss these later).


Cons: These set-ups are designed to transport your kayak right side up, not the ideal way to avoid distortion, but with care this will not be a concern. Also, if you are going to transport only two kayaks, cradles do limit the usable space with your rack bars.


J-Carriers: These kinds of work by carrying your kayak(s) on their side on J-shaped racks.


Pros: J-carriers work well to protect the boat hull from damage when tightening the straps. They will maximize your roof space to fit extra kayaks or additional accessories.


Cons: It can be challenging to maneuver the kayak on the vehicle and into the aspect position of the J-carrier, especially if your vehicle is tall. Additionally, be careful in parking garages as the added height could be a problem. Some examples of J-carriers are: Thule Hullaport and also the Malone Autoloader.


Vehicle types


Cars


Cars with brief roofs can be a challenge -- especially 2-door cars. The shorter the distance between the straps/bars the less secure the machine will be. Always, use ribbon and bow and stern lines when ever transporting by car or any other vehicle with a short roof span - a favorite of ours is the Thule Quickdraw.


While foam blocks works, we strongly recommend putting a rack system on your car -- this will make life easier, protect the roof of your family car, and leave you more bedroom for other accessories along with gear. Most rack manufacturers make special rack adapters for 2 door autos with shorter roofs. The two Thule and Yakima make good system for vehicles.
SUV's and Mini Vehicles


The longer roof frame of an SUV or a Tiny Van does give you some advantages over cars, yet sometime the added height of SUV can make getting your boat on top a little harder. A good number of SUV's come with factory shelves that work well to receive a large number of kayak carriers and transport accessories. Factory racks products do have weight restraints, but most can handle 1 or 2 medium to light weight kayaks without a problem.


A popular means to transport two kayaks with a factory system is to transport one in a J-type carrier as well as other flat or deal with down on the bars. You can really maximize space through the use of two J-Carriers.


Of course , adding a quality rack system to the SUV or Mini Van will offer the most room to get accessories and carrying ability. Note: It's OK if your bars extend out beyond daylight hours roof. According to the law, they can lengthen as wide as your side-view mirrors. On tall automobiles this works well, on shorter ones make sure you won't be hitting your head on the ends on the bars when you enter or exit the vehicle.
Pickup Trucks


There's nothing easier than strapping your kayak into the bed of a pickup and hitting the road. If the kayak is suspending over the end of your tailgate you must hang a hole on it for safety. Alternative which makes this method of move safer and more practical can be described as bed extender. An estirar is a device that fills into a standard 2- hinderance mount and will give you approximately 4' more of support within your kayak. (An extender can also be reconfigured to support your kayak over the bed, with one end resting about the cab roof and the several other on the extender in the usable position. )


Helpers + Load Assist Devices


Regardless of system you are using there will still be to physically set the kayak into or about it. This may seem difficult and awkward at first, but you will discover that it will get easier with repetition and ultimately you can find what works best for you plus your situation. But a little support doesn't hurt. So here is actually a list of products that can help generate bearing the weight a little bit easier.


Thule Hydro Move: helps when loading your company's kayak from one end of the vehicle and also acts to hold the kayak during move. The kayak slides without difficulty on felt covered topper.


Thule Roller Coaster: a roller attached to a set of saddles lets you push the kayak " up " onto the roof from the raise of the vehicle.


Loading Pubs: Thule as well other companies develop a bar that extends out so you can lift one end of the kayak on the club and then lift the various other side onto your rack. Thule makes the Outrigger


Lift Guide Accessories: Companies now produce accessories to help you get your boat unto your roof. One such product is the Hullavator by Thule, this hydraulic assist roof-rack folds down the side in the vehicle where the kayak is loaded at waist top and the whole thing folds back onto the roof with the aid of mechanical assistance - Good! We've had many customers tell us that without it they wouldn't have been able to continue kayaking because of physical limitations brought on by age or perhaps injury. Sure it's expensive, but worth every penny.


Roller Termes conseillés: This little device is effective to help you get your kayak standing on your vehicle. It basically is a dolly that suctions onto the back of your vehicle and you just roll the kayak on or off.


A very low-tech option that works particularly very well with mini-vans, SUV's and station wagons is a silicone backed bathmat. Just to place the mat (with rubber backing down - so it won't slide) on the rear on the vehicle and place one end of the kayak on the yoga exercise mat and slide onto the rack. Here is a video clip of any kayak being loaded by using a bathroom mat.


Tips for Move:


Always give the kayak a fantastic push and pull prior to driving away to make sure that you are secure. As a general rule if you can rock the vehicle without the kayak shifting on its perch than you are fine. If the kayak is definitely sliding back and forth on the taverns or in the carriers you need to go back and tighten the straps.


If using connectors with auto-lock buckles, always put a half hinderance in the strapping after tying down to insure that managing buckle loosens the straps will not come lose.


If perhaps using ratchet style tie up downs it is very easy to over-tighten and do damage to the boat. So make sure that the kayak is snug, but don't go overboard.


When transporting within a flat bed pickup avoid choose places on the kayak to fasten to that can crash - like the handles. All of us recommend passing the connectors through the scupper holes of the kayak and tying the fact that off in the bed in the truck.


Some cars roof areas can compress/dent in when you use foam blocks, these notches usually pop back out. Constantly try to place foam blocks on the strongest part of the rooftop (this will be the areas more close to the front and rear windows)


Also, if you find that a few part of your kayak can be making contact with the roof when you finally tighten it down in that case placing a piece of rug as well as padding there is a good idea to shield the car from scratching.
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