(Part 2) Best kayak, canoe & sup car racks according to redditors
We found 124 Reddit comments discussing the best kayak, canoe & sup car racks. We ranked the 43 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
>Why tf can't Subaru just make a outdoor oriented roof rack system?
Because for every 1 person who carries things on the roof there are 50 who don't, and some carry bicycles, others carry surfboards, other carry skis, and so on. To accommodate all of these different customers Subaru gives you a good solid low noise and low wind resistance base so you can add a roof rack of your choice.
Just buy a Thule Portage roof rack like all the other canoe owners do and quit whining.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSROJ5C/
And if you really think you need a front tie down point, just buy one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CRBXQUK/
Good for you!
I would recommend three sets of J racks and a step ladder.
I wanted the ability to carry 4 kayaks - so I started with a stacker (Malone) and a step ladder - it was great, however dealing with rotomolded plastic kayaks (heavy) in windy conditions can be quite dangerous - I fell/slipped backwards and almost had the kayak fall on top of me after hitting the ground on my back...the danger would have been mitigated with a J rack to help hold back the kayak vs leaning against the stacker/other kayak on the roof of the jeep before camstrapping it down. This might be more hazardous for you since you are working with sit on tops that are usually wider width wise and narrower height wise than sit ins - and thus more "wobbly"/less steady when first putting them on the roof against a stacker/other kayak.
In the end - I went with a Kari Tek - EZ loader solution - I was able to use 4 sets of folding Thule Hullaports J racks, and for the most part can slide on three kayaks myself (4 with a helper) without a step ladder - loaded -- unloading in process -- unloaded -- promo video
If you need to go with a stacker - I would recommend you get extra long cam straps - 15' or longer - they will help whip the strap around the bow/stern when strapping them in.
/edit
Thinking more about it, if you really wanted to go with a stacker system - getting "stoppers" would help reduce the risk of the loading kayak slipping off the rack and ontop of you - something like this
Here is my evolution of racks (originally posted here:
I've just finished trying solutions for getting my 60lb poly Tempest 170 on the roof (almost always solo).
First I used inflatable roof racks from Malone, which get the job done surprisingly well, but lifting the 17 foot boat up there remained a challenge.
Second I shifted to J racks as i hated watching the hull deform a bit (temporarily only) by tying the poly boat down on the inflatable. So I got these Malone J Racks. I like these racks, but they add a few inches to the height needed to lift the boat. I could do it, but tended to scrape the car and boat up a bit. That and eventually I was going to injure my back.
Third I got the Malone Telos Load Assist which seemed like a nice, more affordable solution to load assist than the Thule Hullavator. It can be moved from side to side and vehicle to vehicle so the more boats you are loading (requiring Malone J racks) the cheaper it is effectively. The Telos system works, but ins't perfect. It was still scratching my boat up too much, and my side mirror even when folded in. Honestly for smaller boats it would have been just fine.
Finally I caved and returned the Telos and ordered the Thule Hullavator (Note that you can get it cheaper from other places than amazon, but Amazon is convenient to link to for reviews and such). It is silly how pricey it is, but it simply works. I don't risk my back or my gear when loading or unloading, and it is cake to work with.
It has now been around a year and I am SO happy with the final solution.Going out solo even in strong winds is now feasible and injury free!
Does the dislike so far J-cradles in this tread include when used for poly sea kayaks? My understanding is that they should be transported on the side to avoid stress on the boat, where glass boats should be hull down.
You can probably mount some Thule Hullaports on them, though that's rather pricey.
A cheaper route would be some foam blocks.
Either way, you should invest in some bungees or tie-downs.
I bought this combo for our Crosstrek...
BRIGHTLINES 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek & 2017-2019 Impreza Aero Crossbars Roof Racks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079K69B5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3hjKDb66H3WE3
AA Products 2 Pair J-Bar Rack for Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Paddle Board Surfboard Roof Top Mount on Car SUV Truck Crossbar with 16 Ft Ratchet Lashing Straps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VWCPJ7T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3ijKDbGC73AEJ
The bars are Rock solid perfect fit with zero noise. Not sure if they make them for your Rav.
I use J hooks with a permanent luggage rack. With a permanent system, the bar is mounted with a few inches clearance above the roof; the J hook then has two pieces (top J hook and bottom clamp) that bolt together and sandwich the luggage bar. Pretty good image here. This works great for permanent bars.
While I've never tried it, I have seen kayaks transported on foam pads directly on the roof - here. Maybe someone else can give input on that kind of carrier.
These cross bars and these yak holders. Really recommend the yak holders as they have held up great over a year now.
I use this.
http://www.amazon.com/Inno-Kayak-Canoe-Locking-Carrier/dp/B005W1BP4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376115891&sr=8-1&keywords=inno+sup+rack
it's very similar to that link except mine does not come with the foam rollers. it is very convenient and easy to tighten. you will definitely be able to tighten these straps far tighter than you ever would by hand with conventional straps. i was able to drive up to 80mph without front or back ties on my kayak. however, when strapped directly to the crossbars, there was very slight wiggle room which i noticed, but not enough to make a huge difference. i did buy some crossbar seats for the kayak though so this should solve the problem of varying hull widths and sliding.
Installing the OEM roof rack and cross bars yourself is super easy if you want to save some $.
For skis (and probably a kiteboard in the Summer) I went with the Yakima FatCat 6. Looks great, was a snap to put on and is very easy to get skis in and out of.
https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-FatCat-Locking-Snowboard-Rack/dp/B008YPPVS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480192952&sr=8-1&keywords=yakima+fatcat+6
What would you recommend WB400 or WB401?
I have one kayak Delta 15.5 expedition and driving for 4~5 hrs in highway for portage. There is one review that he bought WB401becuase of long highway driving. Does WB401 better than WB400 at hi-way driving?
many many thanks
WB401:
https://www.amazon.com/Whispbar-WB401-Saddle-Roller-Carrier/dp/B009ZN7DRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527102345&sr=8-1&keywords=Whispbar+WB401#customerReviews
Google "rooftop boat loader" for ideas.
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If you can't lift it INTO the water, something like this might be a good option:
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?136905-Car-topping-Ladder-Loader
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If you can lift it once it's on the ground, this might be a good option:
https://www.amazon.com/Rhino-Rack-Side-Loader-Vehicle/dp/B0037OHZXG
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Edit: A lightweight trailer may also be the way to go.
You might want to consider the Inno kayak rack.
Copied from Amazon:
Inno Easy Mount Dual Kayak Carrier with Universal Mounting System for Car, Truck, or SUV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MZUSNK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mhlRybEB7PAPN
Okay, so believe it or not there are factors here that haven't been brought up in the other comments.
First off, what kind of kayaks are we talking about? For whitewater boats, the Thule Stacker or Yakima Bigstack are the obvious choices, but if you're carrying fiberglass touring boats, you won't want either of those.
Second, why is it that you want to fold down - just for aesthetics or do you need to clear an overhead obstruction, like a garage door? If it's just for aesthetics I might encourage you just not to worry about it - carrying your boats safely and loading and unloading easily is a lot more important.
If you're carrying touring or rec boats and want a fold-down solution, the Swiss Cargo carrier is a good option. As far as I know it's really an in-house brand at Dick's Sporting Goods, there's a link elsewhere in the comments. It's essentially a fold-down two sided J bar. Great for what you've described. But I wouldn't recommend it for whitewater boats.
An Expedition is very tall. Loading boats on your roof can't possibly be a pleasant experience. If you're loading heavy boats, I'd really suggest looking into a Thule Hullavator. It's crazy expensive, but it stays horizontal and has a relatively low profile, while greatly simplifying access to your high roof. But because it's so expensive, it's really targeted toward touring paddlers with heavy boats and old shoulders.
My buddy uses [Thule Stackers])http://www.amazon.com/Thule-830-Stacker-Kayak-Carrier/dp/B0001FUAXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1459269597&sr=1-1&keywords=thule+stacker) on his Tahoe and loves them, but loading is an ordeal that involves a lot of climbing. The Stackers fold out of the way, and unlike the Yakimas they've got a slot in the middle to hold paddles. I use them on my VW when I'm not carrying the boats inside the car (for best fuel efficiency). But for easiest loading for touring and rec boats, you'd be better off with a set of j-bars for each boat. Thule now offers the Hullaport Aero which is pretty nice - J-bars that fold flat. But still a bit pricey. You can get non-folding j bars on ebay for $50 a set.
You could use these and strap the front/back down to bumpers.
Or get a real rack:
http://www.amazon.com/Malone-J-Loader-J-Style-Universal-Carrier/dp/B004KHZSL0/ref=sr_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1427228645&sr=1-13
http://www.amazon.com/Thule-883-Glide-Rooftop-Carrier/dp/B0001HAC9G/ref=sr_1_3?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1427228669&sr=1-3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BTI0HD6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_X0-LBb4P0RGWM
Running these cheap j bars no problems all summer, my truck had crossbars already but you can find those pretty inexpensive also. If your loading them up often it makes life much easier than any noodle tricks .
The base is made up of Yakima round bars and clamp on brackets. The actual kayak part is from amazon. They work very well with some slight modifications.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F6XJZ8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BqIjDbC5G8ANX
google J hooks for kayaks, you can get cheaper version.
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https://www.amazon.com/Kayak-Rack-Vault-Cargo-Vehicles/dp/B01N46OOBE/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2UJ7DO5ZLH9RO&keywords=kayak+j+hooks&qid=1555817425&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=j+hook+kays%2Csporting%2C223&sr=1-9
Hey! We were talking a while ago about racks and I found these J Racks for a really low
www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9ESZ9L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_np2wCb2N3EBPH
But I’m little worried about how cheap they are. All the other comparable racks I’ve seen have been over $200