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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
226 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2011 : 3:17 PM
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I am going to need a kayak rack for my Ford Explorer. I would be carrying a 17 foot 56 lbs. Seaward kayak. Would appreciate any comments pros/cons of racks paddlers have used for this type of vehicle.
Also, has anyone found a particularly good 2-wheel kayak cart for moving a kayak across rocky beaches - i.e. where the rocks are tide-packed and between grapefruit and bowling ball in size? Thanks |
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1064 Posts |
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ALBANY, OR
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2011 : 5:22 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bluefoot
I am going to need a kayak rack for my Ford Explorer. I would be carrying a 17 foot 56 lbs. Seaward kayak. Would appreciate any comments pros/cons of racks paddlers have used for this type of vehicle.
Also, has anyone found a particularly good 2-wheel kayak cart for moving a kayak across rocky beaches - i.e. where the rocks are tide-packed and between grapefruit and bowling ball in size? Thanks
For a kayak cart, look for one with more robust, wider wheels. Narrow width wheels will drop down in any gaps between the rocks more easily. Large diameter wheels haven't been necessary for the beaches or trails I have encountered. Look for one with a "self-standing" leg if you paddle much solo. It will make getting the kayak onto the cart much easier. Removable wheels are also quite nice. Suggest measuring the beam of your kayak and check that against the cart width between the wheels to ensure clearance. I haven't shopped carts in quite awhile so I cannot recommend any particular brand, sorry.
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Edited by - alpalmer on 09/20/2011 5:24 PM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
874 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2011 : 7:13 PM
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| I have Feathercrafts (ie rag boats). Feathercraft recommends no special kayak mounts - just lash them onto the cross bars of your roof racks. It works for me, even at freeway speeds. |
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Chilliwack, BC
755 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2011 : 9:50 PM
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The foam option Kid C mentioned above works well and is cheap. If you roof rack has curved cross members insure the foam has a curved channel. You will also need to straps that secure you boat to the cross members and a bow and stern line (rope).
I also have a J Bar set up that works well but is more trouble to set up.
- G |
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925 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 08:34 AM
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Right now, I have the foam blocks for my sixteens and they work well. I bought the sets at MEC and they included the blocks and straps and a nice storage bag to keep it all in one place. There are two straps for the rack and front and back tie downs included. I think they were $40 for each set. I hardly ever use the front and back tie downs. I bought them because we were always renting boats and needing to strap them to our little impreza.
Now that I have actually bought boats, I think I might go with the roller racks and front rack saddles so I can load the boats on my own if needed. That might also be easier with a higher SUV. |
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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
226 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 6:15 PM
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Many thanks - I'll try out the foam blocks this weekend.
Also, picked up a second hand 2 wheel PaddleBoy Heavy Lifter kayak cart yesterday in Courtenay to try on the rocky beaches. It has most of the things poster Alpalmer suggested.
Happy Trails |
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Kayak Roof Racks
