If your hauling a kayak, how do you pad or protect the bottom of the kayak on the end that fits on the rack? Thanks.
915090
I place my canoe upside down, which is stable, and used a split pool noodle.
1956250
If you have a roof rack you should be ok. When you strap the kayak down these buffers really compress, so the front and back of the kayak might bang on the front and back of the roof while driving if you don't have a rack, especially over bumps. In any case, you will need more straps than the ones that come with this setup.
524920
These are some lessons I learned after buying my kayak. 1. Get a cartop carrier you will trust. A long trip (or any trip) will seem longer and be far more stressful if you are second guessing your carrier or the straps. 2. Don't worry about scratches. It will get scratched. 3. Get a paddle you are comfortable with and fits you. Get a paddle leash and make sure it is always connected to your kayak. 4. Get a waterproof case for your keys, cellphone, other essentials. 5. A cushion may come in handy for your back. The seat gets hard after awhile. 6. Don't carry more than necessary. Tie down items you don't want to lose in case of capsizing. 7. A water bottle or canteen always quenches the thirst after paddling. 8. A sponge is handy for removing water from the occasional splash of a paddle, rain, etc. 9. Watch your environment. Watch out for other boaters. Avoid big water on weekends and holidays (speedboats, jet skis, etc.) 10. make sure you can handle the weight of your kayak solo before going on any trips. This way, after a long day on the water you will know if you have the strength or energy to lift it, strap it down and take it home. 11. Carry rain gear. Sometimes storms come up quick and it might take a while to reach shore.
1168903
Hey Rich- what I'll do is rollover the canoe with the backend clear and simply set the carriage on the bottom upside down, then cinch it down, flip it over & ur ready to go. Its important to get the strap over something like a tie down or notch in the kayak so it doesn't slip off. I have mine balances well enough my kids can jump in it when I'm wheeling it to the beach. Happy canoeing!&#128513; Brad
659943
I pull one rope at the time. The one you pull will release the other. Then I repeat with the other rope. I go back and forth lowering each end about a foot at the time until the kayak rests on the floor.. I am usually standing to one side a bit and toward the end of my 17 foot kayak.
1300226
I don't think it did. I looked at several pictures of kayaks on carriers. The carrier fits under the kayak about in the middle and the straps do not go all the way under the kayak they are threated thru the support tubes that touch the kayak and back up the same side then over the top, do the same on the other side and secure them over the top by snapping the ends together and pull the belts tight. This will hold the carrier tight up against the kayak I hope this helps.
1300224
I don't think it had instructions how to secure it. You kind of just have to loop the straps around the kayak and the carrier
1966962
With 2 kayaks on the stand, it's heavy enough so it should not get blown over by wind. However, I did anchor the stand to 2 pieces of 3' long 4"x4" on each side just for stability and weight. I did recetly find my top kayak off the rack after a winter long outdoor storage by our community lake. The bottom kayak was still in it's leaning 45 degree position. I am thinking about getting a long bungee to strap the top one down to protect the top kayak during windy days.
116754
There are bungee-cord straps that hook the bag to your rack. Just be sure not to forget to strap them on...made that mistake twice and ripped the bungee cords off the bag once I started riding
374887
Hi. Only my opinion. You would need 2 pair of them. One for each kayak. I'm sure the straps could go over both.
1204444
Hi,I carried an aluminum canoe on my 5 door golf using this rack once, so I think your kayak would be just fine. You'd need straps to tie down to the frame of your car though, obviously. This rack pretty much just serves as an offset so the kayak isn't riding right on the roof. I think if you wanted to secure the kayak without using rope etc. you'd have to find some special connection in addition to this rack.
816542
I have never used the rack outdoors. I keep my kayaks on the rack in my garage winter and summer.
1797382
I attach mine from the side of the kayak and paddle just slow enough that water does not flow over top. trolling at the same time makes it worth it. When I need to paddle faster I pull it inside the kayak first.
668845
We carry our kayaks hull down. This carrier looked as if it would carry hull down, and intended to use it that way, if we could have attached it to our rack.
1617574
Yes, there were pads sent with mine. I installed it about 6 months ago, and no leaks so far. There are also metal plates that go on inside of cap through which the bolts go, to give it really good strength. I hauled two kayaks from Ohio, to Florida and back again with no problem using these racks.
589214
I chain the rear end of my bike to the bike rack and put the cover over most of it. I tried it with the front end in the rack so that I could cover the rear fully, but the bike moves and leans too much when I secure it that way. I prefer securing the front of the bike, so I am thinking through how to keep the bike straight when securing the front. I may secure the front wheel to the frame with a solid piece so it doesn't pivot and lean. Other than that, the bike cover is the best one I've ever had - wind, pouring rain and heat have not impacted it to date. I hope that some of this helps. Perhaps others can provide insights on how best to secure the front of the bike to the rack so that it doesn't move/lean so that the rear can be fully protected by the bike cover. Thank you.
668844
We are new to kayaking, but these racks fit perfectly on our Silverado and the kayaks ride really secure. We carry them hull down.