Well, I went and got one..., Cartop questions

[Furlong]

Found a Pescador Pilot and managed to get it home on the back of a borrowed truck. So stoked.

Now I'm concerned that my plan to transport may be an issue...

The intent is to cartop on a Mazda 3 hatchback. It has fixed points for a rack, however the space between the racks is only about 2'4".

This is a 12 foot, 85 pound kayak. It's manageable for me in regard to loading/unloading, but will such a narrow space between supports risk damaging my new aquisition?

What are your experiences/ thoughts?

[RCRward]

Hey,

Congrats on the purchase. Looks like an awesome Yak.

I have a similar car. I own a Subaru Impreza with very similar space between bars. It really depends on how you car top your yak.

I opted to purchase and install a Yakima BIG CATCH kayak supports. These are designed for wide fishing kayaks. Mainly helps with securing the kayak and making it more stable for longer trips. The big catch system does make it slightly more difficult to car top myself with. before using the big catch system i rested the yak directly on the bars with very little issue.

I would bring the yak perpendicular to my car and set the bow up on top of my roof between the bars. I would use a towel to help avoid scratches then I push from the back of the yak once the kayak is midway across then rotate the yak and strap it down.

With the supports in the middle you will want to tie down to those bars. Use a bow line as well but this does not have to be and should not be tight. Just a bit of tension. You don't want to make the mistake i made with my first yak and get a sun bent kayak from heat and tension.

There are some great vids on you tube about car topping.

I hope this helps.

Happy paddling!!!

[mamona]

Great tips RCRward. I use a similar solution from Thule.
You can find lots of videos on YouTube how to load a kayak.

[yakfisher]

I use a Malone Load Assist roof rack. It has a piece to slide out towards the back of the vehicle to rest the nose of the kayak on. Then lift the back and slide it onto the racks.
My yak is also 12ft and 85lbs but I am putting on top of a Grand Cherokee.

[xiaolu]

I use a Rhino Universal Side Loader to help me lift kayak to roof rack

[xiaolu]

One more pic

[xiaolu]

Another

[mamona]

Rhino is actually a great option for roof topping. I saw ladies using this solution to load their heavy Hobie PAs.

[RCRward]

I just bought one of those Rhino side loaders.

Last year I launched my yak in the early morning down by Hooters in Barrie and when I came back some one had parked on both sides so I had a really tough time loading my kay. Ended up scratching my car pretty good.

[Furlong]

Thank you very much, guys, with your advise I'm close to actually getting this thing on the water

With everything these days being either waiting for delivery or waiting for the "your order is ready for curbside pickup" it's been slow to get the required stuff, But, its happening, cant wait!

Thanks again!

[gunoieru]

i have a toyota highlander (so a lot higher) with OEM crossbars and are pretty narrow, bit over 2ft i think. similarly heavy kayak, 12.5ft @ 85lbs.

i just bought a pool noodle, split long-wise and duct taped the pieces to the bars (in 5 places so it won't shift off the bar while loading or driving). i am loading the kayak using the perpendicular method described above, but i use picnic blanket as it is wider. works well enough and i did carry it to quebec last year.

just make sure to tie the nose from front of the car as highway speeds may tend to lift the kayak so it might put some strain on your bars. you can find "hood loops" if your car does not already have something to anchor the rope. i tie it from the back as well but that is optional i think, depends on length and speed of commute.

[Berger]

I don't use anything but I have a beater car, a Dodge Caravan 2004 short model (not the Grand model). I remove the seats and I just push he kayak (13 feet) long inside and I close the tail gate and secure it with truck ties.
The drag of a kayak in top of a car it is strong, I don't like that on highway.
Have fun and be safe.