my very first hobie kayak (new member)
 

did someone experience any issue transporting a kayak using a foam blocks running 60+ mph on a freeway? i'm kinda worried that the kayak might fly off on the freeway or street. i just ordered a universal roof rack but for now i am using a foam blocks. i own a accord crosstour and i used my brothers van to pick up the kayak it was a tight fit and was sticking out of rear end of the van. any advice or techniques on how to load the heavy kayak by myself? thank you!

inside the van on the way home
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...329_150303.jpg
i asked my brother to help me load the kayak on my crosstour
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...329_155239.jpg
making room to store the kayak
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...329_153458.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...329_163953.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...329_164659.jpg

Well, if it was me I would be putting some real roof racks on that thing before the roof gets dented from the kayak sliding off (either during loading/unloading or simply hitting a pot hole).

Then I would put on a Rhino Rack T-Loader so you can load and unload by yourself.

Finally, I would put a Storage Lift in the garage to get the hull stored flat. I know people do store kayaks on their side and claim its fine, but I don't think there is a kayak manufacturer out there that says its OK to do it. Over time the weight of the boat - especially on hot Santa Ana days will cause distortion to the side its sitting on.
If you see my post under the Solo Skiff arrival, you can see my lift loaded to the gills with a car under it.

Not recommended
 

To store kayak on side. In the summers heat the side will collapse and you will a dent. Forgive me for going off subject. ;). Just looking out. Find studs on ceiling and possibly hang could be one solution. And the collapsing side is something I experienced with one of my first outbacks.

Don't use those foam blocks. You will dent your roof when you strap your yak down tight. If you don't strap down tight the yak will bounce and the foam will fly off.

Invest in a roof rack...!!!


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I like to run one tie-down strap through the two side handles. When I have the kayak on the roof or on dolly.

That way the kayak would get off the roof or dolly, no matter what.

Expect some minor damage to car when getting into kayak transporting.

My front railing on roof rack of my 4Runner got bent and the tip of the holding screw put a small dent in the roof and scratched the paint.

I use the SUV for fun, so it is part of the deal.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8fd8d176f5.jpgI would definitely get a better roof rack to save your roof, and you won't have to monkey around trying to hold the foam in place while lifting an 80 pound monstrosity. I bought the crv knowing I was going to buy a kayak but needed good mileage too. I made the tube rack to fit my outback and made my own Tbar for getting it up. I'm in my late 50s so I can still get it up but anything to make it easier is good. And, for all of you wisenhimers on BWE, I don't need Viagra.



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Don't use the foam blocks. That yak is gonna fly off!

Check out the Yakima roof rack and a yakima boat loader on youtube. It's just a bar that goes inside the front crossbar. Simple and inexpensive.

Congrats! I used to load & carry my Outback on my sedan, here're 2 videos of technique that I adapted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wnzk1VOJa0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7gQKKBV648

btw, good thing that you're getting a roof rack, cuz foam blocks only protects the paint but you'll dent the roof if tighten too much (learned from my mistake). also, always tie down the front/back of yak to add stability.

Hope this helps!

I used foam blocks on my daily driver, Honda Accord, last season and it really took a toll on my car. I managed to tear my weather stripping and if loading/unloading alone it can be quite difficult to control the kayak. I have chosen to not deal with the foam blocks this year since I have legit saddles on my other car. I'd recommend you consider some load bars!

thank you for all the advice everyone. i just got the roof rack that i ordered last week and im going to install it this weekend. goodbye foam blocks lol. if you have instagram account please follow me and ill follow back. my username is filipino_angler