Re: [Paddlewise] Roll Down RacK System

(Hope I am making this response correctly.)

In response to a query on how to get a "roll up" rig, I will offer this suggestion.  It worked very nicely with my 14' Laser
sailboat, a far greater weight than a light kayak.

I got a 16' telescoping lightest weight aluminum ladder, took it apart and bolted it together to make it about 15' long.  I
drilled one end and inserted a smooth round steel bar  through both edges of the ladder and mounted some wheels (about 6" dia) on
the shaft.  I made a simple support for the hull (two places) and mounted them to the ladder rails.  This gives a version of a
wheel barrow that is outfitted to carry a boat.  One can easily move the rig to and from the water this way too.

I lashed the boat to the ladder (I used my favorite binding material, heavy shock cord) and then was able to move the rig around
wheel barrow fashion.  When I wanted to get it on the roof rack, I lifted one end (half the total weight) and put it on the rack,
then lifted the other half and slid the rig into place.  It comes off the roof rack in the opposite sequence.

I made life a bit easier by lashing a 1" dia steel pipe between the roof rack beams (perpendicular to the beams and aligned with
the edge of the car).  I was then able to do the initial lifting at right angles to the car, and was able to get the first end on
the rack beams very easily.  I was using the Quick-n-Easy clamps with 2x4 wooden beams as the roof rack and these worked great
too.

Hope this helps.  Worked great on my Laser.

Ralph Kelley

-----------------

> ity of Canterbury
> New Zealand
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 23:31:30 -0500
> From: "Christian" <rebel_at_snip.net>
> Subject: [Paddlewise] Roll Down RacK System
>
> Hi All,
>   I have come to rely heavily on this groups advice and with good reason. I
> have always received quick and informative answers. So, once again I turn to
> you for help.
>   I am looking for a rack system to fit on a car or truck that you can pull
> down and fasten your kayak to, then roll back on to your vehicle. My friend
> saw this in a magazine once(possibly Canoe & Kayak), and was looking for one
> for his wife who is unable to lift their boat on top of their car.
> I appreciate any help you can give us.
>                A Pine Barrens Kayaker


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