[Paddlewise] Cartop Kayak Carrier

I had a Honda CRX HF when I bought my first kayak, a 16.5 Eddyline
Raven.  At the time, I could easily haul 2 kayaks by just adding
stackers to my Yakima saddles.  I had already bought longer bars so I
could haul 2 solo canoes side by side.  In fact, on one trip, I had a
18' double canoe, my kayak, and a bicycle, all on the standard Yakima
racks.  With canoe brackets for the canoe and the bike rack for the
bike.  I didn't have enough room for the stackers so just let the kayak
lean against the canoe with foam in between.

I bought a new Hatchback last year and added the stretchers I needed.  I
have plenty of room to haul 4 kayaks on two sets of of saddles with
stackers in between.  There is also a new J-shaped holder that mounts to
the Yakima rack - but not made by them that is designed to hold kayaks
on their sides.  Bob Scaldino just bought a set and he might comment on
the manufacturer.

So if you don't have enough bar length, just change out the bars.  Then
add stackers with your Mako Saddles, and that should work fine unless
the Mako Saddles are too flat.  I have the adjustable saddles so can
change the amount of curve.  Also, I can haul 2 or 3 kayaks flat with my
longer bars - 62"  I think.

Marilyn Kircus


Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 17:46:01 -0600
From: Merlin Emrys <memrys_at_telecomreseller.com>
Subject: [Paddlewise] Cartop Kayak Carrier

Hi.  I am looking for a kayak cartop carrier for a Yakima (or Thule)
rack
that will allow me to carry an additional 16+ foot sea kayak on its
side.  I have a small compact car (Honda Civic 2-door hatchback) and can

only carry only one rightside up (using Hully Rollers and Mako Saddles)
due
to width constraints.

I have seen some J-shaped carriers, but these seem to only work with
whitewater boats.

Thanks!

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