Re: [Paddlewise] Roof Racks

> I'm guilty.  For a few years, I totally ignored the roof rack
> discussions because I'm a die hard truck owner, and I build racks from
> steel pipe that carry my boats, lumber, extension ladders, and a lot of
> sailboat fuel.
>
> Well, I now find myself in a not so "die hard" position where I'm
> considering putting a rack on a car, probably the new Mazda 3 hatchback.
> But, I have no knowledge of roof racks.

BAsically, there are 2 main brands (+ a dozen of less known names and
no-names): Thule and Yakima.  Both have websites with roofracks
descriptions.
First has round bars, second one - rectangular. Both brands have 3 main
types of supporting legs (also called towers) attachment - with
rain-gutters, without them, and using existing rails on your roof. I'm
carrying just one boat at a time and using Yakima saddle on Thule bars
(Yakima saddles can be installed on both round and rectangular bars).  You
might need a stand for 2 or more kayaks on these bars, saddles won't work
for you.
Btw, don't over-estimate your strength.  Putting 50-lbs boat on the roof of
new shiny car without scratching the car requires more efforts and/or more
care than just lifting 50-lbs weight in a gym.  Extention bars, rollers etc
are good things. Rollers (Yakima has them) are particularly useful with
hatchbacks.
Prices on manuafacturers websites can be higher than in your local roof-rack
shop.
Alex.
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