Re: [Paddlewise] Roof Racks

On 29 Jan 2004 at 15:19, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com wrote:

> 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 

You could build your own rack for the car, but steel pipe would be 
overkill (and possibly trickier).  The easiest is to augment a built-
in rack with a serious cross-member arrangement - but I noticed the 
Mazda 3 doesn't seem to have a roof rack option; maybe you should get 
the Protege 5 instead :-)

> The rack would be used for 1-4 boats traveling short distances (2-20

Three or four boats will likely overload most racks.  Thule tends to 
have a limit of about 150-170 lb and Yakima is similar (and the limit 
has to include the weight of the rack).  Hence you might squeeze 3 
kayaks.  Size is another issue.  One of the best ways to cram several 
kayaks on a car is to use J racks or stackers (vertical bars that 
support the kayak on edge).  However, that might still be too wide 
for that car.  I'm guessing a 48-54 inch wide bar for that car and 
with kayaks at 12-14" deep, you'd really have to squeeze to fit.  I 
know that some folks don't worry about overloading a rack, but you 
may have to contend with an ornery constable (too wide) or the roof 
clearance over your head suddenly disappearing (crunch).

> miles), and maybe once or twice a year, 1-2 boats for distances up to
> about 1500 miles.

I routinely carry two sea kayaks on my Honda hatchback and never 
worry about the distance (Toronto - SC, Toronto - Nova Scotia etc).  
This isn't a limit.  Just don't expect to break the sound barrier 
going up the mountains.

> I'm 5'9" with good flexibility and physically fit, so the issue of
> lifting a boat up into a cradle would not be an issue for the most
> part.

I really like saddles of various types.  They hold the kayak snuggly 
and securely.  I use a single redundant tie down at the bow for short 
trips with double (front and rear) for long trips.

All this being said, either Thule or Yakima will do for most of your 
requirements (BTW, Alex got it backwards - Thule = rectangular bars, 
Yakima = round bars, prolly a typo).  I can't comment on other brands 
other than to say that some look ok.  Compare and judge yourself.

One thing to watch for is the saddle type.  There were (are still?) 
some Yakima saddles that have such hard saddles that they scrape up 
your gel coat.  They've received a lot of flack over it and I think 
it's been fixed - just watch for deals on old stock.

If you have the option of a three door or a five door car, go with 
the five.  It will allow better roof rack mounting without short-rack 
adapters.

Mike
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