Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions

[UglyStick]

This is for all you yak fishermen...

I've been using a home made rack in the bed of my pickup to carry 2 kayaks but the wife has a new Subaru Crosstrek and I want to be able to use that also. What roof racks (must be able to hold 2 yaks on the roof) have you guys tried and like or dislike and why? Thx in advance

[Skunk City]

As long as you have crossbars on your roof, J-bar carriers will suit your needs just fine without taking a dent out of your wallet.
http://www.amazon.com/TMS-Pairs-J-Bar-Carrier-Crossbar/dp/B00873J0YY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453397343&sr=8-1&keywords=kayak+j+bar

That is the set I purchased from Amazon for less than $50 SHIPPED. For two sets, that's a pretty good deal. I have been using them to transport mine and others kayaks for about 2 years now and have zero complaints with them. They even send you the straps to secure them, which have held up well.

[phil]

+1 for the j racks but only if you are transporting more than 1 because then you can get them horizontal, if that makes any sense. if its 1 yak, i just drop it right on some pool noodles over the cross bars and strap it down and you're good to go.

[UglyStick]

Thanks Rob - I'll check those out...

I need to go with some type of a J rack since it will be 2 yaks at times and I want them to be super secure. I don't want to even have to use nose and tail ropes to the front and back of the car as they mess up the paint eventually.

Thule makes a nice folding J rack that I like the idea of since I'll leave them on the car from spring through fall.

Anyone else have a favorite J - style rack?

[thyer]

Each Kayak has different aerodynamic characteristics when being carried in J hooks. I have two kayaks the same length, one sit in and another sit. I absolutely can not carry the sit on without front rope. I've seen cars with two kayaks angled 45 degrees on the top of the car because of the wind and no front ropes.

As for favorite rack. I have fixed Thules that need to be taken off my SUV if parking in a garage or parking deck. The types that fold down look nice but since I already own 2 pair of J hook Thules I can justify the cost right now. I just remove them after every use. I do that because I also carry a canoe.

[JDTuna]

I have an unused inflatable roof rack that works great. PM me if you are interested.

[briansnat]

Thule or Yakima.

[acabtp]

get the thules they are worth the money

[ScowardNJ]

If the Suby has an existing roof rack. Thule makes a foot pack that attaches right to the factory racks. Then i would recommend getting the wide load bars. As long as you are paddling plastic molded kayaks, not fancy Kevlar or other space age materials, all you gotta do is lay the yak flat upside down on the load bar with a strap over the hull at each bar. I roof topped 2 yaks thousands of miles this way with zero problems. It keeps a low profile and I swear I increased my MPG on my old 4Runner on extended trips. I'm not a fan of the J racks. It's just extra junk you have have on your roof. They act like sail boards and can push you all over the road in high winds and cause more drag on the car. I never use bow or stern ropes either-- 2 straps per boat, that's it.
I think my load bars are 65" and can handle 2 fishing yaks, side by side, laying flat upside down.

[bigboy5522]

^^^ I do the same , lay it upside down on the racks with some sort of padding then I just use two straps. I never use stern or bow ropes.

[briansnat]

If the Suby has an existing roof rack. Thule makes a foot pack that attaches right to the factory racks. Then i would recommend getting the wide load bars. As long as you are paddling plastic molded kayaks, not fancy Kevlar or other space age materials, all you gotta do is lay the yak flat upside down on the load bar with a strap over the hull at each bar. I roof topped 2 yaks thousands of miles this way with zero problems. It keeps a low profile and I swear I increased my MPG on my old 4Runner on extended trips. I'm not a fan of the J racks. It's just extra junk you have have on your roof. They act like sail boards and can push you all over the road in high winds and cause more drag on the car. I never use bow or stern ropes either-- 2 straps per boat, that's it.
I think my load bars are 65" and can handle 2 fishing yaks, side by side, laying flat upside down.

If you go over to paddling.net there are often some very spirited discussions over the need to to use front or front and rear tie downs. The general consensus there is to use at least front tie downs. Personally, if I'm just driving short distances over local roads I never bother with the front tie down, but if I'm hitting the highway for any distance I always use a front and rear tie down. The way I look at it, doing so can't hurt and even the best racks can fail. If that happens, best case you damage or destroy your yak or canoe. Worst case you can kill someone. The extra minute or two that it takes to tie down the front is worth the extra security.

[Ken Lyons]

The 52 inc load bars will handle most normal,with kayaks and you only need to pad the racks if you want to protect the bars. Plastic kayaks can easily handle it. Wether you need tie downs or not depends on the length of the kayak and the spread between the bars. If you have a 23' ocean cruiser tie downs are critical but if the overhang on the front is short, say less than 3 ft just make sure the front is tied down well.