Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

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

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

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-Ba...ds=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.

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

+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.

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

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?

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

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.

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

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

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

Thule or Yakima.

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

get the thules they are worth the money

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

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.

Re: Roof Top Kayak Carrier Suggestions
 

^^^ 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.