Cartop kayak carriers
 

What is the advantages or disadvantages of the U-shaped cartop carrier which has the kayak tilted over the ones with four saddles which carries it laying down.

-Keith

Disadvantages:
It takes a lot more vertical lifting to get a kayak into J-cradles as opposed to saddles.
The geometry (width, keel design) of some kayaks are not conducive to J-cradles.
Aerodynamics.

Advantages:
Ability to carry more than one kayak with a single vehicle.
Price.

J style. I agree on the more lifting. But I guess if you are putting it on a car with a trunk you'd have to lift it up and put it on from the side anyway.
I think I favor the saddle type. Luckily I have a hatchback so I can lift one end and put it on top and then lift the other end and push it over the car. I don't have to lift the entire thing at once.

-Keith

I have Thule Hallavator for sale.

Check it on line and PM if interested.

I use J style when hauling 2 kayaks. Keep in mind they weren't really designed for our "barges".

Otherwise when going solo I haul my kayak flat upside down. Better aero, lower center of gravity, more confidence in my strap job.

Haven't ever used the J type, but as mentioned above upside down (or right side up depending) lying flat on the cross bars (with some foam buffer pads) has suited me fine for the past few years sine I started kayaking. Never any issues, super rigid, and relatively easy to load.