Yak loading question - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Duke · 01-19-2010, 05:17 PM

Hey guys, I'm getting a new F-150 and I plan to install a ladder rack on the bed for loading the kayak (I can't use a bed extender because I also use the yak for yakking out shark bait, and I need to fit an 80 gal cooler along with other gear in the bed).

I was wondering if there was any easy way for me to load my 15' kayak by myself on top of the rack. I know about the Hullivator, but is there any other option? it's pretty expensive and times are tough. How do you guys load a big kayak by yourself on top of a SUV or truck?

Thanks!

prowlerdude · 01-19-2010, 05:22 PM

I just have the racks and roller on my F-150. Once I get the tip of the bow on the roller, it a piece of cake. Solo launch most of the time too.

Duke · 01-19-2010, 05:24 PM

Where can I find the rollers? That's a great idea!

MalibuJohnny · 01-20-2010, 08:57 AM

I got mine at West Marine... I found the same ones later a Wal Mart for alot less...

fknricter · 01-21-2010, 01:14 AM

i actually uses an aluminum ladder rack i got off ebay for pretty cheap. its removable, and with some swimming "noodle" as padding it works really well, especially cuz 9 out of 10 times im going solo. ill try and snap a couple pics for you as soon as the hurricane is gone!
-mikey

dgax65 · 01-21-2010, 07:30 AM

Having a hull roller on the back of your rack will definitely help.

If you can come up with a way to position the roller farther behind and below the rack it will help even more.

01-19-2010, 05:17 PM	#1
Duke Junior Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 22	Yak loading question Hey guys, I'm getting a new F-150 and I plan to install a ladder rack on the bed for loading the kayak (I can't use a bed extender because I also use the yak for yakking out shark bait, and I need to fit an 80 gal cooler along with other gear in the bed). I was wondering if there was any easy way for me to load my 15' kayak by myself on top of the rack. I know about the Hullivator, but is there any other option? it's pretty expensive and times are tough. How do you guys load a big kayak by yourself on top of a SUV or truck? Thanks!

01-20-2010, 08:57 AM	#4
MalibuJohnny Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lahina (I Wish) Posts: 272	Rollers I got mine at West Marine... I found the same ones later a Wal Mart for alot less... __________________ Malibu Johnny must catch fish

01-21-2010, 07:30 AM	#6
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	Having a hull roller on the back of your rack will definitely help. If you can come up with a way to position the roller farther behind and below the rack it will help even more. __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

01-19-2010, 05:22 PM	#2
prowlerdude Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Clairemont Posts: 116	I just have the racks and roller on my F-150. Once I get the tip of the bow on the roller, it a piece of cake. Solo launch most of the time too.

01-19-2010, 05:24 PM	#3
Duke Junior Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 22	Where can I find the rollers? That's a great idea!

01-21-2010, 01:14 AM	#5
fknricter Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: redlands, ca Posts: 118	i actually uses an aluminum ladder rack i got off ebay for pretty cheap. its removable, and with some swimming "noodle" as padding it works really well, especially cuz 9 out of 10 times im going solo. ill try and snap a couple pics for you as soon as the hurricane is gone! -mikey