Transporting Kayak - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

King Saba · 01-15-2016, 12:30 AM

Which kayak are you planning to get? My buddy has a 9' Lanai and just picks it up and throws it on top of his car hull facing up. He has some pool noodles resting under the kayak so as to not scratch up his car and some straps to secure it down. I often envy him that he can juggle that little thing so easily while I'm huffing and puffing trying to find the center of gravity while loading mine.

Murray · 01-15-2016, 01:50 AM

I transport my hobie outback on top of my mazda 3. Use thule racks I bought used on this website for less than $200. Use 2 straps only (1 per thule bar). Just need a willing soul to help me load and unload but not a problem so far.

JAllen · 01-15-2016, 06:28 AM

I have a 12' Hobie Outback and have no problem transporting it on top of my Chevy Cruze. Same setup as the above post with the Thule rack. Mine was closer to $500 new though. I load and unload it by myself but it takes a little practice and you have to balance it on your head...obviously much easier if you have a partner but is definitely doable if you have no other option.

jorluivil · 01-15-2016, 06:47 AM

I use to transport a hobie outback on a two door civic with Yakima racks, never had any issues.

Just make sure it's strapped down well and add some bow/stern lines.

Dave Legacy · 01-15-2016, 07:24 AM

Get some legit racks/saddles and you'll be good to go. I occasionally transport my 13' Tandem on my Honda Accord Sedan using foam blocks. It works, but the roof skin does buckle under the weight. It all returns to normal afterward, but in my opinion the use of foam blocks hard on the vehicle. Spend the money and do it right.

01-15-2016, 06:28 AM	#3
JAllen Junior Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 5	Chevy Cruze I have a 12' Hobie Outback and have no problem transporting it on top of my Chevy Cruze. Same setup as the above post with the Thule rack. Mine was closer to $500 new though. I load and unload it by myself but it takes a little practice and you have to balance it on your head...obviously much easier if you have a partner but is definitely doable if you have no other option.

01-15-2016, 06:47 AM	#4
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	I use to transport a hobie outback on a two door civic with Yakima racks, never had any issues. Just make sure it's strapped down well and add some bow/stern lines. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer Last edited by jorluivil; 01-15-2016 at 07:31 AM.

01-15-2016, 12:30 AM	#1
King Saba Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: SGV Posts: 848	Which kayak are you planning to get? My buddy has a 9' Lanai and just picks it up and throws it on top of his car hull facing up. He has some pool noodles resting under the kayak so as to not scratch up his car and some straps to secure it down. I often envy him that he can juggle that little thing so easily while I'm huffing and puffing trying to find the center of gravity while loading mine.

01-15-2016, 01:50 AM	#2
Murray Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Vista Posts: 326	I transport my hobie outback on top of my mazda 3. Use thule racks I bought used on this website for less than $200. Use 2 straps only (1 per thule bar). Just need a willing soul to help me load and unload but not a problem so far.

01-15-2016, 07:24 AM	#5
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	Get some legit racks/saddles and you'll be good to go. I occasionally transport my 13' Tandem on my Honda Accord Sedan using foam blocks. It works, but the roof skin does buckle under the weight. It all returns to normal afterward, but in my opinion the use of foam blocks hard on the vehicle. Spend the money and do it right.