my very first hobie kayak (new member)

[kirkdavis]

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

Well, if it was me I would be putting some real roof racks on that thing before the roof gets dented from the kayak sliding off (either during loading/unloading or simply hitting a pot hole).

Then I would put on a Rhino Rack T-Loader so you can load and unload by yourself.

Finally, I would put a Storage Lift in the garage to get the hull stored flat. I know people do store kayaks on their side and claim its fine, but I don't think there is a kayak manufacturer out there that says its OK to do it. Over time the weight of the boat - especially on hot Santa Ana days will cause distortion to the side its sitting on.
If you see my post under the Solo Skiff arrival, you can see my lift loaded to the gills with a car under it.

I would definitely get a better roof rack to save your roof, and you won't have to monkey around trying to hold the foam in place while lifting an 80 pound monstrosity. I bought the crv knowing I was going to buy a kayak but needed good mileage too. I made the tube rack to fit my outback and made my own Tbar for getting it up. I'm in my late 50s so I can still get it up but anything to make it easier is good. And, for all of you wisenhimers on BWE, I don't need Viagra.



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[steve999]

Don't use the foam blocks. That yak is gonna fly off!

Check out the Yakima roof rack and a yakima boat loader on youtube. It's just a bar that goes inside the front crossbar. Simple and inexpensive.

[alfsteur]

Congrats! I used to load & carry my Outback on my sedan, here're 2 videos of technique that I adapted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wnzk1VOJa0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7gQKKBV648

btw, good thing that you're getting a roof rack, cuz foam blocks only protects the paint but you'll dent the roof if tighten too much (learned from my mistake). also, always tie down the front/back of yak to add stability.

Hope this helps!

[Dave Legacy]

I used foam blocks on my daily driver, Honda Accord, last season and it really took a toll on my car. I managed to tear my weather stripping and if loading/unloading alone it can be quite difficult to control the kayak. I have chosen to not deal with the foam blocks this year since I have legit saddles on my other car. I'd recommend you consider some load bars!

[filipino_angler]

thank you for all the advice everyone. i just got the roof rack that i ordered last week and im going to install it this weekend. goodbye foam blocks lol. if you have instagram account please follow me and ill follow back. my username is filipino_angler