There are lots of kayak loading devices on the market. They range from DIY ones that fit over the tow ball, others that are an arm that telescopes out from the roof rack. Lots of really spoofy ones.
Just google Kayak loaders & away you go. There is also a fair number of Kayak forums that discuss loaders from time to time.
I just put a blanket over the paint work and slide mine (30kg & 19kg) up over the bull bar. But paint work scratches are not an issue on the 1996 Patrol. Mine load the correct (bottom) side up quite easily ... One person job. A bit risky to tip them over once loaded.
Spend a few bob & get the correct tie downs (not the ratchet type) to make the whole job a bit easier. Anaconda have them. Wait for a sale. You should also have a front & back securing rope as well. I find that pool noodles zippy tied over the roof racks tend to hold the kayak firmly preventing silppage. Don't tie down too tight.
What make kayak did you end up with?
-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 3rd of June 2013 02:16:38 PM
Jay-Jay said
08:55 PM Jun 3, 2013
Hi Campers
Further to my enquiry (May 1st) about canoes/kayaks - well, DH has bought one. Now, how do we get it on the car roof without doing our backs in? It's a double and we were told around 35kgs (feels more to me) Someone mentioned a lifting rig? Any ideas? It's longer than I thought it would be and needs to be turned over and transported upside down... Ohhhh...... I feel a problem coming on..... Thanks, Jay-Jay
Jay-Jay said
09:23 PM Jun 3, 2013
HI Cupie
Thanks for your quick reply - I'll check out on Google for kayak loaders and see what they have. Neva thunk of dat... thanks, Jay-Jay
Jay-Jay said
09:25 PM Jun 3, 2013
OH forgot, he bought an 'AquaYak'.... it's made here in Vic and we got it at the Bendigo LeisureShow... Jay-Jay
Cupie said
10:17 PM Jun 3, 2013
Jay-Jay wrote:
OH forgot, he bought an 'AquaYak'.... it's made here in Vic and we got it at the Bendigo LeisureShow... Jay-Jay
Had a look at their web site. The tandem looks like the goods. They claim it to be 30kg which seems about right. Of course all up with seats / life vests & paddles etc it will come up a bit.
Now just think of the fun you'll have choosing accessories ,...
From memory this is what I have in my bulging gear bag ..
Trolley, seats, flag, rod leashes, paddle leashes, anchor & rope, scupper hole bungs, surf shoes, fingerless gloves, shortie wet suit, extra wet suit pants, rash shirt, budgie smugglers, board shorts, tie downs, security chain & lock, glasses straps, fishing gear spares (hooks, sinkers, swivels, line, lures plus made up rigs), plastic screw top jars to take mobile, zip top bags for food, car keys & wallet et al., drink bottles, Afro hat and of course Life jackets.
Then there's special stuff like .. Electric motor & battery ... rudder kit ..
Mods I did on mine .. extra rod holders, anchor trolley, extra carry handles, alternate paddle leash anchor point, front well cover, tie down points for water bottles. Transom bracket for the electric motor.
A few books on kayaks & techniques plus a range of web sites ... google Rogue Paddler. Lots of his early stuff is great
Of course you'll need to construct a rack or such to store this & future kayaks.
chaslib said
11:59 PM Jun 3, 2013
We travel with 2 kayaks - one a 15 year old fibreglass TK1 and the other a new Hobie Fishing Kayak which would be the heavier of the 2. The Hobie is rather heavy to get up and down off the racks. We manage the TK1 easily I stand on a small ladder and the fisherman is tall enough. But the Hobie is too heavy. We invested in a Rack'n'Roll system which does the job beautifully. Just google it and you should be able to get the details. Charlie can actually load and unload on his own ( while I watch with coffee in hand!)
Just a couple of tries and you will be loading and unloading with ease.
OMG I nearly pegged out when I saw all your extras Cupie... Don't think we will be fishing except for just maybe a reel thingo - no rods.... We may buy/borrow a fish book so we know what (if) we catch but fishing is not our main idea. Just enjoying being on the water instead of just watching it go by... We did have a canoe years ago when the kids were small and DH has always hankered after another now we have the caravan. Love this forum - I always get great advice and ideas... thanks again all, Jay-Jay
capricorn and pisces said
01:13 AM Jun 4, 2013
We also have kayaks on the roof of the Prado. Hubby has a Hobie revolution for fishing and I have an Ocean Venus 11. We use the Rack and Roll system for putting them on the roof, makes them very manageable, an excellent system that works well for us especially as I have one arm that doesn't work real well so I'm more the supervising type also with coffee in one hand! We wish you many happy kayaking times, cheers Capricorn
Wombat 280 said
02:23 AM Jun 4, 2013
Be careful roof racking Canoes and Yaks up side down, came across a rig on the side of the road where the roof rack parted company with the tug the wind got inside the package and lifted the lot off the tug into the van and down the road
Cupie said
04:50 AM Jun 4, 2013
Wombat 280 wrote:
Be careful roof racking Canoes and Yaks up side down, came across a rig on the side of the road where the roof rack parted company with the tug the wind got inside the package and lifted the lot off the tug into the van and down the road
You're right of course.
My kayak manufacturer recommends that the polyethelyne ones should be carried bottom up.
I have two very long straps that go over the top of the kayaks & thru the door openings to hold them down in case of 'lift off'. I thread them thru the scupper holes as well. With these, plus my normal tie downs onto the roof racks, as well as the front & rear ropes it seems a bit overdone, but I would hate to see my yaks go kartwheeling down the highway, or worse still spear into another vehicle or bystander.
ps. To stop the straps drumming or whistling in the wind, twist them tightly so that they have a cylindrical profile over their full length.
chaslib said
01:21 PM Jun 4, 2013
Unfortunately my fiberglass one has to be upside down on a carrier as we have a big problem if it rains and she fills with water. We also secure front and rear to the bull bar and tow bar and also through the doors. Lift off has always been something that I worry about .... Touch wood, 15 years towing canoe trailers and roof racking craft, I have never had a problem. When it comes to securing and tying down, we always live by one simple rule "who ever tows, ties and checks" and accepts responsibility if things go wrong.
cheers
Libby
Cupie said
03:09 PM Jun 4, 2013
chaslib wrote:
Unfortunately my fiberglass one has to be upside down on a carrier as we have a big problem if it rains and she fills with water. We also secure front and rear to the bull bar and tow bar and also through the doors. Lift off has always been something that I worry about .... Touch wood, 15 years towing canoe trailers and roof racking craft, I have never had a problem. When it comes to securing and tying down, we always live by one simple rule "who ever tows, ties and checks" and accepts responsibility if things go wrong.
cheers
Libby
Good to hear that I'm not the only pedantic one when it comes to tying down.
You see a lot that are in reality just sitting there with token tie downs like bungy cords.
Ruschie said
03:13 PM Jun 4, 2013
Hey Jay Jay. I have a boat loader rail for sale that would make it very easy for you to load your kayak or boat . It fixes to your roof bars/rack as one single rail . If your'e interested I'm in Melb. pm me.
Ruschie
chaslib said
04:03 PM Jun 4, 2013
I think another area that is overlooked by drivers is the integrity of the ropes. Generally no issues if using good quality tie down straps, but over the years i have seen lots of craft tied down with cheap and nasty ropes that fray, stretch and break in time due to weather, movement or just plain negligence. I dont think you can be over cautious because an accident can cause more than damage to property. I also pull up and check the ropes after a couple of klms and adjust if necessary.
there is a lot more to canoeing than just hopping on or in one - i have attended courses over over many years which included transportation .... That and safety concerns has stuck with me and been passed on to many kids over the years.
if you are pedantic, then that makes 2 of us!
Libby
mickm said
08:56 PM Jun 5, 2013
Maclean Hobie have a suction cup accessory for loading kayaks. The one being loaded is a very heavy 18'6'' Tandem Island Adventurer. Look at the last video on the page.
http://macleanoutdoors.net.au/kayaks/hobie/27-ti
golivers travels said
05:39 PM Jun 6, 2013
chaslib wrote:
We travel with 2 kayaks - one a 15 year old fibreglass TK1 and the other a new Hobie Fishing Kayak which would be the heavier of the 2. The Hobie is rather heavy to get up and down off the racks. We manage the TK1 easily I stand on a small ladder and the fisherman is tall enough. But the Hobie is too heavy. We invested in a Rack'n'Roll system which does the job beautifully. Just google it and you should be able to get the details. Charlie can actually load and unload on his own ( while I watch with coffee in hand!)
Just a couple of tries and you will be loading and unloading with ease.
There are lots of kayak loading devices on the market. They range from DIY ones that fit over the tow ball, others that are an arm that telescopes out from the roof rack. Lots of really spoofy ones.
Just google Kayak loaders & away you go. There is also a fair number of Kayak forums that discuss loaders from time to time.
I just put a blanket over the paint work and slide mine (30kg & 19kg) up over the bull bar. But paint work scratches are not an issue on the 1996 Patrol. Mine load the correct (bottom) side up quite easily ... One person job. A bit risky to tip them over once loaded.
Spend a few bob & get the correct tie downs (not the ratchet type) to make the whole job a bit easier. Anaconda have them. Wait for a sale. You should also have a front & back securing rope as well. I find that pool noodles zippy tied over the roof racks tend to hold the kayak firmly preventing silppage. Don't tie down too tight.
What make kayak did you end up with?
-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 3rd of June 2013 02:16:38 PM
Hi Campers
Further to my enquiry (May 1st) about canoes/kayaks - well, DH has bought one. Now, how do we get it on the car roof without doing our backs in? It's a double and we were told around 35kgs (feels more to me) Someone mentioned a lifting rig? Any ideas? It's longer than I thought it would be and needs to be turned over and transported upside down... Ohhhh...... I feel a problem coming on..... Thanks, Jay-Jay
HI Cupie
Thanks for your quick reply - I'll check out on Google for kayak loaders and see what they have. Neva thunk of dat...
thanks, Jay-Jay
OH forgot, he bought an 'AquaYak'.... it's made here in Vic and we got it at the Bendigo LeisureShow... Jay-Jay
Had a look at their web site. The tandem looks like the goods. They claim it to be 30kg which seems about right. Of course all up with seats / life vests & paddles etc it will come up a bit.
Now just think of the fun you'll have choosing accessories ,...
From memory this is what I have in my bulging gear bag ..
Trolley, seats, flag, rod leashes, paddle leashes, anchor & rope, scupper hole bungs, surf shoes, fingerless gloves, shortie wet suit, extra wet suit pants, rash shirt, budgie smugglers, board shorts, tie downs, security chain & lock, glasses straps, fishing gear spares (hooks, sinkers, swivels, line, lures plus made up rigs), plastic screw top jars to take mobile, zip top bags for food, car keys & wallet et al., drink bottles, Afro hat and of course Life jackets.
Then there's special stuff like .. Electric motor & battery ... rudder kit ..
Mods I did on mine .. extra rod holders, anchor trolley, extra carry handles, alternate paddle leash anchor point, front well cover, tie down points for water bottles. Transom bracket for the electric motor.
A few books on kayaks & techniques plus a range of web sites ... google Rogue Paddler. Lots of his early stuff is great
Of course you'll need to construct a rack or such to store this & future kayaks.
We travel with 2 kayaks - one a 15 year old fibreglass TK1 and the other a new Hobie Fishing Kayak which would be the heavier of the 2. The Hobie is rather heavy to get up and down off the racks. We manage the TK1 easily I stand on a small ladder and the fisherman is tall enough. But the Hobie is too heavy. We invested in a Rack'n'Roll system which does the job beautifully. Just google it and you should be able to get the details. Charlie can actually load and unload on his own ( while I watch with coffee in hand!)
Just a couple of tries and you will be loading and unloading with ease.
Hope the link comes through
http://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/rack%20and%20roll/rack%20and%20roll.html
cheers
Hi Cupie
OMG I nearly pegged out when I saw all your extras
Cupie... Don't think we will be fishing except for just maybe a reel thingo - no rods.... We may buy/borrow a fish book so we know what (if) we catch but fishing is not our main idea. Just enjoying being on the water instead of just watching it go by... We did have a canoe years ago when the kids were small and DH has always hankered after another now we have the caravan. Love this forum - I always get great advice and ideas... thanks again all, Jay-Jay
We also have kayaks on the roof of the Prado. Hubby has a Hobie revolution for fishing and I have an Ocean Venus 11. We use the Rack and Roll system for putting them on the roof, makes them very manageable, an excellent system that works well for us especially as I have one arm that doesn't work real well so I'm more the supervising type also with coffee in one hand! We wish you many happy kayaking times, cheers Capricorn
You're right of course.
My kayak manufacturer recommends that the polyethelyne ones should be carried bottom up.
I have two very long straps that go over the top of the kayaks & thru the door openings to hold them down in case of 'lift off'. I thread them thru the scupper holes as well. With these, plus my normal tie downs onto the roof racks, as well as the front & rear ropes it seems a bit overdone, but I would hate to see my yaks go kartwheeling down the highway, or worse still spear into another vehicle or bystander.
ps. To stop the straps drumming or whistling in the wind, twist them tightly so that they have a cylindrical profile over their full length.
Unfortunately my fiberglass one has to be upside down on a carrier as we have a big problem if it rains and she fills with water. We also secure front and rear to the bull bar and tow bar and also through the doors. Lift off has always been something that I worry about .... Touch wood, 15 years towing canoe trailers and roof racking craft, I have never had a problem. When it comes to securing and tying down, we always live by one simple rule "who ever tows, ties and checks" and accepts responsibility if things go wrong.
cheers
Libby
Good to hear that I'm not the only pedantic one when it comes to tying down.
You see a lot that are in reality just sitting there with token tie downs like bungy cords.
I have a boat loader rail for sale that would make it very easy for you to load your kayak or boat . It fixes to your roof bars/rack as one single rail . If your'e interested I'm in Melb. pm me.
Ruschie
I think another area that is overlooked by drivers is the integrity of the ropes. Generally no issues if using good quality tie down straps, but over the years i have seen lots of craft tied down with cheap and nasty ropes that fray, stretch and break in time due to weather, movement or just plain negligence. I dont think you can be over cautious because an accident can cause more than damage to property. I also pull up and check the ropes after a couple of klms and adjust if necessary.
there is a lot more to canoeing than just hopping on or in one - i have attended courses over over many years which included transportation .... That and safety concerns has stuck with me and been passed on to many kids over the years.
if you are pedantic, then that makes 2 of us!
Libby
Maclean Hobie have a suction cup accessory for loading kayaks. The one being loaded is a very heavy 18'6'' Tandem Island Adventurer. Look at the last video on the page.
http://macleanoutdoors.net.au/kayaks/hobie/27-ti
We have a rack n roll bar for our hobie as well. Thoroughly recommend it.
Glenda