Putting a kayak on a car without roof racks.?

TaraLo

Heya, I was wondering had anyone tried foam blocks and straps only for securing their boats? And if so did it work out ok...? Or did the boat end up a mile behind them in a ditch before they even realised it wasn't on the roof anymore.. :P
Was also wondering if anyone had bought/used this http://www.i-canoe.com/Roof-Rack+Kits+%252526+Accessories/Deluxe+Kayak+Car+Rack+Kit.html or something like it and what they thought of it.. any replys/help appreciated thanks

pmccormack

Ive seen the blocks used for open canoes and they worked real well, You can also get handy racks (Inflatable roof racks).

rainbowdash

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Zuppy

I have not used the inflatable racks but used the ones that are hard foam cut in a v shape like in the photo on the link.

Used it for a short trip on a hire car in Belgium. Not bad but I have limited experience with them.

Unfortunately the driver is responsible for the load, so if you lose a boat then the driver gets the grief. That's why I stick with a proper, branded roof rack.

TaraLo

pmccormack wrote: »

Ive seen the blocks used for open canoes and they worked real well, You can also get handy racks (Inflatable roof racks).

Ever used the inflatable racks?
and thanks, if the blocks work for the canadians then I'd say they'd be grand for a pryhana.

rossinator

Before i got a roof rack... honestly i used to put a towel on the roof but 1,2 and one time 3 kayaks on it and use ratched straps to tie it down, was a grand.. my roof is a little dented and very scratched now but I couldn't really care less about my car

TaraLo

rossinator wrote: »

Before i got a roof rack... honestly i used to put a towel on the roof but 1,2 and one time 3 kayaks on it and use ratched straps to tie it down, was a grand.. my roof is a little dented and very scratched now but I couldn't really care less about my car

haha I would do that except its not my car, and my brothers car is kinda his baby.... :rolleyes:
thanks though

Zuppy

Offer to pay for his roof rack. Usually when you get another car the most you change are the feet that attach to the roof. The bar section is still good and you have saved a bit of cash.

pmccormack

TaraLo wrote: »

Ever used the inflatable racks?
and thanks, if the blocks work for the canadians then I'd say they'd be grand for a pryhana.

I have afew times and loads of my mates have traveled round the alps in rented cars with them they are handy and fit 2 boats, will do the job but You cant beat a normal rack.

Lotsafish

In the past I've used an old foam mattress on the roof of the car with the kayak on top then tied down with a pull-to-secure rope.

Works like a charm and doesn't scratch the car at all.

TaraLo

ZuppyLurk wrote: »

Offer to pay for his roof rack. Usually when you get another car the most you change are the feet that attach to the roof. The bar section is still good and you have saved a bit of cash.

That was the original plan but he won't let me put the racks on his car, he doesn't mind the idea of the blocks though.
That and the fact that I'll be back in Nooth come sept so I'd only be using the rack here for less than two months and its only for short trips as well.

I think i'm gunna go with the foam blocks seeing as how no-ones told any horror stories about boats flying off yet and they've worked for a few of you.
Thank you

nookie

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Pigeon Reaper

Handi racks are good until it starts to rain.