Roof Racks for a Kayak

[Griswald]

I finally got my roof rack setup for my 14 FFH.

 

I ordered a set of SportRack #1010 complete rack system from Walmart (lowest price I could find). and a set of kayak saddles off Amazon (Kayakcarrier #CP5672).

 

 

The racks are semi-custom, meaning with some adjustment, they fit numerous vehicles. I assembled them as per the directions and found that they were too close together and the towers were on an area of the roof that would probably bend. That was not acceptable, so I did some experimenting and came up with a solution that fits much better and is now sitting on the edge of the roof seam for much stronger mounting. The saddles came with no directions, but are pretty simple, just bolt 'em on with the supplied U-bolts and adjust them to fit the bottom of your kayak. I have mine sitting over the passenger side for three reasons, first, the racks are much stronger at the ends, second, its much easier to only have to lift the kayak and not have to hold it over top thge car and finally, there are no tie-down points anywhere on the vehicle!!!

 

I ordered a set of Sherpak Hood Loops to solve that last problem. I attached one to the far left radiator mounting screw with a large flat washer and attached the other inside the trunk with a self drilling sheet metal screw and the same flat washer. If you leave the screws a bit loose, the hood loops turn and get tucked out of the way when not in use.

 

 

 

 

Here is the result of my first trip with the FFH to the local lake.

 

 

 

[SteveB_TX]

Nice. Personally, I would put some padding or micro fiber towels between the rope and trunk lid and the hood strap to keep the paint from being rubbed off due to vibrations, etc. :)

[wreckedcar]

Here is the result of my first trip with the FFH to the local lake.

Nice to see others using a kayak for some bass fishing. So how did hauling that hurt your gas mileage?

[lolder]

I used kayak mounting foam cushions and two 2 X 4s with counter sunk holes for the legs of a 72 " long antique bench that I transported 400 interstate miles at 70 mph with my 2010 FFH. The straps were fed through the open doors and the doors shut on them. All the straps were twisted 1/2 turn to prevent flutter. It worked perfectly with no effect on the car's handling. MPG went from the usual 40 to 30!

[Griswald]

I have been kayak fishing for a long time, got one as soon as I sold my 150HP EbbTide bass boat. Can't get as far in the kayak, but the trip is so much more relaxing! I am trying to sell this kayak and get a new Hurricane Angler DLX. The lightest fishing kayak made.

 

Mileage did suffer, although not as bad as I would have thought. I first tried some foam V-blocks on the racks and didn't tuck the kayak's seat down and got about 10 MPG less. After I got the saddles, and tucked the seat down, I only lost a few MPG's

 

SteveB, There is no room to fit anything between the hood loops and the body on the front, once you close the hood, the loop will not move. On the trunk, I might do that, maybe sew a loop of microfiber that fits around the nylon strap where it touches the body. I wasn't really concerned too much about it, but it couldnt hurt.

[Jeff7500]

Thanks for the sherpak lead! Solved the tie down problem with the front and the back. The Sherpak™ Quick Loops should help with the stern of the boat..