Kayak on roof rack - use Roof rack pads?

[CA Cruisin]

Got a new/used boat..
Researching how to protect roof rack from getting banged up loading/offloading a large (12') tandem Cobra ocean kayak. Planning on putting boat on rack and ratchet-strapping it around the rack running front to back.
Only 3 miles to the ocean. Don't want to get a cumbersome kayak rack setup if I don't need to.

But would be nice to bring boat on longer trips camping etc., so let me know how you've done it?

Anyone else haul kayaks this way?
Any tips, advice?
Thinking maybe I need pads for crossbars... are there brands folks have used that fit well on our 100 rack's crossbars?
Thanks mates!

 

[TXLX100]

I use big foam blocks that are designed to wrap around the oval style cross bar. It will protect the roof rack, but more importantly gives something for the kayak to cinch down on. I think I got them from etrailer or amazon. I also use for cinching down other stuff, like if I get a long item from Home Depot. Good quality, have for 5 years used a lot and still good shape.

 

[CA Cruisin]

I use big foam blocks that are designed to wrap around the oval style cross bar. It will protect the roof rack, but more importantly gives something for the kayak to cinch down on. I think I got them from etrailer or amazon. I also use for cinching down other stuff, like if I get a long item from Home Depot. Good quality, have for 5 years used a lot and still good shape.

Cool - do they look like either of the attached?

these,

 

[TXLX100]

Cool - do they look like either of the attached? View attachment 2098928View attachment 2098929 these,

Mine look like the top ones

 

[Bigsky80]

I use foam pads like the top picture for my 17' kayak. No issues yet.
Cheers,
Scot

 

[CA Cruisin]

Thanks for helping me figure this out.
Do you tie the nose and tail of the boat down with ropes to anchor points at the front and rear bumpers too? (I know these are full-on newbie questions. Thanks for bearing with me!)

 

[Catskills]

You'll spend more on something like this:

Amazon product ASIN B00FUHDYZQ
But ten years from now you'll still have it. And it's compatible with all different bars. You could put it on the oblong factory bars or the round bars I have.

I don't tie my kayaks' bow and sterns, even when driving them cross country. If you have a good rack and they're secured well you shouldn't need to, and then you don't risk scratching up the bumper.

 

[CA Cruisin]

You'll spend more on something like this:

Amazon product ASIN B00FUHDYZQ
But ten years from now you'll still have it. And it's compatible with all different bars. You could put it on the oblong factory bars or the round bars I have.

I don't tie my kayaks' bow and sterns, even when driving them cross country. If you have a good rack and they're secured well you shouldn't need to, and then you don't risk scratching up the bumper.

Thanks for this. Appreciate your experienced feedback. My tandem is 28" wide, that seems pretty tall for a j-bar. But will consider.
Like to definitely avoid bumper tie-offs for that paint reaaon.

 

[sanshin]

Personally, I don't haul kayaks on my LC or any other things that were in salt water, but I have a friend that introduced salt water to his vehicle overtime from hauling kayaks and his truck is rusting as a result. Be careful with that!

 

[Catskills]

Thanks for this. Appreciate your experienced feedback. My tandem is 28" wide, that seems pretty tall for a j-bar. But will consider.
Like to definitely avoid bumper tie-offs for that paint reaaon.

I place my daughter's 10' kayak in that (very wide boat) and have also put a sea kayak in it. Your boat will be fine.

Trickiest part about is getting it up there.

If you have help it won't be an issue.

If you don't you have to figure it out.

I use 9' NRS straps, run the strap just barely into the buckle after latching it through the top of the "J." Then leave it hanging on side of truck opposite where I will mount boat.

Then I lift my daughter's boat above my head, stand in the opposite passenger door, and then get it in the rack without touching the truck. Hers is only 25 lbs. so easier than what your job will be.

Then go to other side, flip strap over, secure, and you're done.

 

[Catskills]

Personally, I don't haul kayaks on my LC or any other things that were in salt water, but I have a friend that introduced salt water to his vehicle overtime from hauling kayaks and his truck is rusting as a result. Be careful with that!

Ok, but you've gotta prioritize the important s***. And time on the water is about as important as it gets.

 

[CA Cruisin]

Personally, I don't haul kayaks on my LC or any other things that were in salt water, but I have a friend that introduced salt water to his vehicle overtime from hauling kayaks and his truck is rusting as a result. Be careful with that!

Thanks for calling this out. I will dry boat and remove seats before loading on roof for sure.