You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat Rack
Water sports of all kinds are hugely popular in Colorado, and a day on the water can be a great way to relax, but getting your kayak, canoe, or standup paddle board to the water can be a little stressful, but with the help of the proper roof rack and accessories, you can spend less time loading and unloading, and more time enjoying your favorite river or lake.
If you haven’t equipped your vehicle with a roof rack, that is the place to start. Sometimes when you make that initial watercraft purchase, you are so busy daydreaming about kayak fishing that you forget that you have to get the boat back and forth from your house to the lake. Well with a variety of roof rack options from Rhino-Rack, Yakima, and Thule, S-Cargo can certainly get you the rack for your truck, car, van, or SUV. With a set of crossbars equipped, all you need is some rope to look like the photo above, but you may want to consider some of the boat carrier and boat loader options below.
The Stacker -
Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Stacker
The stacker is the modern update to the archival photo at the top. With a stacker in the middle of your crossbar system, you can now transport up to 4 kayaks or standup paddleboards, even on a standard crossbar width. The Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack shown above is a great option and is compatible with crossbars from most manufacturers.
The J Cradle -
Rhino-Rack Folding J Kayak Cradle
J Cradle’s have long been a popular option for kayak transportation. They are especially handy when you are looking to take up less space on your crossbars, so that you can carry additional items. The J design also makes accessibility for strapping your boat easier. To address the drawback of having the cradle sticking up all the time, Rhino-Rack has introduced a Folding J Kayak Carrier that folds flat when not in use. The Folding J can even be paired with an extension off the back side to expand the system to carry a second boat.
Rear Load and Side Load Flat Carriers -
Rhino-Rack Rear Load Kayak Carrier
Sometimes the best way to carry is the same way that is sits on the water. There are rear load and side load variations for these ideas, which can make it easier to get your boat type on to your vehicle. Rear load kayak carriers feature felt pads or rollers that allow you to rest the nose of your boat on your cradles and then gently slide or roll them up into position. Side load kayak carriers can be a good option for a team lift or when rear load isn’t an option, such as when connected to a trailer. Kayak carriers like these are well suited for longer, narrower kayaks that sometimes don’t work as well on J cradles.
Standup Paddle Board Carriers -
Thule SUP Taxi Standup Paddle Board Carrier
Many kayak carriers, like the types above, are great options for standup paddle boards as well, but with the increasing popularity of SUPs, many companies, like Yakima and Thule, have introduced dedicated SUP carriers. Versions like the Thule SUP Taxi above have a flatter padded surface for a board and and integrated flat strap system with integrated locking capabilities. These features make securing your board a breeze.
Kayak Lift Systems -
Rhino-Rack T Loader Kayak Loader
Sometimes the biggest challenge is just getting your boat onto the roof of your vehicle. There are a wide range of aids to help you get your water craft on to the roof of your vehicle. Rhino-Rack has several choices to help you load your boat. The Nautic Kayak Lifter, shown above, is a complete system for loading and securing your boat complete with a boat winch system. The Universal Side Loader is a simple accessory to help you get your boat on to your roof without having to support the full weight of the boat. The T Load is a great option to help you get your longer boat on and secure from the rear of the vehicle. The Thule Hullavator Pro gives you a side-load assist with an integrated cradle and lift-assist system.
Hopefully some of these ideas can help you with selecting the accessories that allow you to have the ability and confidence to safely load, secure, and transport your kayak or SUP, so that you can get to the water and let the fun begin. If you still feel unsure and are looking for assistance, please reach out any time, we would be more than happy to answer questions, offer suggestions, and help you with the roof rack and accessories that allow you to spend more time on the water and less time worrying about how to get there.