Kayak Rack

[revdecal]

I have been strapping an inflatable Sevylor kayak direct to the roof of my VW T6 because I'm not a fan of the look of a rack but the time has come to purchase a rigid.

Can anyone recommend a rack system for kayaks that isn't too ugly or maybe I can remove when I'm not using it?

thanks

 

[T6 Dave]

Roof bars, and cross rail?

 

[Pauly]

I think someone has posted pictures with kayak/canoes on roof ? @mhill

 

[revdecal]

I think someone has posted pictures with kayak/canoes on roof ? @mhill

I'll do a search and see what comes up.

 

[Gingercoastie]

I thought the point of an inflateable one is that you let the air out and pack it away.

 

[T6 Dave]

Yeah, but then where's the image kudos in that.. Arriving and getting a bag out of boot, and a pump.. I'd be diasapointed if an inflatable sheep wasn't the end result as an observer...

 

[revdecal]

I thought the point of an inflateable one is that you let the air out and pack it away.

Just helps prepping before you head out and also dries on your return. Less hassle when you have twin boys to organise as well lol. Usually I don't transport this way as I inflate/deflate when I'm there but it gets a bit funky in the bag as it does not get enough time to dry properly. The rigid kayaks cut through the water better as they have less drag.

 

[T6 Dave]

So the inflatable is better for keep fit, as more drag then.. Bonus

 

[revdecal]

So the inflatable is better for keep fit, as more drag then.. Bonus

My Brands Hatch cracked ribs would disagree Dave

 

[Davenjo]

I thought the point of an inflateable one is that you let the air out and pack it away.

I pumped the wife's inflatable paddle board up the other day to make sure it was OK ready for Bala - I was creamed!! Goes against the point of an inflatable but the idea of being able to transport inflated occasionally appeals lol

 

[T6 Dave]

His n hers keep fit then.. You by pumping it up, her by enjoying it..

 

[Davenjo]

His n hers keep fit then.. You by pumping it up, her by enjoying it..

Bugger that - she can do it herself at Bala

 

[mhill]

I think someone has posted pictures with kayak/canoes on roof ? @mhill

That would be me!

Got a few Kayaks & a Canoe though no inflateable ones. I've got the Thule aero black bars and they did come on and off regularly but I leave the feet attached to the roof for two reasons. Firstly the captive nuts are really crap and poor quality. Secondly I've put a dab of silicone around them to keep things dry.

I can get 5 kayaks on the roof if I use the Eckla J bars either side but my best advice after a roof rack is get a decent boat, the inflatables are a liability. They are just too much effort for too little gain and so easily wind rowed. With this you get a few end up poped along river banks after ending up in the brambles or dragged through the shallows.