roof rack?

Hey Guys!

After receiving great info on this site, my friend and I have decided to pull the trigger and pick up a Hobie Revo 13.  I currently drive an Audi A4 and would like to use that to transport the kayaks.  I've noticed that some people tie down the front and back of the kayak while it is strapped down to the roof rack.  Is that something necessary?  I've seen some without having to tie down the front and back.  Also, due to the limited amount of space on the roof, would a hull-a-port be a requirement?  This way I can strap down the kayak on it's side. 

Does anyone have suggestions or photos with this setup?  Or is there a better way to transport the kayaks?  Any help would be great!  Thanks!

Hopefully we'll be experienced enough to join some of you guys out in the ocean by summer. 

Simon

the bow & stern tie downs are always recommended, especially on highways.

I use a roller/saddle combination from Yakima on my truck, and I don't tie down the bow & stern around town, but I do on highway trips. I lost a boat from the roof on the freeway once. Once. One or two little ropes will go far in reducing your liability. Some rack manufacturers actually won't cover failures to use bow/stern tie downs.

If you stop off at a shop that installs racks they should be able to set you up with something that will work. Thule & Yakima both seem to be good products.

Try the search feature, there's 2 pages related to "roof racks". You'll get more info than you need, pics included.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=search2;params=eJwtzEEKgDAMRNGriBu34oVKTCJVayNpVYQe3ka6-zyGAbohIlMZylj6MqvVZJm8PA7lOANnrmh0zRtjdhLD20Q011IO_P80crRqZeKEJgyK3mYiS6eA-we0-S5v;start=0

I use front and back tie downs on my Hobie tandem.  Once you get a system down it doesn't take much extra time and it really makes the set up seem much better.

I installed the Toyota "factory" rack on my '97 4rnr since it didn't have one when I bought it.  I realized then that there isn't a lot holding everything together, especially when you factor in the high wind load that that a kayak adds when on the road.

Good Luck

I do not use bow/stern tie downs (though I have them). I instead use a cable lock through a scupper hole and around my bars. The cable doubles as safety and security.

I do not use bow/stern tie downs (though I have them). I instead use a cable lock through a scupper hole and around my bars. The cable doubles as safety and security.

Just FYI-That is exactly how I had my boat tied down when it flew off. The front tie down broke loose and the boat torqued the rear rack bar and mounts off of the roof. Beware! The cable does not serve the same purpose as a bow tie down.

I always use the bow and stern tie downs.  If the straps slip or your yak slides, the front tie down losses tension and creates slack.
If you don't have the tie downs it is very hard to tell if your yak is still strapped properly.

If you are driving on the freeway and your straps fail, heaven forbid that your yak comes off. 

You can cause a fatality. Better safe than sorry.

Having racks is the best way to go.  The easiest way to load is one end at a time so you're lifting only half the weight.  Ex. load the bow first then push the stern in place. Yakima Hully Rollers and Mako Saddles are popular.  I personally use Thule Bars paired with a Glide and Set.  With J saddles you will need to carry the full weight over your shoulders.

I always use the bow and stern tie downs.

+1

When I can see the bow tie down, I know my yak is still safely secured above my vehicle.  Major peace of mind for me!

Thule make a product called a"Quick Draw" that is a ratcheting hook device for the bow and stern lines.  REI also has a generic version of the same thing.  It makes connecting the bow and stern lines really easy and quick.  The ratchet device keeps the lines taught and locked until released by pushing the lever on the hook. 

Usagi - thanks for the search link.

After reading about the Thule Port-A-Hull on this site, it sounds like there's a faulty graphite piece that may fail.  I will take a look at the other options you guys suggested.  I would love to just strap the kayaks down to the roof rack but I'm pretty sure there's not enough room unless I use longer roof bars.  And I will definitely use the quick draw tie downs- don't want to cause harm to anyone.

Thanks for info guys!

Simon   

Thule make a product called a"Quick Draw" that is a ratcheting hook device for the bow and stern lines.

Yakima makes the same thing but their product doesn't have a cool name.

I like $8.53 a LOT better.

http://www.amazon.com/3-8-Rope-Ratch-8Rope/dp/B000BD6EKQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1326762675&sr=8-3

Here's a pic from a HMB Crab Hook up about 2 months ago.  All of us have a some kind rack and saddle system.  That's my yellow Revo on the right.

I should buy the kayak before these tie downs  

FishingAddict - Do you have the Revo 11 or 13?  I want the Revo 11 but since I will be taking it out on the ocean, I'm thinking the Revo 13 will be safer. 

I'm going to check out the ISE and hope to pick one up very soon. 

I should buy the kayak before these tie downs  

FishingAddict - Do you have the Revo 11 or 13?  I want the Revo 11 but since I will be taking it out on the ocean, I'm thinking the Revo 13 will be safer. 

I'm going to check out the ISE and hope to pick one up very soon.

I have a 13 footer.  The Sand colored yak on the end is Lost Anchovy's Revo 13.  The 13 is better suited for ocean conditions.  All of us that day had 13 ft models even the OKs.