Kayak roof rack/mount for Acura sedan

Probably not the most ideal, but its the only car I've got, so will most likely be transporting my future kayak in this car.  I have a 4 door Acura TL.  Anyone else out there transporting their kayaks in a non truck/suv? 

So I've been looking at roof racks, and mostly notice Thule and Yakima brands, all around the $300 mark.  Just wanted to get some feedback from other members and see what options I have in terms of transporting a kayak in my current vehicle.  If anyone has any suggestions as to other brands and such that might be a little less pricey, please feel free to post any thoughts.  Thanks!

Racks are spendy, no two ways about it. Both thule & Yakima make good stuff. I've been happy with the Yakima saddles and rollers I have, once I got the tie down thing dialed in.
On a conventional sedan you are limited, but as long as you get bars of the proper width, and the proper mounting brackets for your car's roof, you should be able to carry 2 kayaks without much trouble. I've known many folks who used their family cars as their primary yak-transporter.

Wish I had more advice, but I've been driving a pickup or SUV for the last 25 years

Best money you will spend... Yakima has more stuff... Doubles as a lumber rack

Get a thule setup from rack n road on camden in sj.  Buying new will save u a boatload of lame craigslist hunting

Get a thule setup from rack n road on camden in sj.  Buying new will save u a boatload of lame craigslist hunting

Whats the retail on a new rack system these days?

 

Get a thule setup from rack n road on camden in sj.  Buying new will save u a boatload of lame craigslist hunting

Dont buy there before you check out http://www.orsracksdirect.com/  Believe me, those guys dont help with anything to do with the rack unless you pay them.  Go with Thule bars, and whatever rack system you like (they both adapt to eachother).  But unless you like round bars, which I despise because they always seem to "roll" on you, get the Thule rack system for your vehicle.  If you plan to haul two yaks, get longest bars you can.  I did well with my 2-Door Honda Accord when I first started, your TL will do fine    Dont forget front and rear tie downs!  Came with my Thule Glide N Set if I remember correctly.

I transported my Hobie Revo and a Hobie tandom on a Honda Accord sedan for a couple of years.  I used Yakima load bars with Hully Rollers and Mako Saddles.  The only issue I ever had was there were some small, barely visible, dents along the roofline of the car near the attachment points for the Yakima Towers.  The dealer didn't even notice them when I traded the car in for my Subaru Outback.  On the positive side, the lower roof of a sedan makes loading the yak a little easier.  Your Acura will work fine as a yak transport with the proper racks and tie downs for the front and rear of the yak.


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Are the saddles a must?  Just wondering if its ok to transport a kayak right on top of the crossbars?  If so, what type of straps do you guys recommend using? 

Also, the front and rear tie downs, where would I be able to find these?  Sorry for all the questions, thanks in advance! 

I don't use saddles, just yak on bars.  Used to use a pool noodle over the bar so I could compress it all down but haven't used them in a while.  Straps and tie downs, the thick ones, from home depot.

If it helps,
I've got a set of Thule bars and feet from a 96 nissan maxima.
Not sure if it will fit, but worst case, you might have to buy the foot adaptor kit for your vehicle. I paid 350 for the set ... if intrested make me a fair offer and they are yours.

Eric / Yakhopper
(559)284-4299