kayak transport

I could use some advice on kayak transport.  I am thinking about buying a tarpon 120 (or similar size SOT).  I have a Ford Ranger pickup.  Would it be a bad idea to lay the kayak in the bed and tie it down.  I know it would stick out quite a bit, but I am trying to avoid spending too much money on roof racks, etc.

I use a Malibu II and it is 12 feet long.  I used to haul it in the back of my Mazda B2500 pickup bed all the time (same basic truck as a Ford Ranger).  In that truck, it balanced and rested best when placed diagonally across the bed.  

In my full size pickup, it hauls fine straight down the middle of the bed.

Erik

I have hauled a 12 foot yak in a pickup bed many times without issues.

I Hauled my kayak for many years sticking out of the back of my truck and never had a problem.  I believe you are required to have a red flag on anything that sticks out more than 2 feet beyond your bumper.  A better reason for using a flag is to keep some bozo from running into your kayak  Not sure if the flag rule would apply to the red kayaks  

Anyway I used a short piece of cord to attach a red rag to the lift handle.  I leave it attached so there is one less thing to remember when I get the chance to go.