NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => General Talk => Topic started by: yakyakyak on September 27, 2017, 06:44:07 PM

Title: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: yakyakyak on September 27, 2017, 06:44:07 PM

Has anybody ever loaded two different shaped kayaks on top of each other before?  What do you use? Any cons and pros? Pics? 

So many questions and doubts .....  Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: mdoka_matt on September 27, 2017, 07:00:00 PM
I can easily fit my T13 and Revo 16 on the utility rack.  Two T13s and the Revo 16 is possible. Ive  done it several times but it is difficult and inherently less stable.  My advice is to carefully plan your tie down technique and placement. It is possible to "oil can" your kayaks by squishing them. Try and avoid strapping mid length with a downward pressure.  I kinda messed up one of my kayaks by strapping up through a scupper, and down through another scupper with an over cranked ratchet strap.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: Mojo Jojo on September 27, 2017, 07:04:49 PM
Smaller boat inside bigger boat! In this case they sat fine but if needed a few well placed 2X2’s and some pool noodles.... BOW AND STEARN STRAPS a must. 
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: scottymeboy on September 28, 2017, 06:36:59 AM
I have to do that time to time...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/7f07710439c04b6276c05171f0f617fd.jpg)
I have some well places foam blocks I use to support the upper yak. Then be careful not to over tighten, oil can issues can occur.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/bcab5aa14fefa4f5ee44f8605c83e0b9.jpg)Here's another time, just last week , when I delivered a kayak for Dave who won it at Simply Fishing!
I call this the CaptSloppywood Express!!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: BigJim on September 28, 2017, 07:58:11 AM
Side by side on bars like Matt...

Only handy pic is not great...just ignore me and the Mogan...

 :smt005

Can also slide a third on top in between those two...but don't like to do that unless I have to...

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 10:20:43 AM
I've done it several times. figure out on land how they best fit together, then do it on top of the car. 
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 10:22:02 AM
I've also stacked two kayaks sideways, and 1 on the other side, to carry 3 kayaks on top of my subie.  that wasn't easy but it worked a short distance (around 100 miles RT) without any issues.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 10:23:06 AM
honestly though, if you can get J racks up, it would be easier.  J racks aren't super expensive. I don't love them but they can work.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: crazyfisher on September 28, 2017, 10:38:04 AM
get two hullavators and at least a 60 inch crossbar. Outback and Revo. There is room for two outback on there.

The revo is so light on the hullavator that I find it a little challenging lol I guess I'm used to the outback haha
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: yakyakyak on September 28, 2017, 11:05:48 AM

Thanks, everybody!  I don't want to spend too much as one of the kayak is only used once in a while. 

I noticed that those who stacked the kayaks on top of each other, you guys put some kind of block (foam?) before putting the second kayak on top.  What do you use for that?  Yoga pad or kayak/canoe foam block)?

As far as J-rack, the yak is pretty wide at 38", so will any J-rack work at that width?
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 11:28:54 AM

Thanks, everybody!  I don't want to spend too much as one of the kayak is only used once in a while. 

I noticed that those stacked the kayaks on top of each other, you guys put some kind of block (foam?) before putting the second kayak on top.  What do you use for that?  Yoga pad or kayak/canoe foam block)?

As far as J-rack, the yak is pretty wide at 38", so will any J-rack work at that width?
the width is not the problem, its the depth (or height).  it may not fit in the j rack properly if it is past a certain depth. there are newer style j racks which may better accommodate the kayak. you talking about a nucanoe or something? 38" is really wide.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: yakyakyak on September 28, 2017, 11:31:27 AM

Yup, NuCanoe Frontier 12' (the width is actually 41", not 38") and Santa Cruz Raptor G2.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 11:49:35 AM

Yup, NuCanoe Frontier 12' (which is actually 41", not 38") and Santa Cruz Raptor G2.
the frontier 12 is pretty shallow, should fit fine in a j rack. i would give Dan a call and ask his thoughts since he's one of the largest nucanoe dealers. Just remember, that kayak on top of your car facing sideways will act as a big sail. so if you are crossing any windy areas (crosswinds) it could be pretty white knuckle (like the benicia bridge).  strap it down properly, front and rear straps, and drive slow...make sure it is perfectly straight or it will rock the shit out of your car.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 12:01:51 PM
at 41" wide for the nucanoe, and 34" for the g2 (with its non traditional hull shape) you would need a minimum of a 78" crossbar to sit them side by side.

hullavators wouldn't really be a good option for you, as the nucanoe is too wide for a hullavator, and I don't think the G2's hull design is really a good fit for hullavators either. Even then, you'd need a 72" bar minimum.

so your choice would be to get a J-rack, or stack them on top of each other.  I think the nucanoe's deck and hull being so flat and open would be a good base for stacking the G2 on top - should be really easy.  I usually stack upside down but in this particular case I think nesting them might work well.  Stacking has its own disadvantages in that you need to make sure your deck is clean with no protrusions to potentially damage the other yak, and you need to tighten down the top one pretty tight to keep it from shifting (but not enough to oilcan it)

the j rack has the "sailing" disadvantage and also that its more difficult to load a really heavy kayak up there solo and even with another person as you need to get almost the entire kayak up above the lip of the J.

my advice? buy a semi-truck  :smt003.

best of luck to you in figuring it out - shouldn't really be too bad.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 12:06:25 PM
I would also look into the malone downloader j-racks. they seem to be a little easier loading and have decent reviews.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: yakyakyak on September 28, 2017, 01:18:50 PM

It looks like stacking will be my best option, the questions are how and what should I watch out for.  Another alternative I am looking at is a j-rack for my G2 and load the Frontier flat.

By the way, I have the 898 Hullavator and it works well with my Santa Cruz Raptor G2. 
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: NowhereMan on September 28, 2017, 03:26:09 PM
I'd like to see pictures of this when you get it figured out. That seems like a whole lotta kayak to fit on top of one car.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: CptSloppywood on September 28, 2017, 03:49:57 PM
I have to do that time to time...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/7f07710439c04b6276c05171f0f617fd.jpg)
I have some well places foam blocks I use to support the upper yak. Then be careful not to over tighten, oil can issues can occur.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/bcab5aa14fefa4f5ee44f8605c83e0b9.jpg)Here's another time, just last week , when I delivered a kayak for Dave who won it at Simply Fishing!
I call this the CaptSloppywood Express!!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Simply Beautiful!!!
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: yakyakyak on September 28, 2017, 04:48:11 PM

Will do so when I figure it out.

scottymeboy, I saw that you have blue block/foam in between the yaks.  What are those?  How do I get one of those?

Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: Tote on September 28, 2017, 07:49:15 PM
I've stacked 5 different kayaks; 2-2-1 on one set of bars.
Helps a lot if you have someone who is at least as tall as you.
Ask me how I know.  :smt011
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: Abdiver on September 28, 2017, 08:48:18 PM
And then there is this guy! ......Rob :smt044
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: Mojo Jojo on September 28, 2017, 08:59:23 PM
I'd like to see pictures of this when you get it fugured out. That seems like a whole lotta kayak to fit on top of one car.
Doesn’t seem like much more then my Big Tuna and Mariner  :smt044
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: RacinRob on September 28, 2017, 09:37:02 PM
And then there is this guy! ......Rob :smt044

It worked at 65mph!!!
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: bmb on September 28, 2017, 10:18:29 PM

Will do so when I figure it out.

scottymeboy, I saw that you have blue block/foam in between the yaks.  What are those?  How do I get one of those?
you can get foam kayak blocks almost any paddle shop. i think they even sell them at big 5 and dick's sporting goods in a pinch.

https://www.amazon.com/Seattle-Sports-RS-Deluxe-Replacement/dp/B00CHFGYWO/

I think they're kind of a ripoff. some 2" thick pool noodles will do the job.
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: scottymeboy on September 29, 2017, 09:30:24 PM

Will do so when I figure it out.

scottymeboy, I saw that you have blue block/foam in between the yaks.  What are those?  How do I get one of those?
You actually need three and I can help you out with that.
I work in a Toyota body shop and that foam comes with doors,decklids or hoods ...
To protect the parts in shipping.
So I 'be become a foam hoarder , using the foam shapes for yak transport.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170930/bc2d8bce75a7603d762cd71e06d000ce.jpg)
As you can see there are several shapes of foam but the ones I like are about a foot long and have a groove in them that fit kayaks really nice!
Currently I don't have any foam available now but will start collecting what I can. The deal is you never know what parts are going to have the foam  and if you get that type of part. I might get lucky and get some foam in a week or two or it might take two months ,you never know...

But if u don't mind waiting PM me and I'll get your information so I can send some blocks to you when I get them!


Scotty


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Loading two kayaks on top of each other
Post by: yakyakyak on September 30, 2017, 01:21:53 PM

Very cool! Do you just glue them in place? 

By the way, thank you for your offer, I have a dealer nearby and I can check with them.  I also have all kinds of shipping foam available to me, but the offer is very very much appreciated!