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Topic: kayak trailer. bunks or crossbars?  (Read 1824 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

DarthBaiter

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • Location: Sonoma County
  • Date Registered: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 908
what do you think is more beneficial with respect to the health of the kayak hull?  driving with a kayak on bunks, or on crossbars? 

I am leaning towards crossbars.  I think for long distances, I would flip my Hobie Outback upside down on crossbars and strap it down.  no rain issues, etc.  and the Hobie Manual does state that storing it upside down is the best way.

thoughts?


fishbushing

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: San Jose
  • Date Registered: Oct 2018
  • Posts: 3624
Upside down is always the best. Right side up is just for convenience and will slowly deform on certain hull. Some faster than other.
-Jason


123engineering

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Fort Bragg/Cleone
  • Date Registered: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 2098
I always transport my Outback and Oasis upside down on the Thule Hullavator and store them upside down in my garage.

Paul
Paul C.

YouTube: Mendocino Kayak Fishing (Kayak Fishing Couple)
2018 Hobie Oasis Papaya
2022 Hobie Outback Papaya
2021 Stealth Fisha 500
CVN-72 Abraham Lincoln
2013 & 2019 Subaru Outback White


NowhereMan

  • Manatee
  • *****
  • 44.5"/38.5#
  • YouTube Channel
  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 12995
Bunks made from pvc pipe is the best option, IMHO.
I don't like stuff that sucks.
    --- Butt-Head


Fisherman X

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Going to the ocean is going home
  • Location: Mendo Locos
  • Date Registered: Sep 2007
  • Posts: 8095
Bunks are more convenient for rigging and prep possibilities, but upside down is better for hull longevity and integrity. My $.02
-Success is living the life you want-
Joel ><>

-You’re just gonna shoot the first perch you see CdM


SpeedyStein

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Concord
  • Date Registered: Sep 2020
  • Posts: 2624
Flat bed? You can store a kayak flat, upright on the ground, so why not carry it on a trailer the same way?
- Kevin


NowhereMan

  • Manatee
  • *****
  • 44.5"/38.5#
  • YouTube Channel
  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 12995
Bunks are more convenient for rigging and prep possibilities, but upside down is better for hull longevity and integrity. My $.02

Hobie Islands (both AIs and TIs) are heavy boats, and I've never heard of anybody transporting one upside down on a trailer, and I've cannot recall hearing of one that was properly supported (Hobie cradles or PVC bunks) having problems. I don't know why the same would not hold true for other Hobie kayaks.

If you are worried about warranty issues, get the Hobie cradles. However, IMHO, pvc bunks are superior in every way (better support, cheaper, easier to slide the kayak on and off).
I don't like stuff that sucks.
    --- Butt-Head