Top Loading Kayak on Car

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions on any recommendations on loading a kayak onto the top of the car. I have a oldtown sportsman 132 and I am using seawings by Malone. Currently I use a little carpet to put on top of my car and slide the kayak onto the wings from the rear of the car. However, I did drop the kayak once on the side when it slid off while loading. Do you guys have any recommendations to make the process easier? I'm typically fishing alone so a second person is out of question. I have been looking into an easy load assist device too and wanted to see if anyone had one and cared to share their opinion on it. Oh, I drive a Subaru Outback thats a little lifted  Thanks in advance!

I also drive a Subaru Outback, tried many different options, and ended up with the Hullavator.

Paul

I just started using this and have been very happy with it so far after a handful of trips - https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/sport-awnings/water-sports/kayak-loaders/rhino-rack-universal-side-loader_rusl

I had used hullavators for years and also the malone wings w/ their stinger load assist and I think this is the easiest solution I've tried so far.

Cheers,
Brad

I use a Rhino Rack T loader and I really like it. It is very easy to load on top and it will not slide off. I also had a kayak slide off when I was just using the roof. I use it with a Honda CRV and I can still open the back if I pull the rack down (it has a joint at the bottom). Note that you can pull the rack down with the kayak on top but you can't pull it down after you tie the kayak down.

https://www.etrailer.com/Watersport-Carriers/Rhino-Rack/RTL002.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9bq6BhAKEiwAH6bqoAVyunVGERqar8qHHYgfD528u6QqMw183FWGjzYJ_B6qbBpIpH2WDRoCl8EQAvD_BwE

I also use the Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader but I found the adjustable support pole to be weak so I made my own out of a wooden dowel (a closet wood rod from home depot).

Wow! That Rhino Rack T Loader looks great.

Once I finally get a roof rack for my wagon I'll definitely keep that at the top of the list. Tired of sand getting in my carpet!

I truck top my Old Town Autopilot 136 on the rack on my Tacoma.  During the Covid shutdown, I splurged for a Berkey Pro Will I Loader.  The hydraulic piston is beefy and easily gets my HUGE kayak up and down off my rack solo.   It’s a good chunk of change, but please note that the pricing on their website is in AUD not USD, so if you wait for the exchange rate to get good, you can get a fat discount like I did. 

https://youtu.be/lNe-qADiD68?si=G9OtLN9K_AVZO2a9

I used the Rhino side loader with my outback and didn’t like it.
Maybe I didn’t learn how to use it.
I ended up using a roller assist loader that apparently isn’t available on Amazon anymore.. but here’s the pics
Btw - I since applied a kiel protector that prevents the kiel from sliding as smoothly as bare plastic. Something to consider.
Good luck!

I have Yakima round bars and installed the BoatLoader extensions. Works great when I load solo. YMMV

https://yakima.com/products/boatloader

I'm very happy with the yakima assist loader

https://yakima.com/products/showboat-66?srsltid=AfmBOor4N0fvRZRwhW0FAntaWGc8ZukSGIs1QAukNesLvtfgrASYVNXD

It sits under the rack and extends out when you need it and slides back when not in use. It does flex a little with heavier loads (like hobie) but it hasn't affected the performance yet

Another tip that may be useful. I load my kayak, Hobie Outback, upside down so I don't have to worry about cradles or deforming the hull. If you have gear permanently affixed to the top that may not work for you.

I'm very happy with the yakima assist loader

https://yakima.com/products/showboat-66?srsltid=AfmBOor4N0fvRZRwhW0FAntaWGc8ZukSGIs1QAukNesLvtfgrASYVNXD

It sits under the rack and extends out when you need it and slides back when not in use. It does flex a little with heavier loads (like hobie) but it hasn't affected the performance yet

+1 I really my Yakima Showboat.

I used the Rhino side loader with my outback and didn’t like it.
Maybe I didn’t learn how to use it.
I ended up using a roller assist loader that apparently isn’t available on Amazon anymore.. but here’s the pics
Btw - I since applied a kiel protector that prevents the kiel from sliding as smoothly as bare plastic. Something to consider.
Good luck!

I second this. I go alone so this is a great way for me to rest it on top while I position myself in the rear to push my kayak onto my roof rack. It can be done on the side as well. Just depends on how I am parked. Good luck.

Thanh

I used to car top on my sedan, it had long Thule square bars. Set kayak parallel to car, lift one end up onto the bar, then lift other end. It is a chore with short bars, but the longer your bars are, the easier it is. I've seen people slide a broom stick into their bar to lengthen it for this task too, but your bars gotta have exposed ends and be large enough to fit the stick ...

I have Yakima round bars and installed the BoatLoader extensions. Works great when I load solo. YMMV

https://yakima.com/products/boatloader

I have one of these with the bars, and the Thule version with bars. Free to anyone who can use them. You would need to find the attachment clips for your vehicle. The Yakima clips I have are for a 2011 Leaf, and the Thule clips are for a Mitsubishi Outlander.