Help a Guy Out_ I need an affordable roof rack system

Getting a SMOKING Deal on a used kayak but I need a roof rack for my Nissan Maxima 4-Door Sedan.

Ok..............Went to Wind Toys and they want nearly $400 for a roof rack system.  Really very reasonablefor what I would be getting but WAY out of my price range.  Before I start throwing one together out of pvc, swimming pool noodles and bungie straps do any of you D0-It-Yourselfers have a design that you have used with success or any other possible suggestions.

I would prefer not to ruin my cars paint job.

I was thinking about showing some pvc tube through some jumbo pool noodles and securing the noodles to the car top and the yak to the noodles with bungie straps and adjustable buckles.  Would cover the pool noodles with a removable ( and therefore washable sleeve of thick microfiber cloth to protect the paint. 

What do YOU think..............I am a total newbie to the yak thing and seriously budget limited.

I'd check craigslist... especially for your car. If the rack doesn't fit your specific car usually all you have to change is the Q-clips. I've seen used but still in good shape Yakima and Thule racks on there for anywhere from $40-100 bucks. Side note: The easiest way to find racks on craigslist is to type it in the search box on the left hand side.

What Abdiver said...you can get a pretty good deal on CL if you're patient and diligent in checking the listings.  I picked up a 2nd set of crossbars for my wife's CRV for $25...could have found them cheaper, but I was in a hurry and willing to spend that much anyhow.  Whole sets can be found for a reasonable price, no doubt.

If you go with the pool noodle route (which is a fine, inexpensive way to transport a yak), I'd skip the bungees and just run straps thru the center of each noodle.  Bungees are only good for carrying stuff on a bike, or maybe losing an eyeball.    Good luck!

They sell kits that are basically a shaped block of foam and some straps to tie down yaks on "any" car that doesn't have a rack.  Check REI or NRS websites, take a look them, then make your own,  pretty much your noodle idea only square instead of round.  On a car especially don't forget to tie down both the bow and stern.

dale

I see a problem tying the pvc/noodles to the car and then the yak to the noodles. You need to tie the yak directly to the car if you are going to use noodles. The stress of the weight of the kayaks with 65mph winds would snap the pvc like a twig.
I had a friend who did the foam blocks with 2 yaks on top with no probs.
http://www.rei.com/product/619248#

I am no structural engineer but properly braced and supported the PVC tubing should hold.   Would post a diagram of what I have planned if I could post pics.  May go with foam blocks instead of noodles and the Bungie Strap idea is being supplanted by standard 2" nylon webbing and ratcheting buckles.

They wanted $280 for a Yakima system at REI and $66.50 for a set of 2 SMALL foam blocks with tie-downs.


More later.


Derek

A couple things come to mind here,

From my own experience. 

Glad to see the PVC idea go.  I've used PVC for a few projects and it is amazing how little structural integrity and rigidity it has when stressed.  In other words, it flexes and breaks allot easier than might be expected.

Now as for ratcheting straps, they on the other hand can exert a great deal of force, as evidenced by the dent in the roof of my Jimmy. My Jimmy has a rack, it looked like everthing cleared as I ratcheted the straps down, I really didn't think the bow was touching the roof or that I was tightening them down that tight. But the dent is still there, right above the new mirror on the right side door. 

Oh yea did I mention the number of side mirrors that yaks have shaved off. Just ask around.

Good luck and have fun.

dale

Was already waned that my 2000 Maxima has a "soft top" so I have to watch the tension when strapping down.

The PVC tubing was going to be run down the center of a jumbo pool noodle and the straps were gonna get run through that for securing the noodles to the top of the car and the yak...............Don't know if I am painting a proper picture as I am pretty beat.

Cutting my own foam blocks may be the way to go if I can find the right kind of foam.

If it was not so expensive I could actually pour my own expanding foam blocks but the materials (Part A and Part B) are crazy expensive.

the real fun part is going to be finding a way to secure the bow and stern of the kayak............luckily it is only an 11'3"

Was already waned that my 2000 Maxima has a "soft top" so I have to watch the tension when strapping down.

A soft top?  Wow...I don't know if I'd be brave enough to try that...

the real fun part is going to be finding a way to secure the bow and stern of the kayak............luckily it is only an 11'3"

That's easy.  Tie off one end of a rope to a carabiner & hook that to the bow of your yak.  (assuming you have a carry handle there)  Run the other end over your hood and tie it off on your tow hook (or anywhere convenient).  If you're concerned with scuffing the paint on the hood, you can make a small loop (10" or so) out of webbing & bolt it to the frame near your battery.  When you're ready to strap down, just pop the hood, pull the loop out so it fits between the hood and fender, and close the hood.  Tie off there.  The rear should be easy, just run a strap from the stern handle to your bumper or tow hook.  Careful with that soft-top though...

Saw this tonight

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/spo/798440374.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-798440374@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-08-15, 2:33PM PDT



I have an older model Yakima roof rack, with the fatter 'feet' and clips for an 89 Nissan Maxima. I'd be glad to remove the clips if they won't fit your car. This rack is in excellent conditon, and I've had it on the car for many years. Dent free with no rust, dents, etc. No lock cores included. I am removing them.

You can still find clips for the SST racks by searching the internet...but it MUST be an older vehicle (before 1999 I believe).

The rack can hold bikes, skis, kayaks, and we've moved furniture on it, Xmas trees, mattresses, etc. It really comes on handy for other items other than sport toys. You will need 4 clips to hold the rack to the roof. Google SST Yakima Y-Clips.

$75 cash for the entire rack (minus my clips), or if you have a Maxima, they are yours!

Hi Yaker:

       I use straps and Foam Blocks on my Factory Rack. I saw a $10. system on
Santa Rosa Cl.
                                                                         E

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/799846110.html

Hi Yaker:

       I use straps and Foam Blocks. I saw a $10. system on
Santa Rosa Cl.
                                                                         E

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/799846110.html

That's what I use when I rent a kayak in Hawaii to load onto a rental car. They just use two long slices off an old boogie board. One goes in the front of the roof; the other goes in the back. Set the kayak upside down on the two foam strips, open the car doors, and strap the boat down with two straps. Make sure you open the doors first, or the straps will seal the doors shut and you'll have to climb in the window! If you want to be more secure, add bow and stern lines to prevent wobbling or an unintended highway launch!