How do you cartop a big heavy kayak?

Just curious what rack and or method people are using?  So far I can only think of Thule Hullavator.  And maybe this one.

looks like something I could use. Tried their site but no other details about this unit. I could then load a heavier sled like the pro module which for me has a more comfortable seat.

I have a heavy ass necky tandem that I load by my self using the malone saddles with the sliding loader -- they call it the seawing combo. I've been using it for about a year now and am pretty happy with it. It's also pretty quick to put on and take off the rack so I don't have to drive with it all the time.

what I have is this combo -- http://www.maloneautoracks.com/seawing-stinger.php

That's bad a$$  right there.
Thanks yester for sharing that.

That's a great idea, but most parking lots are full and require loading from the rear. That would be awesome to make a simular system that loaded the yak straight on from the rear ;0)

Here's how I load my cuda 14 (photos below) -- the cuda is pretty heavy, but I find I can load it easily and without a lot of effort by myself. Not sure how much heavier the hobie PA is...

This set up is inexpensive and dummy proof, so works well for me.

seems like a lot of people cartop with the kayak right-side-up.  I still put mine on upside down, with the help of the yakima boatloader bar.

seems like a lot of people cartop with the kayak right-side-up.  I still put mine on upside down, with the help of the yakima boatloader bar.

Me too - here is a video of variation of loading with the Yakima set-up

seems like a lot of people cartop with the kayak right-side-up.  I still put mine on upside down, with the help of the yakima boatloader bar.

Me too - here is a video of variation of loading with the Yakima set-up

I do mine the same way, except I flip the kayak as its going up onto my car.  thats how i load my AI.  the little Revo 11 I have is easy, i just pick it up and throw on top.  I would like to keep that one right side up and rigged for my short trips to Shadow Cliffs however, so I might try doing that..

DIY rack system...

Hi Jweb,

I am very interested in your set up.  Would you mind sharing more details of the parts being used and places you got them from?  For example, the suction cups look pretty hefty and I don't remember seeing them in Home Depot or Harbor Freight.  Thanks.

Dave

Rollers in the back saddles in front. Hulavators don't work if your single handed because you still have to lift the hull a ways to get it into the saddles.  I can't lift the AI hull into the hullavator solo. I can rack my AI solo no problem with rollers.

put something on the ground that is non slip for the tail end of the yak to rest on while picking up the end going on first. I fought with mine sliding back on me til someone told me

 

  Looks like a system that'll work if there's room to use it.  Although, me being basically lazy, I would want an electric winch to haul my OB up.  I've been thinking of a way to temporarily mount a cheap 12vdc ATV, (Swap out the wire rope for nylon rope) winch to my trucks campershell and with ramps (Made from something light, IE PVC, or 2X2 wood?) haul the beast up.  The top of my campershell is about 7'.
   Until I put something like this together, I load the OB from the back of the truck, lifting the front up onto the campershell's back, with a towel under the kayaks end to prevent it from grinding on the street, then lift the rear, and shove it up, when the balance point of the kayak is reached (Front to rear) I then lift it over my head and continue pushing it forward. At a point, the kayak will settle onto the racks, I can then jump up onto the tailgate and finish positioning the hull into it resting spot.
   Having a winch to haul it up the side I think would be a little easier.

Harbor freight offers a small electric winch. I was wondering if the power lead from the winch could be adapted to two leads from the Auxiliary plug to the trailer plug on my Chevy Tahoe. It would be the trick if it could. I have a plan design to build a winch stand using the tow tongue receiver and a few clip on pulleys attached to the existing crossbars to bring a kayak up and load on top of my Tahoe. I hope someone can comment especially trying to use the trailer plug idea.