Yakima bars and Pool Noodles

I'm trying to add some padding to my round Yakima bars. Right now I use pipe insulation but I want some added support for heavier boats. Can anyone point me to the thickest pool noodle available with the round hole through the center? I want to slide the noodle onto the bar then add pipe insulation over that for a super thick foam support for carrying heavier boats like Hobies.

Any ideas?
Thanks!

I just use the bar only as do most of us. Run the kayak upside down and you will have no issues. No padding needed. The top of the hull is the most rigid and you will not have a problem.

It might be a little early in the season, but the Dollar stores usually have a selection of pool noodles.  The big 4inch noodles can be found at some Toys R Us year round... but they're a little pricey. I'd call the local dollar stores. The one in SSF on El Camino had some last summer.

Andrew, you're probably looking for Monster pool noodles (2-1/2 in. width by approx 5 ft lenth). I've seen them at Big 5 Sporting Goods store (didn't see the price). Might find them in any Ace Hardware store. If you buy online, have to buy in quantity. Outrageous price on Amazon. I got mine at Bass Pro Shops for $5 some time ago.

Andrew, you're probably looking for Monster pool noodles (2-1/2 in. width by approx 5 ft lenth). I've seen them at Big 5 Sporting Goods store (didn't see the price). Might find them in any Ace Hardware store. If you buy online, have to buy in quantity. Outrageous price on Amazon. I got mine at Bass Pro Shops for $5 some time ago.

Cool, thanks for the info. Is that 2.5 inches from the outer edge of the hole or 2.5" diameter total? The picture doesn't give me a sense of scale.

I just use the bar only as do most of us. Run the kayak upside down and you will have no issues. No padding needed. The top of the hull is the most rigid and you will not have a problem.

Even upside down, the padding helps grip the kayak and prevent it from sliding. Heavy boats like Hobies are difficult to load upside down, especially solo, plus they have flat bottoms so you can cartop them upright with padding.

Andrew, you're probably looking for Monster pool noodles (2-1/2 in. width by approx 5 ft lenth). I've seen them at Big 5 Sporting Goods store (didn't see the price). Might find them in any Ace Hardware store. If you buy online, have to buy in quantity. Outrageous price on Amazon. I got mine at Bass Pro Shops for $5 some time ago.

Cool, thanks for the info. Is that 2.5 inches from the outer edge of the hole or 2.5" diameter total? The picture doesn't give me a sense of scale.

Outside edge to outside edge. If you can't find any, I have a couple for you for the same price I paid...if you ever get down to Fremont. I'll be at Albion, but that's 3 months away.

I load my 85lb kayak right side up then roll it over on the racks. Been doing it that way for years with every kayak I own. Does not slip when tied down either.

I flip my kayak directly onto my Yakima cross bars as well. I would think you would be having to replace the pool noodles everyother time you load your kayak. The noodles arn't that durable. Try checking out surf board pads. My brother had to use them on his factory rack to get a little more clearance. If you do go with pool noodles, I got some last year at the dollar store for a dollar each.

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Depending on the boat I run it different ways (bare bars, pool noodles, or rack pads). Here is the link to the rack pads I use.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/122/36-in-Roof-Rack-Pads-Pair.html

Foam rollers last longer than pool noodles - they don't compress as much.
The Golds Gym ones have 2 parts, an inner core and outer tube. Cut it in half lengthwise and you get 4 pads out of it. I use zip ties to hold them onto the bars.

I agree with Rob - upside down on the rack is best. No risk of warpage and way more secure on the rack.