Last hurdle: Can I transport a PA14 on a Honda 2001 Civic?

Hi guys,

another post from me: Sorry.

All the other hurdles (cost, storage, launch, etc.) have been figured out. Now the only question left: can I transport the PA14 on the roof of my HOnda Civic 2001?

What would I need?

Thanks for the help!

BEst,
Seb.

Roof rack

I don't see why not.

Sure with a rack and some help loading it. Your fuel mileage will suck too.
 
I have a 14' Jackson and an 01 civic.

I carry mine on top of a Suzuki Samurai.  I bet it's smaller than your Honda.  However, to get it up there, I use a T-loader. 

Here's a youtube video of someone loading a PA14 onto their car using it.  Mine is slightly different, it goes straight into the receiver hitch instead of onto the ball like this video.  I got it off Amazon;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VORRHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They have both types; ball mount and receiver hitch mount

You can wrestle it up there, but honestly, I would get a small trailer for it. Trying to load a PA on a car after fishing all day is a task. I pull mine with a harbor freight trailer that any car should be able to pull with no problems.

I carry mine on top of a Suzuki Samurai.  I bet it's smaller than your Honda.  However, to get it up there, I use a T-loader. 

Here's a youtube video of someone loading a PA14 onto their car using it.  Mine is slightly different, it goes straight into the receiver hitch instead of onto the ball like this video.  I got it off Amazon;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VORRHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They have both types; ball mount and receiver hitch mount

Thank you for your encouraging response!

So what would be the individual items that I would need?

1. a roof rack (any recommendations on options that can carry the weight of the PA14?)
2. ?
3. ?


Thanks for your help!

Thank you for your encouraging response!

So what would be the individual items that I would need?

1. a roof rack (any recommendations on options that can carry the weight of the PA14?)
2. ?
3. ?


Thanks for your help!


[/quote]


A Thule rack for your civic will get the job done. The Thule rack will provide a secure fit to your vehicle, and the square bars prevent any saddles (if you decide to go that route...definitely recommend it) from rotating during the loading process.  If you go with round bars and add saddles you will have this problem. 

Either Yakima or Thule roof racks will do the job. My friend carries 2 kayaks on top of his Corolla all the time. They're approximately 80# each. So a 120# kayak shouldn't be a problem. It all comes down to how would you be able to cartop it. Are you able to carry that kayak over your head and onto your rack by yourself?

Yakima had these racks/bars that extends out. That way it works is you lift one side (either front or back) and rest it on one rack and the other end follows. Then you can push the whole kayak towards the middle of your roof. I'm not really sure if they still make them. It's all about technique. Please don't hurt yourself. Remember, the kayak feels heavier after a day of fishing/paddling/peddling.

I would also add;
take everything out of the kayak before roof-topping the PA14.  I even remove the seat.  I have two plastic bins that everything fits in and when I unload at the ramp, I take out the stuff I need for that day only. 

A trailer is nice, I like mine, but it does limit the top speed on the highway whereas I am not limited when carry on the roof. 

I use the square bars and add 'wings' so that the kayak can't accidentally slide to a side.  use ratchet straps side-to-side and for extra security, one from the bow to the front bumper and one from the stern to the rear bumper.  I do not flip the kayak upside down when car-topping.  I think it might trap wind like a sail and cause more strain than put it up there right side up. 

It's also easy to attach the wheels to the kayak as you lower it too. 

Sometimes my straps oscillate in the wind since they are flat straps.  try and put the ratchet mechanism in a spot that doesn't twist in the breeze.  I have a sun roof and it's easy to just look up and keep an eye on how things are going.  First few trips, I was nervous but after a few times, I'm very confident that the kayak isn't going to move even the slightest amount no mater what speed, winds, road conditions I encounter. 

I would also add;
take everything out of the kayak before roof-topping the PA14.  I even remove the seat.  I have two plastic bins that everything fits in and when I unload at the ramp, I take out the stuff I need for that day only. 

A trailer is nice, I like mine, but it does limit the top speed on the highway whereas I am not limited when carry on the roof. 

I use the square bars and add 'wings' so that the kayak can't accidentally slide to a side.  use ratchet straps side-to-side and for extra security, one from the bow to the front bumper and one from the stern to the rear bumper.  I do not flip the kayak upside down when car-topping.  I think it might trap wind like a sail and cause more strain than put it up there right side up. 

It's also easy to attach the wheels to the kayak as you lower it too. 

Sometimes my straps oscillate in the wind since they are flat straps.  try and put the ratchet mechanism in a spot that doesn't twist in the breeze.  I have a sun roof and it's easy to just look up and keep an eye on how things are going.  First few trips, I was nervous but after a few times, I'm very confident that the kayak isn't going to move even the slightest amount no mater what speed, winds, road conditions I encounter.

On a car as small as a civic there won't be much distance from bar to bar going front to back so the ends of the yak will be a ways out from their respective tie down points, makes it especially important to have secure bow and stern tie downs as mentioned above.