Two Hobies on Roof Rack

Greetings,

For the past few years, my son and I have been fishing off our Hobie Outfitter tandem.  He is now old enough now that he doesn't want to be pushed around by his old man and is ready for his own yak.  Therefore, we are thinking about selling our tandem and get two Hobie singles.

I have been searching for roof rack carrier systems that can take on two Hobies.  My main concerns are the weight rating of the carrier and compatibility with load assist systems as we are not big people.

We have a 2011 CRV.  Existing crossbar is stock so it will have to be upgraded also to take on the additional weights.

We would love to hear folks' experiences in rigging up two Hobies on a SUV.  Thanks in advance.

I know you are asking about a rod rack.

My solution behind a Subaru was a small trailer.

I'll second the trailer if you have room to store it. I got a Malone about a year ago and I'm never going back to putting 2 big kayaks on the roof of my CRV. It is just so much easier and faster to load and unload. They make one with a retractable tongue that makes it easier to store. It is so light I can easily detach it and put it in a parking spot if the location does not have trailer spots or a turnaround.

JP52, thanks for the info.  While the trailer option is certainly attractive from the loading/unloading perspective, storage is a challenge in my case.  However, the retractable tongue sure sounds intriguing.  Will this be the one:

https://maloneautoracks.com/1-Trailer-1-Spare-Tire-Kit-2-Set-of-Bunk-Style-Carriers.html#tab_details

Thanks.

I carry a Revo and an AI on my factory Toyota Sienna rack with two pairs of Malone Gull Wings. I wouldn’t do it if your kayaks are too heavy.


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JP52, thanks for the info.  While the trailer option is certainly attractive from the loading/unloading perspective, storage is a challenge in my case.  However, the retractable tongue sure sounds intriguing.  Will this be the one:

https://maloneautoracks.com/1-Trailer-1-Spare-Tire-Kit-2-Set-of-Bunk-Style-Carriers.html#tab_details

Thanks.

I have one with load bars like this:
https://maloneautoracks.com/MicroSport-TM-XT-w-Alum-Wheels-Fenders-and-Retr.-Tongue.html
You can stand it up after you retract the tongue if you want to push it against a wall. It has rubber bumpers on the back that serve as feet when tilted up.

I put in a box in that acts like a trunk that is very handy to put in the drives, seats and wet stuff. I don't think you could do that with the bunks so that is something to consider. If you are interested I can take a picture so show what I mean.

I have an older version with bars that are only 64" wide. I put one kayak upside down and the other in a J rack (I like this one https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D9J4LQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
because it is wider and fits an Outback nicely. I put a firm piece of foam on the bottom as a cushion to spread the force out a bit.) The new trailers have 78" bars so you could fit 2 Outbacks upside down, but that makes it harder to fit in a garage if you are pressed for space. Shorter bars may be an option and you could always cut some off.

LingKiller,
I just noticed your in Walnut Creek. If you ever want to check out my trailer or even try it out before you buy one, let me know.
John

JP52, thank you so much for the offer.  I will definitely keep that in mind while I continue to research for car topping option (before going "nuclear", i.e., for the trailer).

I guess the real questions is, which Hobies are you thinking about picking up?  Two Revo13's are doable. Two Outbacks might be more of a concern. One Revo and One Outback, could fit.  Once you decide on the kayaks, you can look for solutions for transport.  Aftermarket bars are probably a better bet than the OEM racks since you can purchase bars to match the width you need.

I use a Yakima Boat Loader bar to raise my kayak(s) when I'm solo. I believe Thule and Rhino Racks have something similar. You can also combine carriers to make things fit. I've used Yakima Mako saddles for my Perception Tribe tandem (when I had it), and then tucked my Outfitter next to/under it, upside down, naked on the crossbar, with an overlap of maybe 2 or 3 inches. Or you can stack the kayaks on top of each other. Or you can get Thule Hullavators for both sides... lotsa options.