Kayak advice

I have a Hobie Quest. Which I really like, but it's too heavy for me to load and unload. Are there any suggestions for lake and river kayaking?

Not sure if you are looking for ways to load/unload what you have or if you are looking for a lighter kayak. If you are looking at loading options it's hard to beat the Thule Hullavator. The Hullavator uses gas charged pistons to give you 20lbs of boost when car topping.

At 65lbs the Hobie Quest is already on the lighter side for sit on top kayaks. You could drop another 15-20 lbs if you can find a thermoformed plastic kayak that suits your needs. They would be great for lakes but I'm not sure they could take a lot of river abuse.

I have an Eddyline Caribbean 14' that weighs 50lbs, and along with the Hullavator it is a breeze to move around. Good Luck!!

Thank you! I wish I had a way to test out the Hullevator. Hard to shop with this virus stuff!

If you are close to San Jose you can swing by and check out mine.

They aren’t for sale but you can at least see how they work and if you bring your yak you can try loading and unloading on my vehicle.

Or just use my yaks for the demo

Thank you! I'll keep your name handy. I really appreciate the offer. Smooth waters to you! 

I’m out of the country right now but will be back in a couple days.

I have a pretty busy schedule but was planning on training my sons on how to use them this weekend.

Let me know

Hey, I had a Pescador Pilot -- that boat is short, wide, and heavy. The combination of those three characteristics made it impossible for me to car top it by my usual method of lifting.

I poked around on Youtube and found a pretty slick method:


If you're like me and don't like listening to youtubers talk, the action starts around 1:20.

I used this method for an entire season - it worked like a charm. Only cost me maybe 7 bucks for two 2x4s.

I have a Hobie Quest. Which I really like, but it's too heavy for me to load and unload. Are there any suggestions for lake and river kayaking?

What are you loading it on?  And how are you trying to load it?  What makes it difficult for you? 

As far as rivers and lakes, what part of California do you live in and how far are you willing to travel?

Hey, I had a Pescador Pilot -- that boat is short, wide, and heavy. The combination of those three characteristics made it impossible for me to car top it by my usual method of lifting.

I poked around on Youtube and found a pretty slick method:


If you're like me and don't like listening to youtubers talk, the action starts around 1:20.

I used this method for an entire season - it worked like a charm. Only cost me maybe 7 bucks for two 2x4s.

Old dog....

I was all set to be briliantly sarcastic re this video.  Redneck pickup truck with fishwrap and "expert" with a giant belly?  (I myself am guilty of 50% of those sins......)

But, this technique is actually kind of genius! Of course it doesn't account for saddles or other yak rack holder. Works great for his yak looks like a completely flat bottom.  I reckon a little fiddling you could get a yak onto some  cradles. this is something I am going to try for sure!

New tricks.

Bushy

I've got a CRV with yak saddles... (worst possible choice, I guess, but that's what I've got). I'm sure there's a way, but lifting the Hobie above my head is not an easy task as it weighs more than half of my weight.   

I either have to figure this out or 1) give up the hopes of kayaking    or 2) get a servant to do it for me. 

I've got a CRV with yak saddles... (worst possible choice, I guess, but that's what I've got). I'm sure there's a way, but lifting the Hobie above my head is not an easy task as it weighs more than half of my weight.   

I either have to figure this out or 1) give up the hopes of kayaking    or 2) get a servant to do it for me. 

This dilemma would cause you to give up kayak hope?  You gotta figure this out, unless servants are part of your lifestyle...then you got it made..."You rang?"  "Yes Archibald, please have my kayak on top of my car by 0500, thank you"  "My pleasure good sir."

How about Thule Outrigger?  Rhino Rack and Yakima also have similar solution.

Eddie... I like the servant idea... My new post will be..  Looking for Archibald... LOL

Before the Hullavator I was using a Yakima Boat Loader:

 

However it wasn't compatible with my new car so I switched. My Boat loader, and Yakima rack have been in the classified section for awhile for $50.00 with no response so I would let it go for free if you are interested. You would need mounting clips specific to your vehicle.

I haven't seen either, but Eddyline makes the Caribbean 109 at 40#s and Hurricane makes the Skimmer 106 at 39#s.