[M33DLO]

Hey guys..
I'm looking to upgrade to a solid kayak from an inflatable but I've some questions about loading it onto the roof, solo.
I have Thule cross bars that I use for the bikes so I'm set up in that respect but it's the actual loading on/off that worries me somewhat.

The kayak will be a 2 seater so 4mtrs and around 30k.

I've seen the sucker attachments that stick to the rear window, allowing you to roll the kayak onto the roof bars..
Do these clear the F31 rear boot spolier? Are they any good?.

Anotehr option is the bar that extends a cross bar sidewards allowing you to leaver the kayak one end at a time..

Has anyone got any advice?

[erickonphoenix]

I had the Thule kayak cradles. I found the best solution was to make sure the rear bar was as far back as possible, place the cradle on the passenger side, then load from the rear and push it forward.

hope that helps

[M33DLO]

And that clears the rear spolier on the F31, excellent if thats the case.. ?
Is the angle too steep?
What's stopping the kayak rolling off the side of the car when loading, just your strength and balance?

[IrnBrulad]

Have a look at the malone auto loader. I’ve got a set but they were more use on my previous Tiguan - the F31 is an easier lift

[M33DLO]

Yes I see the 'auto loader' type devices that have bars that angle down the side of the car. But they're $$$..

I'm after something simpler and cheaper but works.. Or is that a unicorn device that doesnt exist.
I see the rollers that sucker to the rear screen are not rated for a 30-40kg double kayak. Boohoo.

Should I just get down the gym and bulk up.?

[erickonphoenix]

Originally Posted by M33DLO

And that clears the rear spolier on the F31, excellent if thats the case.. ?
Is the angle too steep?
What's stopping the kayak rolling off the side of the car when loading, just your strength and balance?

The kayak saddles hold the sides of the kayak in place so it can't tip off easily.

One of the nice things about having a wagon vs an SUV is the roof loading height for kayaks, canoes and bicycles is not bad for an individual. So I never had problems loading mine on the wagon. However, my Wrangler was another story. When I used that vehicle I had Hully rollers on the back roof rack so I could push it up and it would roll into the saddles.

[flashollie]

I regularly carry 4 white water kayaks on the roof. I use 2 uprights and mount boats on their sides with 2 cam straps per 2 boats this is fine and have driven to Norway like this.
The cam straps are good and the slightly deform the plastic of the boats and this is what secures them.
I assume you're getting a sit on top. j bars are most secure if carrying one s o t. Other options are straight uprights and mount on side, then least favourite is to lay it flat to the roof bars. This might give boot accesses issues.
I can't follow why you think it will fall off before secured with straps?

A s o t is much more rigid hull so may not work so well like it does in white water boats hence J bars.

[M33DLO]

Not a sit on top.. A sit in.
2 person, fairly heavy and long. 35kg+ and 4mtr.
That's my concern, lifting onto the roof bars on my own as my 9yr old daughter won't be able to help.
The sucker rollers that attach to the rear screen seem like a good solution but I cannot confirm if they clear the rear spoiler, they're also not rated for over 30kg so dont want to risk it.

I might consider 2x single person kayaks and snatch lifting them onto the roof. It's no worse than me loading bikes onto the roof, as I do often..
But the thought of a much heavier and longer 2 sperson kayak is worrying me somewhat.

I think 2x single kayaks is soundling a better option, she's a confident paddler and can paddle on her own, the independence from her dad might be a good thing too.

[flashollie]

so you mean 2 man open canoe? Made of Royax or fibreglass?
in which case open sections down to flat bars. Cam straps and secure to your towing eyes.
If you mean 2 man kayak that's goinging to be polypropylene somthats flexible like a white water baot somyouncsn do cockpits down and cam straps. The combing of the cockpit should locate to the side edge of the roof bars to reduce sliding back.
The deformation of plastic by the cam straps beyond the widest point ofnthe boat it's what's really gripping the boats.

[M33DLO]

It's not the securing that's my problem, once it's up there..
It's the mechanics of lifting a 30kg+ 4mtr+ kayak on my own. I'll be paddling with our 9yr old daughter who'll be no help with lifting.

Something like the Perception Prodigy II Tandem was on my radar.

[flashollie]

I see.
Youve proably got three options then.
1, man up.
2, get your daughter or someone else to help, youll often be in places with other paddlers
3, £700 buys you https://www.thule.com/en-gb/winter-a...r-pro-_-898000
Never used one Ive always lifted boats.

[fuzzybunny]

One of my previous cars was not a BMW but had two cross roof rails, I put a piece of drain pipe over the rear rail which acted as a roller which enabled me to push up a Laser sailing dinghy on my own onto the rack. Worked quite well.

[M33DLO]

^^ Ooo I like that idea!
I've come round to 2 small single person kayaks now, rather than a single 2 person 4mtr+ 35kg+.
That will solve my issues as snatch lifting them onto the rails will be no worse than my bikes.