In the past, kayaking could only be accommodated by a single person who could only sail in calm waters. Today, with different technological advancements, you will find different types of kayaks.
Kayak roof racks are useful kayaking tools that are also used by many kayakers worldwide. It’s available in various designs to select from. Here we will discuss how kayak roof racks work since you are interested to know their function. Who knows this might help you find the best kayak roof rack from so many options.
How do kayak roof racks work?
If you are a kayaking enthusiast, it’s a must that you have your car-top equipped with a kayak roof rack. Here’s why:
Lift with ease
After a long day in the water, you don’t want to lift up a heavy kayak right? So, load your boat easily on top of your car with the help of your kayak roof rack. You will no longer need an extra hand to do that.
No problem with sedans
It’s difficult or sometimes even impossible to load kayaks at the back of a sedan. With kayak roof racks, this task becomes easy-peasy. You won’t sulk as a sedan owner anymore.
Kayak in different locations
If you’re tired of kayaking in the same location repeatedly, with these roof racks you can explore and have a kayaking weekend at any new and exotic location near or far.
Carry a variety of watercrafts
Other than your kayak, you can easily transport other watercrafts like canoes and surfboards without wasting any extra money and time.
How different types of kayak roof racks work
Stackers
In stacker roof racks, about 50% of crossbar space can be saved per boat, ensuring optimum boat capacity. It’s coz stackers hold your kayaks in an upright position on their sides. Your kayak can be stacked against the post or against other kayaks. Typically, you can carry about 4 kayaks in your car. Stackers are secure and easy to install. At the same time, they are inexpensive. Apart from wide-tandem kayaks, they work well with any other type of kayak.
Rollers
Rollers let you easily load your kayak on your car top.
Cross bars
These are very strong bars that attach to the roof rails or any other type of mounting hardware on the roof of your car. You can even attach your kayak directly on to the crossbars.
Saddles
Saddle racks extend from the base rack to the bottom of the kayak. Basically, they are pads. They will either consist of two separate parts which adjust with the boat’s width or one whole cradle. When on top of the car, saddles provide large space for the kayak to sit on. This is its biggest advantage. For security purposes, saddle racks provide great safety if you travel through wild winds or heavy storms. Impressively it uses the aerodynamics of the kayak to curb wind resistance and noise.
J- style
J style cradles are designed to carry the kayak on its side. The method reduces the stress from the hull. The kayak’s side is much sturdier than the hull. If you need to maximize the space on your roof, then J cradle is the perfect choice. It lets you carry multiple kayaks or pieces of gear along with a kayak. Carrying the kayak like this essentially helps to halve the space required on the roof, making ample room for other toys.
What is the best roof rack for you?
To decide which is a suitable kayak rack choice for you, take these points into consideration:
What kind of a vehicle do I own?
check the car manufacturer’s website to be sure which rack is compatible with your vehicle. Compatibility depends on various factors like the year, model and make of your car, i.e. Whether it’s a sedan, van or a truck.
Does it interact well with my car components?
The rack you choose must fit your vehicle and should be well interactive with the other components. Factors like whether your car has a bare roof, has crossbars installed or not, does your SUV have roof rails are important to consider beforehand in this case.
How much am I going to carry?
Are you going to carry one kayak or two or more? How much weight are you trying to carry around? What are the dimensions of your kayak? Your choice has to surround all these questions before you purchase.
How far will I travel?
If you are planning a long distant journey like driving across the country, you will need the sturdiest rack systems. You never know what the weather has in for a surprise. Sturdy kayak racks with high strength and endurance are also an essential if you are a frequent kayaker.
Once you’ve set up the correct choice of kayak roof rack, hopefully your kayaking expeditions are going to be smoother than ever before!