Kayak/Canoe Holder - will 2 fit side by side?

**PJ810** · 11-09-2010, 07:04 AM

P.S. In theory if I got an additional cross bar that would probably solve the problem. I think.

**budrichard** · 11-09-2010, 07:32 AM

When you get to that complicated of a setup, you have to "finger it out" as we say.
Probably a supplier who has an assortment of parts and lengths.
For me to get two kayaks sxs, I need to mount one half of a set of holders outboard of the rails and when removing the racks, i must remove the set of holders. You can obtain longer rack rods from some manufacturers but you had best know how wide your vehicle can be where you reside. I only use fixed shaft paddles, so i always carry them in the vehicle but only carry two. I suspect your rack manufacturers will have some hardware for external carry.
I use Yakima which so far has had enough hardware so I can do whatever I want. I am on my third generation of Yakima racks at this time and see no reason to go to another manufacturer. Good luck!-Dick

**PJ810** · 11-09-2010, 04:31 PM

I woke up in the middle of the night with the solution!

My new double kayak doesn't have a bulkhead between the two cockpits. Once I fold the front backrest down, there's enough space to park as many paddles as I'd ever want. All I need to do is figure out a way so that they don't move around too much, but that won't be difficult. Cockpit covers can be fitted again and the paddles will be safe.

Off to Thule today to get some more J-cradles! I'll post a pic when I (successfully) test my setup. It's going to be very close but I reckon it is going to work. Afterall, everything ALWAYS fits inside or on top of a Volvo!

**Art** · 11-09-2010, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by PJ810

Off to Thule today to get some more J-cradles! I'll post a pic when I (successfully) test my setup. It's going to be very close but I reckon it is going to work. Afterall, everything ALWAYS fits inside or on top of a Volvo!

Hey Patrick,

Just a thought. Have you considered a setup similar to what WW kayakers use? Kayak stackers are vertical and might take up less space than the J-cradles. You would only need one set.

A paddling friend in Japan uses one on his Toyota Crown wagon and it seems to work for him. He places padding along the load bars to hold his boats in place.

**PJ810** · 11-09-2010, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by Art

Hey Patrick,

Just a thought. Have you considered a setup similar to what WW kayakers use? Kayak stackers are vertical and might take up less space than the J-cradles. You would only need one set.

A paddling friend in Japan uses one on his Toyota Crown wagon and it seems to work for him. He places padding along the load bars to hold his boats in place.

Funny you mention it. When I got up in the middle of the night to have another look at the Thule website, they mentioned the stacker, but suggested it is appropriate for white water kayaks. I couldn't quite figure out how they work and if they are able to support sea kayaks adequately, or if I can easily load the kayaks by myself. I'll have a chat with the guy in the shop and see what happens. One other advantage of the J-cradles is that it opens up the possibility of taking one, two or three boats without superfluous equipment on the roof of the car.

**PJ810** · 11-09-2010, 10:35 PM

OK, another AU$423 spent (= about the same in US$) after a $25 discount.

The setup I have now fits *just*. As you can see in the second photo, the two boats connect by a matter of 1 or 2mm, although it's the plastic day hatch cover that touches the hull of the other boat. I tried various configurations including having the single on the inside, but the rudders were clashing. I also tried having one facing backwards. All in all, I'm pretty tired now putting them on and off the car by myself.

If the rubbing were to be a problem, another alternative is to have two folding cradles so that all the boats have their openings facing the same way. This would mean the far boat would have to bunnyhop across the folded down cradles if I did the loading myself. Anyway, as an observation, that setup would guarantee that three boats fit easily without touching each other.

Another thing to be aware of with this setup is that you need to get the position of the boats spot on as you load them. Because the rubber on the fixed J-cradles is very resistant and sliding them isn't an option. While working out how to load them, I was missing my hydroglide holder!

Anyway, here are the photos as promised:

**PJ810** · 11-09-2010, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by MartinK

...see this useful video regards car roof carrying...
http://www.phseakayaks.com/videos-loading

Don't watch that video if you just read my post about lifting kayaks onto the roof by myself!

Anyway, great video and pleased to hear that loading on the side is the way to go!

I also enjoyed the video on the Scorpio 170 you have.

**budrichard** · 11-10-2010, 08:56 AM

Video is good if you have two people or four hands.
For single person loading, the Yakima Hully Rollers are a dream. I remove one of my rear rubber mats and place on the rear of the top of the XC. From the back I simply raise the front of the kayak on the side of the vehicle until I can move it over and let it rest on the mat on the roof. I then grab in the middle and roll onto the Hully Rollers. Lock the rollers in place and strap and tie down and your good to go.
Simple, one person. least strain on the back.-Dick

**PJ810** · 11-11-2010, 12:30 AM

Well today I hit the 1.95m warning bar when entering the shopping centre carpark! I drove in carefully and took them off to avoid any risk.

I remember one stressful drive when I couldn't back out and had the kayak on the roof. Had to dodge all the overhead signs!

The fixed Thule J-cradles are very quick and easy to remove though.