2011 xc70 roof systems

[lavolvogal]

I am back in a xc70 after being in the xc90's for a while and have now taken up kayaking- I need to get cross rails and a compatible kayak system that will hold 2 kayaks. Does anyone have any recommendations? The volvo rails are actually cheaper than the yakima whispbars but i don't know it they will fit the malone or yakima kayak J-style rack attachments. Volvo has them too but I have no experience in these things. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[budrichard]

I use Yakimas on my XC70's. I have three sets going back to the 1987 740 GLE.
Yakima simply builds the best equipment and has innovative solutions to carry sea kayaks or anything. I carry two sea kayaks on my 2003 XC70 with both 'Hully Rollers' and Mako carriers.
I wouldn't use anything else.
For two sea kayaks. j-cradles are probably easiest. I use 'Hullies' because often I am by myself.-Dick

[OKCXC70]

I have Thule cross bars and the J-style saddles for our kayaks. These kayaks are the recreational kind that are a bit wider at the beam than open ocean type kayaks and longer than white water kayaks. Our longest kayak is 14' long. We have also used longer bars and our older Thule kayak saddles that are lower profile. We haven't had any problems with the J-style but last time out it was pretty windy and we got pushed around on the highway on the way back. There are pros and cons for both styles of kayak saddle and both Yakima and Thule make great products. Thule also makes a cross bar extension that comes out from the front cross bar to prop up the front of the kayak as you raise the rear into the saddle which helps tremendously if you are loading up solo. I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and often loaded up at my apartment by myself and at 5'2" I was roof top challenged. That extension was a life saver. So glad I can get to the roof of the XC70 much easier!
I would just peruse both the Yakima and Thule websites and see what grabs you. A local kayak shop may offer a better price on roof racks or you might try a bike shop. They will at least have items you can see in person. REI coop and Rack Attack are good as well.

[OKCXC70]

OH! I forgot, Thule makes the Volvo branded cross bars, etc. So when comparing prices, keep that in mind!

[budrichard]

Yakima also makes a rear extension system now for solo car topping but I have got used to using a rubber rear mat to put on the rear of the vehicle and slide the kayak on. My kayaks are 18' wide ocean going sea kayaks we use on Lake Michigan but i also have a whitewater boat and canoes. Yakima provides a well engineered solution to just about any problem.
My last Yakima rack was purchased in 2003 and it and its holders are still going strong after all these years of use.-Dick

[Low Tide]

Be sure to check out the Thule Hullavator. They are not cheap, but simply the easiest racking system out there. Thule also makes a J saddle that folds down when not in use. Because the roof is a bit narrower on the current generation XC, those with wider boats will have to use a J type option on at least one unless you add wide bars. I've used just about all the rack systems out there, so happy to help.

[XCovlov70]

Yakima also makes a rear extension system now for solo car topping but I have got used to using a rubber rear mat to put on the rear of the vehicle and slide the kayak on. My kayaks are 18' wide ocean going sea kayaks we use on Lake Michigan but i also have a whitewater boat and canoes. Yakima provides a well engineered solution to just about any problem.
My last Yakima rack was purchased in 2003 and it and its holders are still going strong after all these years of use.-Dick

Hi Dick,

Are your ocean going Kayaks really 18 FEET wide or was that a slip of the fingers?

Reason for asking is that I just got an ocean going, fishing, double seat kayak but at 34 Inches wide it would appear to be a bit narower than yours.

[budrichard]

18' long, wide hull.
Current Designs High Volume or currently named the 'Titan' I believe.
Kayaks are like clothes, they need to be sized to fit. Not all kayaks fit all individuals.
The HV is roomy and the deck is also slightly higher making for a very comfortable seating arrangement. I also have an inflatable lumbar support made for kayaks installed. I've never found a more comfortable cockpit.-Dick

[XCovlov70]

18' long, wide hull.
Current Designs High Volume or currently named the 'Titan' I believe.
Kayaks are like clothes, they need to be sized to fit. Not all kayaks fit all individuals.
The HV is roomy and the deck is also slightly higher making for a very comfortable seating arrangement. I also have an inflatable lumbar support made for kayaks installed. I've never found a more comfortable cockpit.-Dick

Thanks for the clarification, I might have looked out for you 'paddling across the Pond' with an 18 Foot wide Kayak!

We just got one called a 'U-Boat', very comfortable!

[budrichard]

I live near and mostly paddle on Lake Michigan now. When I first started about 15 years ago, I thought I would be paddling from Milwaukee to Chicago, no problems.
Turns out that when the Lake looks somewhat calm it is actually about a one foot chop, no problem, but when it looks a little choppy, its one to two foot waves which is OK for a couple of hours but even with a rudder for crossing seas, its a good workout both physically and balance wise. At 2-3 foot and more, its a real battle out there and usually cold so a GoreTex dry suit is in order. Now mostly in that weather the kayak stays home with me so I don't think I'm paddling across the 'Pond' anytime soon!-Dick