How to Load 2 Hobie Kayaks on Roof Racks

Unless you live by a lake or the ocean, you're going to have to transport your hobie kayak by car or truck. No problem, since there are transport rack systems that fit pretty much every vehicle. Just be careful when you load that kayak, especially more than one, onto your truck, because you don't want to damage the kayaks before you get the beauties into the water.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the right car rack system attached to your car. There are many kinds of rack systems, foam saddles, rollers, stackers and J cradles. Depending on your vehicle, you need to make sure your rack system is accessible or not too high to lift the kayak onto and whether it can transport one or two kayaks.

2. Lift the first kayak onto your car. This is best done by two people, one lifting the bow and the other the stern. Simply position on the rack or saddle where you plan to tie it down. Tie down the first kayak before lifting the second onto the car so you can reach the inside straps easier. A few saddle systems come with rollers or a slick fabric attached to the rear bar that allows you to just roll the kayak across the bar and load from the back by one person.

3. Secure each kayak with at least two straps going across the body. Each kayak should have their own straps. Do not secure them with the same straps or they will bump against each other and cause damage. Nylon straps with self-locking buckles are easy to use. You can cinch them down tight with a good grip for the kayak. Just be sure not to go too tight and crack the hull.

4. Load the second kayak on top of the vehicle so that they are side by side and tie it down. The saddles or stackers will keep the kayaks from scraping together.

5. Tie the bow and the stern of each kayak to a secure part of your vehicle, usually to the bumper. This will avoid having the kayaks blown off of your car while you're driving.