big yak small car-- roofrak!?! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

bassmanben · 02-21-2014, 01:29 PM

I don't anymore since I have a subaru, but when I had my old 2 door pontiac coupe I used the soft racks. I wouldn't have any specific fear of putting racks on a small car, the concern would be more about wind/air resistance and handling of the car with a 70lb yak on top. Some days i used to drive over the top of the hill and the wind would be blowing 40+ and that kayak on top would shake the cr*p out of my car. So it really depends on what you're doing, where you're driving, etc.

NEEFFF · 02-21-2014, 03:39 PM

I transport my kayak w/ my 1994 civic hatchback, So you should be fine w/ a sedan!!

socalyaker556 · 02-21-2014, 03:57 PM

awesome thanks guys for the photos helped alot i jave no doubt in my mind ill be just fine lol cant wait to het on the water

MrPukaShell · 02-21-2014, 04:00 PM

I have a Stealth 14 that I slap on top on my 3 door Ford Focus. No issues at all and much better gas mileage than the V12 in the Van.

addicted2sp33d · 02-21-2014, 04:33 PM

This is our Tandem on my wife's Beetle... you will be fine.

incxalx · 02-21-2014, 04:52 PM

I also have a 4 door Honda civic09. I have Yakima roof racks with a loner boat loader. Its not the easiest especially by myself, but it does the job. My yak is also bigger than my car and it's 55 pounds.

CKallday71 · 02-21-2014, 06:01 PM

Big yak on a little car.... Big yak on a little car.... (Tomyboy reference)

alanw · 02-21-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addicted2sp33d

This is our Tandem on my wife's Beetle... you will be fine.

Did you actually drill a hole in the Beetle for an I-Bolt, and if so why didn't you put it in the middle? I mean, what's to keep the yak from twisting a few feet towards and past the tie-down should the roof straps loosen?

sasha · 02-21-2014, 06:32 PM

He didn't drill a hole its there for towing if the car stuck in the snow or mud... Most European cars have it.

addicted2sp33d · 02-21-2014, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanw

Did you actually drill a hole in the Beetle for an I-Bolt, and if so why didn't you put it in the middle? I mean, what's to keep the yak from twisting a few feet towards and past the tie-down should the roof straps loosen?

Yeah, the front bolt is a stock tow hook. That's why it's there.

If you look at the photos, you'll see yellow straps that run laterally. Those keep the kayak from sliding side to side.

The red straps at the front and the back are there to keep it from sliding forward and backward.

This rig is completely stable at 80mph.

dbrogdon5 · 02-21-2014, 08:09 PM

i carry my pro angler on top of my civic 4 door. yakima rack with Hully rollers and the saddle on the front

02-21-2014, 08:09 PM	#11
dbrogdon5 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Yucaipa Posts: 192	hobie PA i carry my pro angler on top of my civic 4 door. yakima rack with Hully rollers and the saddle on the front

02-21-2014, 01:29 PM	#1
bassmanben Junior Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 19	I don't anymore since I have a subaru, but when I had my old 2 door pontiac coupe I used the soft racks. I wouldn't have any specific fear of putting racks on a small car, the concern would be more about wind/air resistance and handling of the car with a 70lb yak on top. Some days i used to drive over the top of the hill and the wind would be blowing 40+ and that kayak on top would shake the cr*p out of my car. So it really depends on what you're doing, where you're driving, etc.

02-21-2014, 03:57 PM	#3
socalyaker556 Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: socal Posts: 67	awesome thanks guys for the photos helped alot i jave no doubt in my mind ill be just fine lol cant wait to het on the water

02-21-2014, 04:33 PM	#5
addicted2sp33d Here fishy fishy fishy... Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 774	This is our Tandem on my wife's Beetle... you will be fine.

02-21-2014, 04:52 PM	#6
incxalx Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 47	I also have a 4 door Honda civic09. I have Yakima roof racks with a loner boat loader. Its not the easiest especially by myself, but it does the job. My yak is also bigger than my car and it's 55 pounds.

02-21-2014, 06:32 PM	#9
sasha Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 275	He didn't drill a hole its there for towing if the car stuck in the snow or mud... Most European cars have it.