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LAVERA STEWART
Editor-in-Chief of the Gym Expert
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The Safest Mount Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 Series Kayak Carrier
Best Quality AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack for Kayak Carrier
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack
YAKIMA JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
OxGord Kayak Roof Rack for Car
The Safest Mount
Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 Series Kayak Carrier
Best Quality
AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack for Kayak Carrier
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack
YAKIMA JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
OxGord Kayak Roof Rack for Car
Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak
Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier
JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Carrier
Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak
Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier
JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Carrier
Best Overall: Rhino-Rack Review
Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 Series Kayak Carrier
- Universal fitment - fits most popular brands of roof rack crossbars
- Front/rear pads engineered to fit a variety of hull shapes
- 180 degree rotation to allow loading from the side
- Large 2.95" x 7.87" contact surface area per cradle
- 5 Year Warranty
Ratchet Lashing Straps: AA-Racks Review
AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack for Kayak Carrier
- 【DOUBLE FOLDING】Each J-bar folds down to allow your car to fit in parking garages and not have to remove
- 【Rubber Pedal & Foam Protector】The foam padding and the rubber base cover are made of real rubber and foam. They are Anti-Slip, water and sun resistant
- 【How to Use】Attach Carrier to Vault Cargo roof rack rails for an easy kayak transportation solution
- 【Ratchet Lashing Straps】Heavy Duty Securing Ratchet Straps tight on your kayak, Canoe, 16 Ft long (4 Pack), 2200 Lbs Tested, easy and safe for your transport.
- 【Please Check Measurements Before Purchase】2 Sets Universal Kayak Canoe Car Top Carrier Racks. The crossbars shown in the pictures are not included.
Bow and Stern Lines: Malone Review
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack
- J-style kayak carrier with built-in boarding ramp for easy loading
- Fold down technology increases overhead clearance. Compatible with the MPG351 Telos Load Assist
- Oversized padding protects boat during transport
- JAWZ mounting hardware fits round, square and most factory oval cross rails, includes both 60mm and 70mm pre-coated mounting bolts;Cam style load straps with buckle protectors
- Dimensions:Length: 17",Width: 6",Height: 19.5",Load capacity: 75 lb
2 Boat Capacity: YAKIMA Review
YAKIMA JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
- CARRY UP TO 2 KAYAKS: Fits 1 kayak in J-cradle position (up to 80 lbs.) or 2 kayaks in a vertical, stacked position (up to 110 lbs. combined)
- FITS MOST CROSSBARS: Compatible with Yakima SteamLine and round, square, factory and aerodynamic crossbars; Minimum crossbar spread of 24"
- INCLUDES STRAPS: Includes all the necessary hardware and straps (Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow/Stern Tie-Downs) to secure your gear; SKS (Same Key System) locks sold separately
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Integrated cam lever allows you to adjust the upright position with ease; Rack also folds flat when you're not using it for better clearance and reduced drag
- EASY INSTALL: Comes fully assembled out of the box; Tool-free installation in about 10 minutes; Refer to Yakima Fit My Car Tool to ensure compatibility
Universal Crossbars: OxGord Review
OxGord Kayak Roof Rack for Car
- DIMENSIONS: 20"L x 5.5"W x 16"H inches
- UNIVERSAL FIT: Our kayak carrier will fit most automobiles that have a roof rack including round, square, oval, and flat crossbars - Best for transporting your kayaks, canoes, surfboard, paddleboard, and all similar sized aquatic vehicles - Our kayak carrier for roof rack will only fit vehicles WITH roof rack bars
- DURABLE DESIGN: Constructed from sturdy steel to hold heavier boats - Water-resistant so it will prevent rusting and hold up against rain, snow, and other elements - Even though the J-Bar mount is made from steel, it’s lightweight which makes it easy to install and remove
- 2 PACK: Dual mounts safely hold one (1) kayak - Features two (2) padded J-Bar cradles, tightening knobs, carrier straps, and bow-stern straps to safely mount to your automobiles roof rack - All necessary hardware is included and NO TOOLS ARE REQUIRED.
- GUARANTEE: Includes a one (1) year limited warranty.
Corrosion-free Composite: Malone J-Pro Review
Sale
Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak
- E-coated, corrosion-resistant steel construction holds up to years of abuse
- Universal JAWZ mounting hardware fits round, square, and factory oval cross rails
- Set comes with bow and stern safety tie-downs, two 12-foot cam buckle straps, and both 60mm and 70mm pre-coated mounting bolts
- Includes limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty
Easy Use & Fitment: Rhino Review
Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier
- Rhino-Rack Folding J Style Kayak & Canoe Carrier, Universal Mounting to most Roof Racks with easy installation. Suitable for all vehicles.
- Fully assembled read for easy installation; fits to most roof rack cross bars.
- Easy side loading & includes a cradle for carrying paddles.
- Includes 2 cradles, hardware, rubber tube padding & tie down straps.
- 2 Kayak/Canoe's can be carried with S512X extension (purchased separately).
Compact Design: Thule XT Review
Thule XT Kayak Rack
- Versatile rooftop rack that holds 1-2 kayaks
- Dual position design transforms from a J-cradle to a two boat stacker
- Integrated StrapCatch helps to easily manage straps while loading kayak
- Easily folds flat when not in use
- Fully assembled out of the box
Highly Recommend: JDM Auto Lights Review
Sale
JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Carrier
- KAYAK CAR TOP CARRIER A simple, low-cost solution to carrying your kayak ITEM#: KAYAK-RK-J(2SET) CONDITION: BRAND NEW QUANTITY: 2 PAIRS
- This Kayak Carrier designed mounts to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market. The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar. As shown in the pictures we put the Kayak Rack on the Ladder Rack Bar.(sold separatly). A maximum of 4 sets of kayak racks can be mounted on a full size truck. Save your space.
- Features: Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide and 75lbs Will fit most factory or aftermarket round,square,oval and flat crossbars
- PLEASE CHECK MEASUREMENTS BEFORE PURCHASE.~The crossbars shown in the pictures are not included. Authentic TMS products contain vacuum sealed installation hardware. Booster produc shipped in labeled boxes with item description (as shown in picture).ts are
Optimally Sized Carrier: Thule Review
Thule Stacker Kayak Rack
- Fold-down steel design with non-scratch outer coating
- Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal amd
- Carries up to 4 recreational kayaks but includes all straps to transport 1 kayak
- Accommodates kayaks up to 36 in/90 cm wide and to weight capacity of 75 lbs/35 kg
- Requires Thule rack systems crossbars, round bars, or factory racks - see Buyer's Guide
When you’re choosing the best kayak roof rack, you have to take into consideration two main parameters: the car, on which you will do transporting and the kayak you already have.
Let’s look at these parameters in more detail:
How to Choose the Best Kayak Roof Rack?
Car Roof
There are models of vehicles that are not made for transporting something on the roof. On the other hand, some car models have special rails at the top. So, the very first thing you need to do is to explore the roof of your car, to check if it has rails. If not, then you have 2 choices: foam pads or instant rails. But the former is not secure enough, so we would recommend installing rails – this is a better option, and you can be sure that nothing will crash to the ground.
Kayak Type
Overall there are 7 types of kayaks, divided into 2 categories: Flat and Whitewater.
And it’s important to mention that various types of boats have different peculiarities for their transportation. For example, there are narrow models or wider variants. So, the rack you are going to purchase should fit your kayak. Nowadays it’s even possible to choose the best kayak roof rack that was designed for a specific model of the boat.
Frequency of Trips
You should consider how often you go kayaking. If you do it frequently, then it’s best to choose a variant of the rack, which won’t require a lot of effort for loading the boat. Nowadays you can even buy a top or side loading system. The latest model is easier for packing the boat. But still, both variants are good, so you need to pick the alternative that works.
Extra
When you’re looking for the best kayak roof rack, you should pay attention to extra features. If this brand offers additional safety features – go for it. Moreover, pay attention to adjustability, quality of the materials, and the durability of the construction. Also, make sure that the roof rack must not damage and scratch neither your boat nor car.
Brand
Choose the models offered by famous manufacturers as they almost always offer a warranty and provide the best quality of the product. Besides, branded ones usually have more kayak roof rack reviews from customers, so you can check them out to help you determine the best model to choose.
Best Kayak Roof Rack Types
You can across three main types of the best kayak roof racks: Saddles, J-Cradles, and Stackers. Plus there are special temporary pads, for people, who need temporary racks.
Now, let’s consider all these types in more detail:
Saddles
Saddle racks allow to place the boat horizontally. In this case, the bigger part of the kayak is supported and the construction itself looks very stable and safe. Special pads take control of the safety and protect from damages. Even if it’s windy outside and you’re driving at high speed, the boat will remain in the initial position. Moreover, thanks to the use of aerodynamics of the boat, such racks help to save costs on fuel.
J-Cradles
With the name referring to their J-form design, J-cradles are very popular among kayakers. Such racks are used for the side boat loading. But keep in mind that this kayak roof rack won’t fit for narrow car roofs if you need to transport more than two kayaks. In addition, J-style racks allow you to take some gear with you – it can be securely placed on the roof.
Stackers
Stacker is a variant for people, who need to transport more than one boat. The kayaks are placed in a vertical position, and with the help of the straps, are connected to the rack for better security. This type of the best kayak roof rack will fit small-sized boats. When talking about advantages, the main pros of the stacker is its affordable price and easy installation.
Temporary Pads
If your vehicle is not equipped with racks from the factory, you may purchase temporary pads to transport your kayak. They will work well even on the naked roof. These models are easy to install, though the straps for a secure kayak fixing will be placed inside the car. However, these are not the best choice if you’re going high-speed driving.
FAQ
Do You Need a Roof Rack for a Kayak?
A roof rack is a necessity for kayakers. These carriers provide fast, easy, and safe transportation of boats without spending extra time on their loading and unloading. The hull of the latest models of boats is a bit fragile, so it is better to immediately take care of a kayak roof rack.
How Many Kayaks Can Be on a Roof Rack?
If you have excellent roof rail, it will be possible to transport two boats without any problems. But if you need to take more boats with you on a trip, be ready to make some improvements. For example, you can rent a trailer, purchase a special side mounting system, or invent some other solution, and even five kayaks may be transported by one vehicle.
For a company trip, it would be better to rent a special boat trailer, which has more space and opportunities for transportation.
Keep in mind that the number of boats you can carry on your car depends on the width of the roof of your vehicle. A standard roof easily allows attaching 2 boats. A narrow roof is limited to only one if you don’t have a pair of j-cradle sets.
How Do You Secure a Kayak Without a Roof Rack?
While it’s possible to transport a boat even without the best kayak roof rack, there is a high chance to scratch the vehicle. To avoid this, you need to:
- Place three pool noodles on a roof and trim them up to the necessary size.
Take a ratchet strap and run it into each noodle.
- Secure the straps.
- Put a kayak on.
- Secure it with a strap underneath the vehicle.
But if this seems to be very tricky, purchasing the roof rack is an easier and faster option.
What Is the Best Way to Transport a Kayak?
Careful transportation of kayaks is very important. It will help to extend the life of the boat and minimize the problems associated with its repair. After all, you can’t always notice the damage received during transportation; not before the kayak is launched into the water. Having a high-quality kayak roof rack will save you from the occurrence of such cases, eliminate the need for regular removal of scratches, chips, will save money, and postpone the necessity to buy a new boat. It can be said that acquiring it is necessary if the owner of the boat is going to use the boat on the water at a decent distance from home.
The Best Kayak Roof Rack – Final Advice
So as you see, there’s plenty of roof racks, but is there any that stands out? As a matter of fact, yes.
We at gym-expert.com have looked at a lot of models, to search for the best kayak roof rack 2021. And after some information collection, we’ve decided that the model that deserves this title is Thule Hullavator Pro. This kayak roof rack for sale allows you to transport your boat in a safe manner with proper security. It doesn’t require special skills for mounting, as everything is pretty simple. This best kayak roof rack is equipped with special felt-lined saddles, to make the process of loading a lot easier. Plus the paint on the roof of your car won’t be damaged, thanks to special car-protective bumpers. So, if your kayak weighs less than 75 lb and is 36-inch wide, the best kayak roof rack by Thule is a perfect option to consider.