If you love kayaking, you know that getting your kayak to the water is half the adventure. A good roof rack makes transporting your kayak safe and convenient. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming which is why I am often asked for my opinion on how to buy a roof rack for a kayak. So I decided to put my 25yrs of kayak fishing experience to work. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of roof racks for kayaks to help you make an informed decision.
What are the core parts to a Roof Rack System?
Crossbar – Is the bar that runs across the roof and holds your gear securely off the roof. There are three main types. A rounded flat track that is wide but has a low profile. These are designed to be strong, universal and aerodynamic. Each manufacture has a fancy name for their version but they all fall in the high-end aerodynamic category. The second is Heavy Duty. These can be just simple over-sided square stock or rather involved railes with special tracks and mounts. These are a good option if you have a wide vehicle and plan on transporting heavy pedal or fishing kayaks. Last are just the plane bars. Most are square bar, but some have round. In my experience the square par has always performed better for me. You can get them in extra long lengths and finding a matching foot is real easy.
Foot – or Tower is the part that holds the crossbar up and off the roof. It is the main vertical support and a key part to how well your rack performs. You want to make sure your Foot is tall enough to support whatever gear mounts you want to use. Many of them have bolts or thumb screws that tighten from below. You want to make sure you have enough room to get under there and perform any roadside emergency adjustments. So just make sure you know how much room you will need under your crossbar and don’t forget to calculate for the arch in your vehicles roof (this go me once).
Fit Kit – These are the parts that hold the Foot to the roof of your vehicle. The kit you need will depend on the roof type of you vehicle and the foot you want to use. This is the hardest part to figure out while out there on google. There are hundreds of combinations all made by dozens of manufacturers. Some are compatible with each others some are not. However, you can make it easy. Purchase everything from one brand. Go online and pick out the crossbars and gear components you want. Make sure the bars are long enough for your vehicle than email or call the manufacturer with your roof information and ask them your Foot and Kit Options. This will insure you get all the right parts the very first time. Ideally, you do it in writing, that way if you do get the wrong parts you can ask that they eat shipping and restocking fees due to their error.
Now lets talk about Gear Mounts……
What are the Main Types of Roof Rack Gear Mounts for Kayaks?
1. J-Cradle Roof Racks (J-Bars)
Description: J-cradle racks or J-Bars, are shaped like the letter “J” and hold the kayak on its side. This design allows for more space on your roof, making it possible to carry multiple kayaks or other gear. Not all J-Bars are equal. Some are low and fat, some are tall and skinny, some are adjustable, and some even fold down. Which ones you choose are going to be based on your kayak and where you park your vehicle because an SUV with J-Bars is an accident waiting to happen.
- Pros:
- Efficient use of roof space
- Secure and stable
- Easier to load and unload due to the angled position
- Cons:
- Requires lifting the kayak higher
- Slightly more expensive than basic racks
Best For: Paddlers who frequently transport their kayaks and need to carry multiple kayaks or additional gear.
Check out my product suggestions here: 6 Ways to Safely Transport a Kayak on your rooftop
2. Saddle Roof Racks
Description: Saddle racks use two or more padded supports that cradle the kayak from the bottom. These racks provide a secure and snug fit.
Pros:
- Excellent stability and support
- Ideal for longer trips
- Easy to load, especially with a second person
Cons:
- Takes up more roof space
- Typically requires more straps and tie-downs
Best For: Long-distance travel and rough roads where maximum stability is essential.
Check out my product suggestions here: 6 Ways to Safely Transport a Kayak on your rooftop
3. Stacker Roof Racks
Description: Stacker racks are designed to hold multiple kayaks on their sides, stacked against each other. These are great for group trips.
Pros:
- Can hold multiple kayaks
- Space-efficient
- Generally less expensive
Cons:
- Can be difficult to load if you’re alone
- Less stability compared to saddles and J-cradles
Best For: Group paddlers or families who need to transport several kayaks at once.
Check out my product suggestions here: 6 Ways to Safely Transport a Kayak on your rooftop
4. Foam Block Roof Racks
Description: Foam blocks are a simple and affordable option. These blocks sit on top of your vehicle’s roof and the kayak rests directly on them.
- Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to install and remove
- Portable and lightweight
- Cons:
- Less secure than other options
- Can damage the vehicle’s roof over time
Best For: Occasional use and short distances. Ideal for paddlers on a budget.
Check out my product suggestions here: 6 Ways to Safely Transport a Kayak on your rooftop
How to buy an Aftermarket Roof Rack
Vehicles with Factory Roof Racks
Some vehicles come with factory-installed roof racks, which can either have crossbars or just side rails. Here’s how you can make the most of these setups:
- Factory Crossbars: If your vehicle comes with crossbars, you’re in luck. Most kayak roof racks can easily attach to these crossbars. Ensure that the crossbars are sturdy enough to handle the weight of your kayak. Personally, I do not like the arc and terminated ends of a factory rack. It is hard to get the gear mounts on so they don’t look wonky and there are no crossbars overhanging the roof to help hold your kayak in place while loading it alone.
- Side Rails Only: Vehicles with only side rails will require you to purchase and install crossbars. Brands like Thule and Yakima offer a variety of crossbars that can fit most side rails. Once installed, you can then attach your preferred kayak roof rack.
Vehicles Without Factory Roof Racks
If your vehicle doesn’t come with any roof racks, don’t worry! You can still equip your vehicle for kayak transport. Here’s how:
- Install Roof Rails and Crossbars: You can purchase aftermarket roof rails and crossbars that fit your vehicle’s make and model. Installation is usually straightforward, and these provide a sturdy base for your kayak roof rack.
- Use Foam Blocks: For an economical and temporary solution, foam blocks can be placed directly on your vehicle’s roof. The kayak rests on these blocks and is secured with straps. This method is less secure but works for short distances and occasional use.
- Magnetic Roof Racks: Some magnetic roof racks are available for vehicles without roof rails. These racks use strong magnets to hold the kayak in place. They are easy to install and remove but may not be suitable for high-speed travel or longer distances.
Adding Roof Racks to a Vehicle Without Factory Roof Racks
- Measure Your Roof: Ensure that the roof rails and crossbars you purchase are compatible with your vehicle’s dimensions.
- Purchase a Compatible System: Choose roof rails and crossbars that fit your vehicle’s make and model. Popular brands like Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack offer a wide range of options.
- Install the Roof Rails: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the roof rails. This usually involves attaching the rails to the existing mounting points on your vehicle’s roof.
- Attach the Crossbars: Once the roof rails are securely installed, attach the crossbars. Make sure they are evenly spaced and tightened properly.
- Mount Your Kayak Rack: With the crossbars in place, you can now mount your kayak roof rack (J-cradle, saddle, stacker, etc.) and secure your kayak.
Attaching Roof Racks to Vehicles Without Factory Roof Racks
There are several ways to attach roof racks to vehicles that don’t have factory roof racks. Here’s a closer look at the different attachment methods:
1. Clip-On Roof Racks
Description: Clip-on roof racks attach to the door frame of your vehicle. They use specially designed clips that fit into the space where the door meets the roof.
Pros:
- No drilling required
- Easy to install and remove
- Versatile and can fit many vehicle models
Cons:
- May leave marks on the door frame
- Not as secure as other methods
Installation Steps:
- Select the appropriate clip-on roof rack system for your vehicle.
- Place the clips on the door frame and secure them.
- Attach the crossbars to the clips and tighten.
2. Track System Roof Racks
Description: Track systems involve installing a track along the roof of your vehicle. The crossbars then slide into these tracks, providing a very secure fit.
Pros:
- Highly secure and stable
- Allows for easy adjustment of crossbar placement
- Can support heavier loads
Cons:
- Requires drilling into the roof
- Permanent modification to the vehicle
Installation Steps:
- Measure and mark the placement of the tracks on your roof.
- Drill holes and secure the tracks with screws.
- Slide the crossbars into the tracks and tighten.
3. Bare Roof Mounts
Description: Bare roof mounts, or “naked roof” systems, are designed for vehicles without any factory-installed rails or tracks. They use clamps that attach directly to the roof.
Pros:
- No drilling required
- Suitable for a wide range of vehicles
- Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- May not be as secure as track systems
- Can leave marks on the roof
Installation Steps:
- Select a bare roof mount system compatible with your vehicle.
- Position the clamps on the roof and tighten them securely.
- Attach the crossbars to the clamps and ensure they are tight.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roof rack for your kayak can make your adventures more enjoyable and hassle-free. Whether you’re a solo paddler or part of a kayaking group, there’s a roof rack that fits your needs. Take the time to evaluate your options and invest in a rack that will keep your kayak secure and your mind at ease. Additionally, understanding how to rig your vehicle, whether it comes with factory roof racks or not, will ensure a safe and smooth transportation experience. Have fun!
For more tips and information on kayaking and fishing, visit Fishing 4 Rookies.
References
- REI Co-op. “How to Choose a Kayak Roof Rack.” REI Expert Advice, REI.
- Kayak Angler Magazine. “Top Kayak Roof Racks for 2023.” Kayak Angler Magazine.
These authoritative sources provide additional insights and recommendations on the best roof racks for kayaks.
