Overlanding with a Kayak

  • HTML tutorial

TX TRI

Rank 0

Contributor I

upload_2017-12-2_9-7-17.png

Here is an old picture of my 2007 JKU with the Body Armor Rack. I truly enjoy kayak fishing to the fullest. My wife hated the whistling of the rack going down the freeway.

Looking for a means to transport my two Wilderness Tarpon 14 & 16....rack or trailer on my new JKU?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Andrey Divgun

smlobx

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

2,336
Mid Atlantic
First Name
Eddie
Last Name
Fort
Member #

8949

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KO4CPL
Long time yaker here.
My wife and I really enjoy multi day trips. We have kayaked the entire length of the FL Keys in 2015 and last year we circumnavigated Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica. We were going tokayak in Nova Scotia in September but the weather was a little rougher than we liked!

Anyway, here's a pic with our kayak / exploration trailer..
 

Attachments

  • Like
Reactions: TX TRI and trfkcop

Willmh3

Rank V
Launch Member

Advocate III

1,594
Tennessee Colony, Texas
Member #

9159

So I recently got a Yakima Sweetroll to mount to the top of my stock FJ rack. This is the first time I have tried transporting my kayak on top of a roof as I have always had a truck and could just throw it in the bed. The question is, there seems to be a lot of room from the front mount (basically even with the side handle) to the front end of the kayak, does the matter or should I try to get the mount further forward some how? Will the narrow spacing of the mounts be a problem with the kayak possibly flexing with the wind and pulling the rack off the roof?JPuqhlOQRsGPe7UPCvxB7A.jpgZOVmFMlGTgO4A08xW14%hQ.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: OCD7785

OCD7785

Rank III
Launch Member

Contributor II

522
Goose Creek, SC
Member #

7785

So I recently got a Yakima Sweetroll to mount to the top of my stock FJ rack. This is the first time I have tried transporting my kayak on top of a roof as I have always had a truck and could just throw it in the bed. The question is, there seems to be a lot of room from the front mount (basically even with the side handle) to the front end of the kayak, does the matter or should I try to get the mount further forward some how? Will the narrow spacing of the mounts be a problem with the kayak possibly flexing with the wind and pulling the rack off the roof?View attachment 54695View attachment 54696
Not at all, but I would put some pool noodles on the front and rear cross bars for padding. Then strap it down so it won’t dent the yaks bottom. You could even flip it and transport it upside down.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Willmh3

Flipper

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

2,865
Florida
First Name
John
Last Name
F
Member #

5021

After retiring, and after finding I needed a stent, I needed to stay active, so Deb and I bought kayaks for exploring streams, still rivers, and lakes around here. I went with a touring model because I'm very comfortable getting away from shore. Deb has a smaller boat for easy maneuvering, 'cause she can't swim and not comfortable going out in anything but dead calm.





Jackson Journey 14 and Dagger Axis 10.5
Like your Subaru, love ours. We are considering getting kayaks, what model is your thule? Any suggestions and tips. Right now we have a 12’ Carolina Skiff w/ a 25hp Yamaha for exploring, need something for the shallower water, plus being in Fl. duh! Thanks!
 

Flipper

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

2,865
Florida
First Name
John
Last Name
F
Member #

5021

Finally bit the bullet and got a kayak!

Advanced Airframe Convertible DS series. Up to 6psi, drop stitch floor, the whole enchilada, but shrinks down to a nice small bag that goes on top of my James Baroud tent. Perfect for transit and city apartment living/storage.




Considering inflatables, any tips or suggestions while shopping? Thanks!
 

Steve

lost again...
Founder 500
Launch Member

Traveler III

4,312
Lorain County, OH, USA
First Name
Steve
Last Name
None
Member #

202

We are considering getting kayaks, what model is your thule? Any suggestions and tips.
I used the Thule 450 Crossroad 4-pack, and wrapped them around Subaru's OEM rails. If you have a post-2009 Outback, this might not work for you due to their horrible stow-a-way rack system. I used a variety of load bars, but the 50" worked fine for the two kayaks. https://amzn.to/2K6PYcB

I have the Thule Hull-A-Port Pro kayak racks https://amzn.to/2KcqH0D (It appears there's a newer version: https://amzn.to/2KanpLt) but if you only have one kayak, I'd suggest a flat loading kayak mount due to ease of loading.

Thule stuff is expensive, but very nice quality.
 

Flipper

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

2,865
Florida
First Name
John
Last Name
F
Member #

5021

I used the Thule 450 Crossroad 4-pack, and wrapped them around Subaru's OEM rails. If you have a post-2009 Outback, this might not work for you due to their horrible stow-a-way rack system. I used a variety of load bars, but the 50" worked fine for the two kayaks. https://amzn.to/2K6PYcB

I have the Thule Hull-A-Port Pro kayak racks https://amzn.to/2KcqH0D (It appears there's a newer version: https://amzn.to/2KanpLt) but if you only have one kayak, I'd suggest a flat loading kayak mount due to ease of loading.

Thule stuff is expensive, but very nice quality.
Thanks for the great info, one more question, what about wind noise and turbulence at highway speeds.