Official Kayaking/Canoeing Thread

Ma'am. But I don't really give a shit about that. I live due west of June Lk and spend nearly every summer weekend in the eastern Sierra.

 

Wow I'm an idiot, sorry! I didn't even pay attention to the Gender part of your info hahaha. That's so awesome that you live up there! Beautiful country!

 

I'm just looking to by a kayak (looking at a Tarpon 140) and having gotten stalled at buying a rack to carry the thing with. What are the pros and cons of getting a Thule roof rack vs a bed rack?
Looking at the bed rack, with a 14' kayak, it looks like I'd be overhanging the tailgate by a good 4'6".
Anyway, I thought I'd ask the professionals instead of just buying the first thing I find and regretting it later.

 

Mad River Explorer - 15' Royalex.

I fly-fish remote ponds with my GSP. He's got great canoe manners as we duck hunt as well.

 

We recently picked up a Jackson Kilroy DT. We were going to get two boats, but the wife really liked the tandem, so here it is.



The seats are already in the truck.

It is a 14' boat, and gets carried on the roof.



I can still tow the teardrop with the kayak on the roof - plenty of clearance.

I am about to swap out the shell for a higher one. It will make loading/unloading the boat a little more difficult, but give more room between the bow and the roof of the truck.

 

That's precisely why I selected the Leer 180 mid-rise.

 

Yes. And, I have a sleeping platform in the bed, and would really like some more head room!

 

Even better...twice the benefit!

 

I just went thru this dilemma! Heck, I'm still in it...
Tarpon 160.
Used to carry it on my tundra. Yakima Outdoorsman with Hully Rollers and a single Yakima bar with Mak Sadfles on the cab.
Sold Tundra... Now in 16 Taco...
I have carried it solely on the factory cross bars... But I wasn't going far or fast.
Just added a bed rack. I'm trying to piece and part together a fitting for the Hully Rollers on the bed rack.

 

I am not an expert but I imagine the roof rack keeps the bed available for other gear. Downside it would be harder to load/unload.

 

My yak is 13.5' and I have had zero problems using a standard $75 hitch extender from Amazon. It takes 30 seconds to install with a single hitch pin and supports a yak perfectly. I've taken it on multi-hour drives many times. The only reason I would ever consider a roof rack would be if I had a topper. I only have to lift the yak 3 feet to load it.

 

That's what I use but I got mine for $40

 

Yeah, I'd suggest the Thule roof racks. Keeps the bed free and clear for gear and a tonneau cover.



Though for local kayak fishing trips, I often slide my 13.5' Hobie Revo into the bed. But I have the LB. Wouldnt have enough weight inside with a SB.

 

Great shots, prisma addict! Such a rad app, and sick truck!!!! Dude my kayak was stolen 2 weeks ago in Encino. Total bummer, but looking at a Necky Looksha 17 plastic. Found one in big bear last weekend. Lets go paddle!

 

Kayaks all loaded up and ready to go.

 

Where do you have those bow lines attached. Any worries of the straps contacting the paint while going down the road?

 

I bolted a strap under the hood. The lines would for sure rub if I went to front of the truck so I found this idea online. The only place it rubs paint is on edge of hood and that can be remedied with some clear tap.

 

Thanks, been trying to figure out how I was going to do just that. I plan on both anchor points, bring together for one canoe up top.

 

You can buy these things from somewhere, my GF has them on her car. I just made them by melting a hole through the strap and 2 fender washers to sandwich them together. When not hauling boats you can just tuck the straps under the hood.