Do i absolutely have to have a fancy roof rack system in order to transport a kayak?

Question

I'm looking into get a kayak, well my boyfriend and I are. We're students and I've seen what kind of an expense its going to be just to get a rack on our car (and we've still got the cost of the kayaks and accessories themselves!)....my question to you is....is it ABSOLUTELY necessary? Is there some way of using chords or other things to do the job? For the most part we will not be travelling long distances with them....we have a lake about 5-10 mins away...but we would like to take them with us to the cottage (its about 3 hours away) once or twice....

What do you think?

Answer 1

I'd strongly suggest in getting basic roof racks. A kayak is a pretty heavy object and you need to strap it down  to prevent it shifting when encountering strong wind gusts (e.g. passing an oncoming truck). At 50 mph the aerodynamic load on the kayak is not trivial. You do not want it to become airborne.

Answer 2

You can do it with cords and tie downs, but run the risk of scratching the paint on the vehicle. I guess maybe invest in some Rubbermaid Floor Mats and bungee cord. That should do the trick. On the other hand.... roof racks look really cool...unless you drive a Mercury Topaz.

Answer 3

I only read the title, not the question....

Just throw a couple blankets over the roof, and pin down the kayak with a bunch of bungees. Keeps it from sliding and doesn't scratch your car, plus you already own blankets, no need to buy a $40+ rack. You can even use like a makeshift workout pad (the foam ones people use for situps and stuff).

Answer 4

No I use ladder bars, very good, never had a problem

Answer 5

all you need is regular roof racks and some bungee cords just make sure is well secured.  Paddles and other stuff can go in back seat

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

You could use soft racks.  They're padded straps that go over your roof and through your doors.  They're great if you're only carrying one kayak.  If you have two, they might be a little heavy to rest on your roof without the better and more expensive hard racks.