Pelican kayaks/transporting roof systems?

Question

I recently purchased a 14ft. pelican pursuit tandem kayak. I am looking for advise on purchasing a transport roof system. I have a 2005 Jeep Laredo with a roof rack. I have seen different choices and am looking for any input from people that have used any of the choices out there. Especially for ease of putting up and taking down with safety of being the utmost importance. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The most common rack my buddies use is the Thule rack.  It has towers (for stacking lots of boats, our record is six boats on one car), rollers for big boats (for ease of rolling a big boat on and off), and custom saddles for the delicate expensive boats.  You can also buy custom parts for cargo shells and bicycle transport.  The system is extremely versatile, and very common, so you can get parts for it anywhere.  REI carries it, and there's plenty of parts on Ebay and Craig's list.

Try this link:

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/default....

If you already have a rack, just use that though.  It works just fine.  Just throw a couple of towels on the rack so you don't squash your boat when you since it down, and ALWAYS run a bow line (from front of kayak to front bumper of car) if your not 100% confident of your rack load.

Happy boating.

Answer 2

For me the foam pad,s work best they are lower and easy-er to reach. I can lay my boat on the back of my truck and put down a couple of braided rug,s and slid it right in place. Follow the direction,s that come with the car top kit. If you can afford it then Thule is a good way to go.