| Author |
Message |
    
Jack Herman
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 04:20 pm: | 
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What are some of the best options for mounting a kayak to the roof of the Disco II. The kayak is 14ft in length. Preferably the most economical and safest way to transport. Pictures of different racks. Suggestions? |
Nick B
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 09:08 pm: |
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I work for the Eastern Mountain Sports and we sell and rent a good amount of kayaks in the summer. There are a few ways to attach the kayak. Assuming it is poly/rotomolded kayak and not fiberglass or kevlar in which case you should by a bonafide rack system. I am guessing you have some sort of factory rack on the disco.. u can just put the kayak on top and lash it to the bars themselves and run a bow and stern line. The easiest way to accomplish this is using some sort of cam stap (available from thule or yakima). The other way if u have no rack on the truck it to use foam blocks. the block act as a cradle for the boat.They prevent the car from scratching the boat, the distribute some of the weight across the roof, etc.) u then run staps through the inside of the car and over the top... attaching a bow and stern line. as we tell customers these methods are only meant for short term carrying. anything substansial (i.e at highway speeds or for hours on end) we recommend a racking system. I have seen pleny of boats come of ppls car so be aware. also if u are in the market for a kayak rack system from thule or yakima stay away from the roller type systems. the rollers make it easy to put in your car but often time will dent the side of the boat, especially if its hot out.This intern changes the way it handles etc. if its a plastic boat it isnt too much of a concern as u can just reheat the plastic and punch the dent out... sorry for the long post. below are some links showing what the foam block system is like
http://www.ems.com/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=368017&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=137311&bmUID=1022028475324, Foam Blocks |
Neal Glessner (Nealg)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 09:19 pm: |
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I transport a Kayak on my D1. You can use the standard rails for your roof rack. Just cover them with foam tubes. Get some inexpensive tie-down straps from Home Depot and tie a line from the front bumper to the boat and your ready to go.
I agree with Nick. On an extended trip you should use something more substantial. I have a Yakama system for that.
http://www.discoweb.org/nealglessner/dog.jpg |
Nick B
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 09:34 pm: |
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nice boat... what kind is it |
Neal Glessner (Nealg)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 09:43 pm: |
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Not sure what kind it is. It was my fist boat and it was given to me. It was very old. I hit a rock and it broke up and sank. I had to walk back to camp. |
Greg French
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 08:10 am: |
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I have a roof rack on mine. I know it is a lot more expensive than a Thule or Yakima system, but it pays off in the end if you like to do a lot of outdoorsey-type stuff.
I travel all over the East Coast for kayak competitions, and wanted the most secure place to hold my boats. If I do it right, I can comfortably hold 4 kayaks, paddles, and all of the gear up there for myself and others who travel with me, as well as tents, sleeping bags, food, etc.
Believe me...it is nice to have it up there instead of inside when it is all wet and starting to smell on the way home.
Check out the pics on the photo gallery.
Greg French |
Jeremy Katka (Jkatka)
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 12:13 pm: |
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I think that it really matters what kind of kayak you are going to carry. If you are going to put a river, white water or surf kayak up there Gregg's setup looks pretty good + there is extra room for gear. If you are going to be hauling a sea/expedition kayak that is not made out of plastic you may want to invest in a good rack that has the kayak mounts built for it ( don't be cheap you werent with your kayak ;) I have been looking for the same solution. You have to keep in mind that the kayak is going to cause alot of drag and you do not want to cause any undo stress on the carbon-fiber or fiberglass or kevlar materials and seams.
JK |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 07:10 pm: |
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Jeremy has it right. I use a Thule rack for my touring kayak (15'). I found getting the outrigger for the Tule very useful in getting the boat up there. |
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