[Peril]

Salti, the principle is pretty simple. You want an extension of your front roof rack so you can rest the kayak against the side of the car and the extension bar, then lift the rear and swing it around onto the rear rack. Conversely for unloading.

So you just need an extension that is secure, able to take the load (approx the weight of the yak), and is convenient to deploy and remove.

PeterJ made one that you will find by searching the forum.

I bought one that clamps onto the front rack using four bolts. It has a foam covered bar that sits alongside the roofrack when not deployed. It pivots inside the clamp to swing around 180 degrees, thereby providing the extension. A springloaded button on the bar near the pivot point and matching holes in the clamp secures the bar in either the rest or deployed position.

 

[Guest]

I am currently working on a load bar too as I have 4X4 , mine involves three large hose clamps and a piece of galv pipe and a hollow noodle, havent put it together I should have it done tomorrow my total cost is around $10 as I had the pipe. The clamps are going to be clipped onto the rear rack (so the rudder isnt damaged) and the pipe which is stored in the car slipped into the clamps and hopefully hey presto.

 

[jacktheyak]

I have found that the ideal way to transport my Outback is rudder first on the roof rack. That way there is no chance of it being damaged on the ground when loading.

I turn the yak upside down, pick up the stern, place it on the rear rack of my Suzuki wagon, pick up the bow and push the lot forward. Tie it down through the scupper holes and the Mirage drive mount hole and off you go.

Unloading, pull the lot back towards the rear, put the bow on the ground, grab the stern and put the lot on the ground. Turn it onto its side, insert the trolley and off you go.

Easy, of course, being 6'3" helps!!!

The rudder sometimes flips down (up) when you drive at highway speeds but a shock cord tie stops that.

 

[Dodge]

it is difficult to figure it out from the photos i have seen on how these systems actually work could someone talk me through this system as i have an old nissan patrol that sits pretty high off the ground

I'll be using my tent pole side loading bar up to Hiace roof on Sunday and will post some sequential pics if you want them salti

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi Salticrak, I made up a loader bar to lift my Hobie Outback up onto my rodeo ute. The difference it made to the loading up is incredible. I would highly recommend making the effort to make one. Mine is made out of a piece of gal pipe from an old hills hoist, about 4ft long. 2 `U' bolts clamp it to the back bar ( mine is timber, also home made ) and held tight with wing nuts, so no tools required. When I slide it out to use I just slide a bit of pool noodle, reamed out to fit snugly over pipe and thats it job done. Lift the back of hobie onto loader bar, and then just lift front up onto roof rack. Couldn`t be easier. Whole job took about 1.5 hrs. Steve.

 

[Dodge]

Salticrak

Have posted pics of my side loader as promised in my earlier reply.

See 'side loader with pics' in this section