[Dodge]

As promised to salticrak in 'loaders, how ezy?' here are pics in sequence of loading with my side bar

It comprises a galvinised extending tent pole, 2 pieces of hollowed noodle, and to cover the opening on the top of the Rhino rack, a length of alum bar 40mm x 5mm attached with zip ties, which also hold noodle in place.

The prototype that I used for months was only Telstra PVC pipe bound on the old gal pipe bars with duct tape and never failed

The pole is inserted into the bar and extended about 80cms, the noodle is then slipped over the extension..it can be used either side, which is handy when 2 yaks are on top.

to view fully use scroll bars on first 4 images from the 2006 original post

There is only about 20mm downwards deflection on the end at any point of the loading.

When traveling the pole is closed up and the noodles are slipped over it, and it is thrown into the vehicle...I don't travel with it in the bar

EDIT 9.11.12
Since doing the original post, the noodle on the roof rack has been replaced with white rubber used on skids on boat trailers purchased at Whitworths Marine.

Also after putting a DIY rudder on the Swing it is now loaded the opposite round so the rudder does not have to be crunched on the ground . The loader bar is inserted into the rear roof rack, and when loading the stern of the kayak lifted up first followed by the bow, and on unloading the bow lowers first

 

[PeterJ]

Nice work

 

[hairymick]

Geez, I like that one Richo- good job mate

 

[troppo]

Good system. I am thinking of doing the same. Currently, I simply lift my yak up over my head, one hand under the middle and one holding the edge for balance. Then I slip it ont the carrier. However, quite a lift on to top of 4by and has to be perfectly balanced. With the whole kayak held above my head, it is prone to wind movement. Fast putting it up, but keep me off the yak for a few weeks and I think my arm muscles won't be up to it.

 

[JT]

Nice work Dodge. I have learnt that mine at 28 kilos or so is much more about balancing and pivoting it off the back of the car than just using brute strength to get it up there.

I have a question for you. Does the yak in the photo have a rudder on the back i.e. is the weight of the yak when half down resting on the rudder bracket? The reason I ask is that when I bring my Outback fish down it does rest on the rudder bracket for 20 seconds or so. Never done any damage but was wondering what your experience is (if infact there is a rudder back there)?

JT

 

[Dodge]

The reason I ask is that when I bring my Outback fish down it does rest on the rudder bracket for 20 seconds or so. Never done any damage but was wondering what your experience is (if infact there is a rudder back there)?

Neither of my yaks have a rudder, and if they had I would have put the loader bar in the rear rack, so at no point was there weight on the rudder onto the ground only the bow

So rudder end would load first, or unload last , and still travel right way round on the road when loaded

Don't think I like the idea of rudder resting, just in case