[TheHolyCannoli]

Anybody have experience solo-loading and transporting a heavy kayak with the 4runner? What equipment and rack system are you using?

I'm looking to buy the Hobie Outback for fishing, but it's somewhat of a beast at 85lb. Right now I just have the factory rails and no crossbars, so I have a clean slate to work with. Seems like I would need some sort of loading-assist gadget to be able to slide the kayak up and over the spoiler and antenna fin. Also, it doesn't look like all crossbars will clear that antenna fin. I have lots of questions, but if I can just visualize a few working setups I should be able to get a better idea of where to start.

[NVSteve]

You could try something like the Thule Outrigger, assuming they still make it. It's a bar extension that pulls out from the Thule bars so that you can then prop one end of the kayak on, then lift the other side up onto the rack. 85 lbs is a bit much though. I have 2x 17' kayaks I deal with all the time, but they are only 40-ish lbs each. The other option is something like the Thule Hullavator, but I don't know the weigth limit off the top of my head. Expensive, but they do work in that you only have to get your kayak halfway up the vehicle. I tried them out, but didn't like the free play once it locked into place-didn't feel secure to me.

I currently have the Yakima Sweetroll installed. Depending on how far back you can install your crossbar, this may be a good option. When I load by myself, I throw a towel over the reach hatch when putting the kayak in place. Still a pain though-it isn't so much the weight as it is the length and awkwardness of everything. You could also add in the ShowBoat 66 to make life much easier.

Best of luck!

[FishNerd]

I had a Hobie Pro Angler 12 which was extremely heavy and for getting it on the roof I used a Yakima Showboat, best thing ever for loading!

Cheers!

[TheHolyCannoli]

Originally Posted by FishNerd

I had a Hobie Pro Angler 12 which was extremely heavy and for getting it on the roof I used a Yakima Showboat, best thing ever for loading!

Cheers!

That was the option I was leaning towards as it seemed like the simplest design. Did you have a rear spoiler on your 4runner?

What crossbars and saddle mounts were you using? Almost all the mounts are rated for "up to 80lbs". The Outback is 85lb and I know the Pro Angler is about 110lb. I'm guessing if you got away with the 110lb load, 5lbs over for me shouldn't be an issue.

[keyser_soze]

I have a Hobie Odyssey (14' tandem) that is about 95lbs fully rigged.

I have the 2010-2013 OEM Trail roof rack with LFD crossbars.

I use 3 cam straps to secure the Kayak and have never had any movement. I like 3 instead of 2 just in case one fails. I also use a 3/8s cable line to lock the Kayak to the roof to prevent theft, and from flying off the roof in an accident. I feel this is secure enough to not use bow and stern lines.

I typically load it with my girlfriend and it is very easy. But I have loaded it myself a few times and it is doable. It is easier if you have a wheel cart in the rear scupper holes.

1. Place the kayak on the ground perpendicular to the 4Runner.
2. Lift the front end up and place it over the side of the roof rack
3. Reposition yourself at the rear of the Kayak and carefully lift and move the kayak forward to get the weight mostly centered on the truck
4. Turn the Kayak parallel with the truck
5. Stand on the rear wheel, hold the roof rack with one hand and reposition the Kayak exactly how you want it
6. Use 3 cam straps to secure the kayak to the roof rack
7. Use cable line through scupper hole to lock kayak to the roof rack