DIY Kayak Rack

[hulk311]

Anyone here built their own or have any diagrams that show how to build them? Most of the prices I've seen for them are $80-$120+ or more which sounds like a ripoff, plus I will be needing two of them.

 

[sbbamafan]

I haul two of them fairly often. In fact I just unloaded them before reading this. Had I have read first I would have taken a picture. Anyway, I dont use a rack...I just put one strap toward the front and one toward the back and attach to the crossbars. Ratchet it snug and ready to go. This is great for long and short distances. This weekend I will be using this method to take them to Florida (BEACH) for spring break.

 

[jeober]

I have two 12.5' recreational kayaks. I use Yakima low rider towers with two 60" (I believe) round cross bars. I used aluminum bars rather than the Yakima steel ones. On the cross bars I have located pipe clamps that route the straps so that each kayaks is secure separately at two places. With the kayak upside down one of the cross bars fits into a natural groove in the kayak just behind the cockpit to keep it locked in fore and aft.

 

[TheBlueWave]

I got some yakima racks that I HATE! They slide around unless you tie up the kayak to the racks to hold it in place. Also is a helluva reach to load it up there. I will be exploring other options.