Easy one person method to load kayak on SUV without scratching
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2015
- SUVs have a high profile, and some kayaks are pretty dang heavy. My fishing buddy, Dick, came up with this straightforward way to load his kayak on top of his SUV by himself. All you need is a rubberized rug remnant. My buddy is using a Malone rack - amzn.to/2AHbQLo
More ways to transport kayaks: • Kayak Transport Hacks ...
Steve's CatchGuide series of fishing books available on Amazon:
Wade and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River for Smallmouth Bass - amzn.to/1FwhvjG
Maryland Trout Fishing - amzn.to/1L0fAEb
Wade Fishing the North Branch of the Potomac - amzn.to/1ViIzK7
Liability Disclaimer and Warning:
In short, you accept all risk of using any ideas presented in this video.
Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak. You are solely responsible to determine if the ideas expressed are appropriate for your boat and we disclaim any responsibility for your actions and decisions. Nothing in this video creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantees a result. You are responsible for the safe operation of tools and any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of those tools or from the information contained in this video is 100% your responsibility. We shall not be held liable in any way or manner for errors, misleading or incorrect information. If you find an error, please notify us right away using the contact form for the channel.
It goes without saying that fishing is dangerous as a result of the fast water, slick rocks and other hazards that occur at random, unexpected places. You need to exercise caution, particularly in the spring when the water is high or during rapid changes in tide, before you fish anywhere. You should always wear a life vest when fishing. In addition, a wading staff will help you keep your balance as you walk on the shoreline or wade.
The bottom line is that you must make your own judgment in terms of acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on the opinions expressed here. The regulations governing legal access to fishing locations may change at any time and it is your responsibility to understand the law. Nothing expressed should be construed as encouraging you to trespass on private property or violate a regulation. - Sport
![How to Transport a Kayak: Solo Loading and Unloading [NO LOAD ASSIST]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/K90yRHQZFoM/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Transport a Kayak: Solo Loading and Unloading [NO LOAD ASSIST]](/img/tr.png)
Want to see other kayak transport hacks? Check out this playlist - czcams.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go_UzxGTdgVdgvx8hoZ3lV7N.html
Pretty cool! I transport on a jeep wrangler with hard top! Totaly works! Great tip!
Watched your video, went to the dollar store for a shower mat, and have been loading and unloading like this ever since. Thank you for sharing.
Glad I could help
This is by far, the simplest idea I have seen. So many contraptions out there.
Rug remnants are cheap!
Agreed. Love the simplicity. Hopefully it will prove effective for me too.
Agreed and can do from a narrow driveway. Another solution required wide access from the side. I have used a towel, but will upgrade to a rubber mat.
I do the same. Though I found a rubberized bottom front door mat with plastic fabric (like astro turf) is better with water and allows the boat to slide easier than fabric carpet. I also glued an additional layer of high density foam (small piece of yoga mat) for extra protection of the vehicle and I glued 3 magnets to the front so that it will stay put in the wind. Total budget was about $15.
Great tip! Thanks
I'm so glad I found this video a couple of years ago, and I'm finally getting around to thanking you!! It has been an absolute GAME CHANGER for me. As a solo kayaker, loading and unloading my kayak was always a source of stress - especially after a day on the lake when I was tired from paddling. There are usually super-nice and helpful people offering to help me, but if I can't do it by myself, then I shouldn't be out there by myself. No more deadlifting my yak! I've shared your awesome tip with countless other solo yakkers. Thanks again.
lol! Thanks for those kind words!
Finally, some practical advice that anyone can use without buying a bunch of crap, presented concisely. THANK YOU!!!
This is what I’m talking about. So many videos videos of lifting the kayak over your head. Not many are capable. This is simply yet brilliant. I was using a blanket. Thank you!
You bet!
I do the same sometimes, especially when loading my 22' tandem beast of a sea kayak. I just use the aftermarket rubber floor mats out of the SUV over the back of the vehicle, and one under the stern of the kayak on the ground. Thanks for showing how simple this can be.
Thank you so much Dick for your Fantastic Idea, I had two bathroom rubberized mats in my closet taking up space and after watching your video, we tried loading with the mats to help and it was so MUCH EASIER and it was a breeze. Thank you again for your kayak loading tip!
Thank you so much! I haven't been able to solo kayak because of this one and only issue! Thank you!
Probably the best tip I've watched. At my age I need all the help I can get.
Thanks so much.
As we get older, we need some help!
Just installed the kayak rack and looked for ideas on how to load and unload the kayak. There are so many "loading systems" out there. This is so simple. I tried it and it worked great. As long as my wife don't miss the welcome mat, I should be ok. LOL. Thanks
Just tell folks not to visit!
Thank you so much for this. I've seen so many other complicated and expensive methods, but this is by far the simplest and probably cheapest solution I've seen. I'm going to try using a golf mat with astro turf.
Anything with a rubber base will work.
You can use a bath mat. It is carpeted on top and grippy on the bottom.
This helped me a lot, I got hurt in a fall and it took 14 months before I was able to go out again. Thank you. I am able to enjoy the outdoors .
Glad it helped!
Great video! I’ve taught this method to many friends just starting out kayaking, and often use it myself (when I don’t want to bust out the foam strap-on racks).
Glad it was helpful!
Just purchased an suv after being in cars forever.
I'm looking into getting a kayak, and have been watching several videos on how to put one on the roof by yourself.
This looks so much easier than the side load technique, and requires much less space.
I picked up a 6 pack of the interlocking exercise mats from Walmart for about $10. I put two on the trunk of my car and one on the ground for the tail end. Worth every bit of $10 and I still have a whole spare set!
That is a great idea, thanks!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS HACK!!!! So easy and it works!!!! Thank you for this kayak hack!!!!
Glad you like it!
Thank you very much, I feel that this video needs way more likes and views.
Thanks... simple is always best
Bath mats seem to work great, thick soft top, very rubber bottom
Good Idea, I bought a trailer hitch and was going to have the kayak inside my SUV. It would have fit. I could have tied the door down but the back draft of air and exhaust flow would have made me stuck breathing it while I was driving around. Definitely going to get a roof rack.
What a great idea.. I just picked up a 2 person kayak.. I will try this next time I put it on the roof. thanks😎
Have fun!
Good demonstration, good idea, simple and easy!!! Good job!!
It works!
Thank you! I've been shopping for loading gadgets and found this video. Trying this first :)
It's quick!
Hey Hackster! I Love the idea...LOVE IT! May I suggest two "helpers"? OK. (Ouch! says the poor scuffed kayak...) 1) Place the kayak, lying flat, but skewed off, to the "lee" side of the bumper ("Push to breeze, Grasshopper - presenting gift. Breeze is smiling..."). Put a yoga mat ("sticky"), folded, x3, just touching the stern, where it meets the pavement. 2) put a microfiber cloth on each of the two sides of your kayak rack saddle (slippery). Walk the bow up, over your head. The stern will grab onto the yoga mat. Side-step, raising arms high, and the yak swings back , into squareness, and over the lip of the roof (with welcome mat). With a try, or two, you will decide how to guestimate the angle of the kayak, on the ground, such that your quick "lift and swing", lands the bow - just the right distance - overhanging the edge of the roof. Now rest the bow on the loader. Walk back to the stern and heave 'er up, and forward. The rack rollers "do their thing", BUT, when the kayak reaches the saddle(s), it slips over the cloths, like an omelet, over teflon! No wrestling, while standing on a step-stool! Once you like the kayak's placement, rock the kayak, to and fro, to get each cloth free. You do NOT want low-friction, at the contact points, as you drive down the highway! (You knew that, KHF, but each student is at his own place on the shining path...) "BONG-G-G-G!!" Now Go... ;-)
Great ideas. I pinned your comment to the top.
tried to load mine but kept sliding backward before I could get up top. Will try your idea
Nice...been using a towel but sometimes the wind catches it, changing to a rug tomorrow, Thanks!
Excellent, simple approach that works.
My fishing buddy figured this out - I just did the video :-)
I use a Hollywood bike rack I've had for 15 yrs plus that attaches to SUV into my trailer hitch. Ran a threaded rod through a small piece of plumming pipe covered by orange fun noodle, drop it into bike frame grooves, set the bow on the noodle and simply roll the yak up to the roof rack by pushing from stern. Great for short guys like me with the right bike rack.
That's a great idea!
I inherited a hard foam exercise step/block that I use two ways: 1) I put the nose of the kayak on it for protection (It has a hollowed out cavity on the underside) as I lift the rear onto the rug and the SUV and 2) I stand on the block to better reach the kayak to position it better onto my gullwing cradles and to tie it down.
If you can't find a suitable step, use a 2x2 foam pad like you see under exercise equipment. I use those all around the house and camper for my knees when working. I try to protect my kayak as much as possible, and my knees!
Thank you for that solution!
just gave me the idea to buy a bathroom carpet set at walmart for this , thanks !
very clever. i had been using a towel which of course slides out of place. why didnt i think of that! many thanks for post.
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Just a suggestion. I noticed you have a front strap on your kayak. You can put some rope on that front strap before the kayak is placed so it can make it easier to pull the kayak forward when adjusting the kayak on the roof of your SUV. Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!
Good idea! Thanks
This wont help for many of the SUVs that have plastic spoilers overhanging the rear window. They aren't designed to support the weight of some kayaks.
True
fantastic. so simple. just picked up a 30kg tandem kayak and this'll be perfect
Sounds great!
Great idea. The end I leave in the ground tends to slide though.
The first time you try this, do it on a grassy or soft surface. I used this technique but when I took the kayak off the roof, the front end slid to the side and crashed on the driveway pavement. There wasn't any serious damage but the bottom front got badly scraped before I had even put the kayak in the water.
Thanks for the vid. I did that exact thing last summer on my equinox and it works well but watch out for side gusts of wind when bringing the kayak up...I've had my kayak nearly fall off. (Mine is 49lbs) and one time, I forgot the mat on the back and luckily, looked in the mirror as it blew off on the hwy :b
Great tip! Thanks
yep my astro van is tall a.f. this will be so much fun
Not only saving snatching your vehicle but also denting which I did loading my 12' fishing kayak on my Subaru.
Yep. I did the same thing on my Subaru.
That works, either that or a cheap suction cup roller, i have seen others use PVC pipes as a load assist arm.
Good ideas!
I like to put my rear strap through the stern handle and secure it to my rear tie down point before I pivot the bow onto the car top. It is like having a second pair of hands to help keep the stern from sliding on flat ground or ground sloping away from my vehicle while the bow is in that precarious position supported by the roof and I walk around the kayak to lift the stern. I learned this lesson after my kayak bow slid off my car top and broke the taillight of my suv as it made its embarrassing drop at the launch!
Great point! Thanks
I've been using a shower mat with suctions cups for about 10 years
Genius
I used to do this with my Trailblazer, and it was very easy. Unfortunately I just switched to a Durango that has the radio antenna directly in the middle of the back of the vehicle, right above the back hatch. I really liked my $30 foam block solution.... but looks like I'm going to have to resort to shelling out $150 for a j-hook setup.
Ouch!
This is great. I used to use a towel and it slid all over the place. Now I have a sulution
Thanks for the tips, very helpful !!!
No problem!
good advice , im going to go buy my carpet tomorrow , thank you
Simple! Brilliant! Nuff said!
Add a length of rope from your hitch to the back of your yak with carabiners on it to keep it from slipping. If you don't have a hitch, a rope with a knot works well inside the hatch or trunk to keep it from sliding away when you lift/pivot
Great idea! Thanks
Yeah I wish i would have watched this video before I pulled my Kayak off my van I really scratched the shit out of it,Great Idea Thanks for posting this ...Just subscribed
good method, I'll try it the next time
Simple stuff is best.
BRILLIANT!
I bought a 2 inch thick folding exercise mat and it gives so much protection I think I don't even need a rack.
Nice idea made easier with HIS cradle rack rooftop system though.His cradle allows it to steer straight ahead.My kayak system is a bit more flat /gradual curvature and more prone to get pushed over or off of it on one side.Not a crashing good result for my rack system.I ll try to raise one side and angle it to perhaps allow for this same loading result for 1 person.My kayak weighs 74 lbs.
74 lbs is a lot. I hope you can make it work
0:39 that's the point my kayak goes sliding across the ground when I lift up to get onto thee camper shell on my F150.
Just saw @saltstrong use a rope tied to SUV and stern of kayak and a rubber pad to keep that from sliding.
Good idea
So simple! I'm going to get one but out it on the side of my truck since I have a cab back on it with a light bar that would get damaged if I tried to load it on from the back
If you have a truck, you could use a bed extender and load it in your bed.
@@KayakhacksFishing probably not unfortunately, my bed/tray is only five feet long and the kayak is something like 12 feet and I don't think those extenders are legal here in Australia.
It may be time for a small trailer 😅
Ouch.
Do you think I would be able to load two 10 foot kayaks on the Escape? I have 2010. I would want to use the j hooks from Yakima and load them sideways.
I can't really give you any advice on that. This was my friends vehicle.
There was a crab that was next to the kayak lol
An escapee! We were fishing with fiddler crabs that day :-)
unrealhit88 LOL good spot
I was thinking dock spider, LOL.
Right on man!
Yes this is easy I use a roller on the back window and have the same kayak roof mounts as in the video! Easy as pie
Nice!
This method worked great on my old land rover discovery 2 but bought a new toyota 4runner limited with a rear spoiler. How would you recommend doing that with a 10.5 ft kayak? I bought a roller but i think it will still scratch the paint possibly.
II am not familiar with that model. You may have to get one of those side load hoists.
Thanks a lot!!!!
Bad Ass trick!!!
Excellent!!!
Simple stuff works best!
Excellent advice.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm not sure how much my kayaks weigh (Cobra fish N Dive) & Hobie A.I. but I've been doing this on the side of my car for 10+ years with a rubberized mat & I don't have scratches but have many creases all over.
Perfect!
Good morning Mr. Steve,
Last year you help me set up the Anglr app and it was most helpful, navigating new lakes and getting back to the ramp safely but the other day I went to click on the app and it keeps sending me a code saying SSP error has occurred and an unsecured connection to the server cannot be made. I was wondering if you could help me with that issue is that I am getting ready to start fishing here in Illinois. Thank you in advance for all your help Keith.
it looks like the support link on Anglr.com is not working right now. I just opened my app and it is working. Maybe delete it on you phone and install it again?
Great idea but I have a plexiglass deflector on my Subau Forester so this method wont work unless you are loading one kayak from the side then turning it.
Yes, that would definitely crush it!
You need two pieces of carpet. One under the bow (to keep the concrete/asphalt from grinding into the bow) and one at the auto back rooftop.
Brilliant! Thanks!
You bet!
I will use that for reference.
Thank you!!
THAT, is using your head. I was always taught "lift it with your head" before touching a thing. I've always put them upside down, but I can see the advantage of this way with the rail riggings in place. Good video, thank you. PS have you seen the new straps they have that go under the hood and the back hatch? Cheap, useful and no more need to try to tie to the undercarriage of the car or SUV or truck.
Great tip!
Thanks!
So happy I have a girlfriend that feels the need to buy a new welcome mat every season for our INSIDE porch, so our old ones are always still near perfect I have plenty to use for this lol
Love this approach! :-) Has anybody tried it with a J rack?
Not that I know of
Oh for the love of...such a simple idea! I hate it when I don't think of it on my own. LOL Thanks! Now, if you figure out a way for a short person to load a kayak to a roof rack on a pick up by themselves--without being able to get in the already fully loaded truck bed.... (No, putting it in the bed of the truck is not an option all the time.)
That would be a challenge!!
Tell me about it! LOL
Brilliant 👍
Excellent hack.
What type of kayak rack do you have on top there? I need one of those. Please advise!
This is my fishing buddy. He told me his rack was made by Malone.
How would you load the kayak on to a J-rack system? I have the Pelican catch 100 and I'm loading it to a 2013 Ford Edge and I'm having a difficult time with it.
I'm sorry, I can't help with that. You may want to call my friends up and HookLineandPaddle.com here in Wilmington. Even if you are not here, they will help.
@@KayakhacksFishing Thanks, appreciate the quick response.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH
What type or kayak rack is used for holding it? I have the same vehicle in the video. I can't lift my kayak by myself. Excellent idea, I scratch the roof every time, and I always have help.
See what happens when you actually read all threads... found the answer and love that you added the link. Thank you so much for making this video. Will be trying it out this weekend. I watched a ton of videos and yours hands down is the simplelest, cheapest and works from what I've read! Thanks again.
You are welcome. Thanks for the kind words.
if this is a height problem, maybe keep a little folding step stool in the back of your suv.
The back of my 22 Outlander has a plastic lip that sticks out a few inches for looks/aero I suppose. So this is a no go for me and my 80 pound Dagger 😕
Sorry it will not work for you
How do you fasten the Kayak to the rack ? Can you put pool noodles in between the racks. Push the Kayak from the back .....Sure would save money if you buy a rack . I'm using the rack my jeep came in
This was my friend's rig. He had a kayak carrier attached to the roof rack.
Been doing it this way for years with my poly boat...but this week I'm picking up a nice new Eddyline Fathom and I'll need a better way. This method scratches the crap out of the end of the boat that remains on the ground when you lift. If you watch, from about 0:36 - 0:40, the front of his boat is being scraped against the concrete with a fair amount of force due to the lifting angle.
Maybe I'll try coming up with something that can be placed under that end to protect it. It needs to be something that won't allow the boat to slide off, obviously.
Maybe get one of those $7 yoga mats from Walmart?
I have several rubbery floor tiles leftover from a room build and I grabbed one yesterday and tested it with my recreational boat. It worked okay but, as expected, didn't offer enough friction to prop the boat against the back of the car and take my hands off. The boat started sliding out and I had to grab it. I'll come up with something. Your yoga mat idea has merit, especially since I plan to make a kind of 'sleeve' into which I can insert the stern of my boat, so I don't have to worry about the boat moving off the pad while I'm wrassling the other end.
I love the sleeve idea!
I've been loading my kayaks using a bath mat on the vehicle and a square piece of closed cell foam under the stern for years. I place the square piece of foam where I think my stern will need to be behind the SUV, walk the bow onto the bathmat, then rest the stern on the foam. Once there, the weight pins the kayak (unless it's really windy) to the foam on the ground.
The simple things always work best.
Thanks for this idea. I am not strong enough to lift the kayak from the side. This may be my solution.
Perfect!
How long is your Kayak and what is the weight? Mine is 14 ft and 75 lbs, wonder if I can do the same?
His kayak was 14 feet and weighed around 70 lbs.
Been looking for a way to load my kayak, thought this one too.
But i doesn't work for my 4Runner. Plastic fairing way too weak.
Sorry to hear that.
This LITERALLY saved me at least $75.00..... Tyty
Hooray! More money to spend on things you really need!
How did it save you $75?
@@bobgil3464 Marianne didn't have to go buy some gizmo that would've cost $75.
Simple but genius
Is that a Ford Escape or Explorer. What are you using for rack on it
This was my friend's car.It was a Malone rack.
I'm going to start selling door mat's at the kayak shop parking lot😁
😂😂😂👍
Go little crab!
Hi guys. Thank you for the video. Would a used yoga mat work?
Sure - anything that is smooth on top so the kayak slide and is sticky on the bottom so it will not move on the roof should work
@@KayakhacksFishing Thank you kindly! Your video has just saved my back!
What about if you have a big van???
I would think it would work the same if you brought a small folding stepstool. Maybe one like this? amzn.to/2GKT5Kb
What brand / model carrier are you using?
My buddy was using a Malone rack - amzn.to/2AHbQLo
All I could do was watch in cringe hoping you didn’t step on the bug..lol.. I am a 56 year old woman who just bought a kayak to go out with my beloved dog. I was trying to figure out how to load and unload by myself. Thank you so much!
What kayak rack system are you using in the video? Thanks!
This was my fishing buddy, not me. I do not know what he used - he sold the car and got a truck. I'll see if can find out
Just heard back... the rack was made by Malone.
Great. Thanks!
Ender Bean He still has it and needs to get rid of it if you live near Wilmington, NC :-)
One thing I never see is a kayaker on youtube getting in to there kayak from a dock or a launch during cold weather. What do you wear? Nobody seems to show this, but it's important. What do you do?
I do not fish from the kayak in cold weather. However, there are two stages. If the water is not deathly cold, just minor chill, wear hip waders to launch from the shore. That way you can step into the water and not have cold feet all day. If the water and weather has reached the cold threshold, the only safe option is to wear a dry suit... and those things are expensive! In terms of launching from a dock, I would not attempt that at either stage - the likelihood of falling in is too great.
Thanks for the video!! I've never car topped before, now I have to as I just bought a Toyota RAV4. I got the factory roof rack with cross bars,,,what sort of cradling system is that in the video? I like this idea, just cover the back edge and slide it up.
The video shows my buddy loading his SUV. I put my yak on a truck. He told me his system was made by a company called "Malone." He has a truck now and no longer has the rack. But... I think it is this system: amzn.to/2btGta5
Ok, thanks for that!! I wasn't sure how people are able to get them loaded on top of a roof and then turn them on their sides and lift them into a J bracket. That seems like.....work. lol. I like the looks of this. Happy Paddling!
Jay TheBLade Same to you!
I use $15 foam blocks that have slits cut into them for carrying canoes on your car top. Those slits allow me to position the blocks over my factory luggage cross bars on my Trailblazer. Trailblazers have weird shaped factory cross bars (kind of rounded and at slight angle). So it's difficult to find a mounting system that works. I had originally planned to upgrade to a more permanent solution, but none of the ones at Cabelas, Field & Stream or Dick's would attach to my cross bars correctly. The foam blocks are easy to place onto my rack and can be easily removed after each use. once everything is strapped down, they're not going anywhere. The whole thing cost me about $40 including the straps, and I'm perfectly content to keep transporting this way.
Thanks for the idea!
I came up with the same idea :)