Date:         Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:25:05 -0800
Reply-To:     Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject:      Carrying a kayak on the roof of a Westy
Comments: To: busboy-nh@COMCAST.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252

<<My question regards the best way to safely carry a 12 foot kayak on the roof
of my Westy. I think I would prefer a solution that would allow me to open
the roof without having to take the kayak off, but I would love to hear all
of your ideas.>>

I'm not sure if you already have a roof rack mounted or not? Yakima makes mounts
 that you bolt onto the fiberglass roof. Generally, two bars seem to be enough, although some people go with three. From there, you can then buy the Yakima kayak mounts. I like the Hully rollers and Mako saddles. I'm sure I probably spelled both of them wrong, but one contours the the kayak hull, while the other one has rollers that tilt and roll as you angle the kayak. This roller tilt feature is invaluable for the high roof of the Westy. Once you get the kayak started, the rollers just guide it the rest of the way onto the roof. You still need to strap it down of course.

There are some pop top assist structs that come in two strengths. You can get the heavier duty ones for kayaks. Jack Bombay I think the guy that was selling them on the Samba. Go Westy has em now too. You can do a search on the samba for those. This allows you to lift up the roof was some counterbalance or counterweight, so that you are not lifting the entire weight of the kayak.

There is also a nifty little gadget that Cabela's sells that goes into a rear hitch mount to if you have a hitch. It essentially acts like a fulcrum point, and makes loading and unloading a kayak much easier. I think it sells for about 100 bucks. If I'm not mistaken it only tilts so far away from the van, so will never come crashing down on your head. Just check out the cabela's site for kayak loading.

If you have several kayaks, then a trailer designed for canoes is ideal. They usually have 8 inch tires, and work well. They certainly make loading and unloading a whole lot easier, plus you can take a little extra gear. I also love the sea eagle 385 fast tracks. Awesome inflatable's, and you can even throw a minn kota on to troll with. Sweet ride, and no roof rack needed.

Hope that helps.

Troy