Loading a Kayak!

[Silverfox]

Hi
I've just sold my Freelander which I used to transport my Kayaks, I have a Keri-Tek roof system at present, I intend selling this now as I will only need to use one kayak, (although this is a fab bit of kit, so easy mounting three kayaks)I want to be able to just have the bars on - could anyone confirm the easiest method of loading the kayak onto the bars without damaging the bodywork, I'm 5'10" so no giant, do have a VW bike rack on and no spoiler.

Cheers

Kevin

 

[sebking]

Lift it up with two people, flip it upside down, put the nose on the back set of bars and walk it on. From the side is pain.

I can just about do the 2 person sea kayak alone as long as it's not windy. The 16ft Canadian is deffo two people!

Seb

 

[MKRW]

Hi
I've just sold my Freelander which I used to transport my Kayaks, I have a Keri-Tek roof system at present, I intend selling this now as I will only need to use one kayak, (although this is a fab bit of kit, so easy mounting three kayaks)I want to be able to just have the bars on - could anyone confirm the easiest method of loading the kayak onto the bars without damaging the bodywork, I'm 5'10" so no giant, do have a VW bike rack on and no spoiler.

Any reason your not planning on keeping the Karitek system, I was thinking about getting one for the new Cali, as I have a Sea Kayak and loading it on the roof of the Rav4 on your own is always a challenge so I could not even thinking about loading it on the van without doing myself some serious damage?

 

[Silverfox]

Thanks Seb and MKRW

Two people aren't an option unfortunately, I live off the beaten track, so it's down to me only, looks like a session on the weights to get the upper body built up!

I bought the Keritek system last year because I had my son and daughter-in-law living with me, three kayaks was just too much lifting, they have now moved away and it's highly unlikely that they will be using kayaks again(or very seldom) - when using the keritek it's absolutely fabulous and easy to use, like everything else a bit pricey, but it's build is solid, the cradles are excellent, at £82.00 per pair plus p&p they should be!, talking myself into keeping it now!

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated, looks like a small pair of steps and bigger biceps required or just stick to cycling.

Cheers

Kevin

 

[jamie]

I use one of these

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wc...ay?langId=110&storeId=10151&partNumber=758569

Handy as an extra table, chair etc...

 

[Martin]

I use the same as Jamie, these were on offer at B&Q a few weeks ago for £29.99. They are light in weight but heavy duty and fold down nicely, also make a handy table when not in use!

When I load my Kayak on to the roof my own I load it from the back and slide it along, with a bit of practice it is done in seconds, I have a 32kg- 2 person Kayak.

 

[Silverfox]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I have one of the steps mentioned and just used a blanket on top of the van and tried loading from behind, no problem, now just need to buy the bars,

Kevin