Finally Pulled the Trigger, Have Some Questions

So we finally purchased our Kayaks two Outbacks and two used Sports for our children. Very excited about the purchase, still have lots to do for organization and transport.

What type of Locks does everyone use when traveling? So many options out there. Also is it ok to get a lock that has larger loops and have those go through the hole that fits the mirage drive?

We are planning on building a saddle set from PVC (conduit schedule 80) that will carry the two Outbacks stacked on top of one another and the Sports will use J style rack on both sides to evenly distribute the weight. Sounds like stacking should work well and the pvc pipe will help to alleviate any pressure points, anyone see any issues with going this route?

Not sure what I did wrong with the image, but does not seem to be coming up. Will have to look at it later on.







Thanks
Gabe

Are you going to be rooftop carrying these? You might want to consider a trailer option for transport. We offer the Trailex Double trailer (part no 38652200) with optional tower (part no. 38652210), for use when carrying up to 4 kayaks. As far as locks, a heavy duty lock through the scuppers of the kayak and to the trailer or rack is the most common way of locking these things up. The type of lock you referred to in your post sound like the right style.

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Couldn't view the photo you attached to your original post, but its working for me now. After seeing the photo, I see you're already using a trailer and it sound like you'll be modifying the trailer for kayak transport. Rhino Rack is a good route to go for the J racks. Be aware that the PVC style supports you're talking about have been known to cause hull deformities (especially when stored in heat).

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I would have thought that spreading the weight over the pressure points would be the best way to ensure that this does not happen. Was planning on running where the two outer pontoons meet the center bulge, this way it makes contact with multiple points.

That being said we can store those at home with some wall racks we built, which was not my initial plan.

I should also ask, what is the best method of storage, side or upside down? if on the side, are two contact points/bars enough to ensure no deformation in the hull?

When storing those boats for a period of time, it's recommended to store them upside down.

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Got it, but for temporary transport we should be ok?

Of course

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Just dont strap it down too tight, use cam buckles rather than ratchet. Even if weight is spread, it may not form dints but can flatten the hull. Same with long term upright storage on tube slides, weight of hull itself eventually causes it to settle down. hanging straps and cradles spread weight up sides.

If you compare an old kayak against a new one the new one will have higher sides than the old due to the "deflation" effect

I am actually going another route, I had the pvc pipe on there last night and did not like how it looked stacked (not enough contact points in my mind), also difficult for my wife to lift the second kayak that high. Came up with two other options:

4 J bars - where rear crossbar will be very close to the back of the trailer to allow for easily loading by placing the bow or stern on the plastic piece and just pushing the kayak in place. Still have to see if I can make this work with 4 kayaks. Height may also be an issue here as far as getting into our garage, assuming I would benefit from the slant of the J-Bars

2 Stackers - crossbars have rubber mounts so would need to put a third cross bar with some form or rollers attached.

That being said very impressed with the crossbars for the price, if anyone is interested in high capacity (500lb)aluminum. The company manufactures in smaller lengths as well.

http://www.rackwarehouse.com/vantech-m1 ... -rack.html