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Two Kayaks Loaded Side-by-side upside down
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Author:  bigdrop [ Tue May 22, 2012 7:37 am ]
Post subject:  Two Kayaks Loaded Side-by-side upside down

Just picked up two Revolutions and am making bar/rack adjustments. Do they rub together eventually if they are close? Should you put a buffer of some type between them? Do they stay put and won't eventually work together if they are very close?
Thanks - billgill

Author:  Revo_1756 [ Wed May 23, 2012 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Two Kayaks Loaded Side-by-side upside down

I use to carry my two revolutions on 65" Thule bars wrapped in pipe insulation. No matter how tight I made the straps right side up or upside down they would twist on the pad in a strong gust of wind or high roadway speed. They of course would not come off but to find yourself suddenly racing down the highway with two kayaks turned at 5 degrees or more atop your vehicle is a bit unnerving.

To tighten down the straps more would deform the hulls. Short trips they were fine but some long trips I was stopping often to check and re-secure.

I mainly carry mine upright due to the RAM rod holder ball mounts I added and now use the Yakima Land Shark Saddles. They work like a charm and the kayaks don't shift.

Yes they did rub together when sitting only on a pad. Revolutions are 29" and 65" bars can give you a little space between.

Land Shark Saddles are the least expensive saddle kits available at around 72.00 for 4. Most others are that and much more for just a pair costing you double for each kayak.

If you can afford them I recommend saddles of some sort for a much more secure and trouble free transport.

Revo

Author:  Hamtech [ Thu May 24, 2012 7:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Two Kayaks Loaded Side-by-side upside down

We have a Toyota Highlander with Yakima 66 inch cross bars. Two Revolutions (13' 5") fit well there upside down and, so far at least, we haven't had any problems on long trips at highway speeds. Each kayak is tied down with two straps over the hull (one for each of the two cross bars, looping under each cross bar at or under the edges of each kayak) and two lines for the bow and stern. They don't bump into each other. I understand that, on some cars, it is hard to find attachment points on the car for the bow and stern lines.

Author:  bigdrop [ Thu May 24, 2012 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Two Kayaks Loaded Side-by-side upside down

That sounds like what I'd like to do. Do you have any photos you could attach?
Thanks,
billgill

Author:  Hamtech [ Thu May 24, 2012 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Two Kayaks Loaded Side-by-side upside down

I don't have a picture of the 2 kayak configuration but you don't really need one because it's so simple. The bow and stern lines have hooks to attach to the metal pad eyes on the kayaks, and a ratchet to draw them tight (but not too tight). Looking online, I think we use the Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Downs, although Thule has a similar product. For the across the hull straps, we have a pair from Hobie and the rest are Yakima Heavy Duty Tie Downs. It is really quick and easy as long as the rider of the second boat is there to help you lift and strap.

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