How do you carry your kayaks?

I ended up making my own rack out of 80/20 and some custom brackets that I had built.



Google Photo Album:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qJSBob8aYxk5Cv9d6

My build Thread:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/tonneau-capable-bed-rack-rails.42036/

 

I put it in the bed and let it hang out the back upwards. Its a used fishing kayak so idc if it slidea around

 

Lol yea wouldnt want to use your BED on your TRUCK

 

I throw mine right into the bed of the truck with tailgate down and strap it down. Almost 13 foot tandem fishing kayak. Same with my duck boat. By far the easiest. Might look into getting hitch extender for longer camper trips, but I know it would ride fine without it. I do understand ladder rack though when trying to keep the bed open for other gear. I am currently considering maybe a small cross bar rack with a basket over the bed for our camping gear, storage boxes and cooler and what not. My roll up tonnaue is cool to keep prying eyes away when I got work stuff in the back but it’s not really waterproof. Gotta compromise somewhere ha Just don’t want to break the bank

 

Here is my new access ADARAK. I will use this when towing the rv.

 

Until my Snugtop with roof rack arrives.
The 2 on the left are borrowed and being returned, the other 2 will go on topper once I get it.

 

Ok, slight segue from the main topic of the thread:

I'm looking to get a kayak very soon and I'm a noob. I intend to stick to calm water, zero desire for anything fast moving, and likely lakes and reservoirs. I want to be able to handle the kayak solo and be able to bring my pug along once I am comfortable.

I've tentatively settled on a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105. Any experienced peoples here have input or guidance?

 

No experience with that make or model but we have a couple very similar. FeelFree Move and FeelFree Juntos are what we use. The Junto actually has a pet pad or child seat similar to the Wilderness. Our dog never liked it, so I always used the canoe with her, but she was 65lbs, so a bit bigger than a pug. Make sure to get a dog PFD too. They won't be able to swim back to shore if you capsize and she takes a hit. I ALWAYS wear mine too, a paddling PFD from MEC, much more comfortable than generic PFD.

As for the style of kayak ....I am sit-on-top fan. They are easy to get in and out, you enjoy the splashing of the water and are super stable. You WILL get wet in a sit-on-top, regardless of how calm the water is. You can easily pack a lunch, snorkeling gear, a couple bottles of water and other stuff in the dry bag area and under the netting. We have had ours for about 10 years now, maintenance free and look as good as the day we bought them.

I see no reason why you won't love it. Canoeing and kayaking are my favorite parts of camping and I'm constantly in them and going for adventures away from the beach and other campers

Go for it.

 

Adam, are you just getting one to cruise around in, or you planning on fishing also?

 

Just some info, if your in the market for a kayak regardless of what type, better act soon. They are being bought up, just like aboveground pools, which are essentially out of stock. The Hobie Pro's will probably still be available due to there insane price

 

Not planning to fish from it.

 

Then that tarpon is a good choice. Better act fast

I will say look into a pedal drive also, it's great exercise, and you can paddle also. Best of both worlds. Just a thought

 

@AzureNightmare
A sit on top is also much easier with a dog along, unless the sit in has a large open cockpit. The pic I posted in the dog thread of my Boston was in my sit in, and it was a bit inconvenient to paddle unless she was just sitting looking forward( which she never was , lol). The one I posted of my Frenchie was easier once she got the hang of being on the front since that one was a sit on.

 

Here is a pic of a sit in with a large cockpit area. It was perfect for a small dog, and she sat there without being in the way.

 

Pedal drive adds weight and cost. It reduces space for the dog too. She's clingy and would want to be right with me, so pedal drive is out. Though, I did consider it.

Planned on a sit on top for those reasons. Stella will likely want to sit right between my legs, or as close as she can get.

 

The Tarpon is a good choice. I have two Thresher 140s and a Hobie Odyssey. Just upgraded from 12' after upgrading from 10' last year. If you can afford it get the 12'. The 10' will be slower and even in slow moving water will tend to spin without a rudder.

 

I bought a Bonafide SS127 last year. It is a sit on top. I was between a Jackson and Bonafide for me. The Bonafide is super comfortable and very stable. I have mine all rigged up for fishing. There are a ton of YouTube videos on it. It is pricey but I would buy it again for sure. I fish calm river sections and lakes. Class 2 would be no problem.

Never mind - I just saw that you don’t plan to fish from it...

 

That’s a cool looking Boston.

 

ive been looking hard at the ss127 as well. currently not available in my area. must be in high demand.

once i find one it will go on a yakima overhaul rack that i already have.

 

Here is a video on how this guy did it on his F150.

I dont think the Locknload rack is needed but it certainly adds versatility for tossing other gear up top.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi78-_8U8cc

 

A couple of Friday ago

 

do you have to drive a long way to get to water? just wondering how the boats do in the air at highway speeds. looks like a fun time with that many boats.

 

I’m late to the party but I wanted to carry my kayaks and still pull a trailer without buying a ladder rack and having to take off my tonneau cover. Made this from some emt conduit and a set of kayak racks.

 

It was a fun night. The kayaks do fine. I ran on strap over the nose of each kayak then ramone strap over the back of each level. Just remember as you add kayaks on top you need to continue to adjust the straps on the lower kayaks

 

Thanks, I've got a few pics of her in the dogs thread.

 

I’ve got a 14’ fiberglass and a 10’ pelican. For now until I get the rack on the shell and or a extend a bed arm I just throw them in the bed and strap em down.

 

Loaded up for vacation! Heading to the river for a week. Plenty of social distancing, fishing, and cold beer!

 

I think that is the route I'll be going for in the future. I would like to get a small toy hauler for Quadzilla and camping. Then again, might be able to just stick a kayak in the toy hauler with it.

 

Just thought I'd mention our towing experience has been less fatiguing putting kayaks/bikes inside the RV rather than adding it to the Tundra's limited payload depending on passengers and what gear will be in the truck. What's also helped is not overloading the front storage compartment most RV's have, both previously contributing to downward force on the hitch. I'm generally within 75% of Toyota's tow limits, use a WDH etc.

I also wrap them in U-haul blankets, it's actually faster arriving and just pulling them out of the RV rather than off truck racks. Not my pics, this sort of idea:



At the campground I don't need to drive very far so I just put them in bed to the river/lake:

 

I don't actually have an RV for it.... yet. I just have a utility trailer for my RS1, and there's not much room on it. If/when I get a toy hauler TT then I think I could squeeze a kayak inside with the Quadzilla. Depends on the trailer I suppose.