Homemade PVC kayak loader

[@shamanic1]

Excellent innovation, Nancy! I would suggest two "free-ish" helpers for your device. (Ouch! says the poor scuffed kayak...) 1) Place the kayak, lying flat, but skewed to the side of the spare tire mount. Put yoga mat (It's "sticky"), folded, x3, just barely touching, where the stern meets the pavement. 2) put a microfiber cloth on each of the two sides of your kayak rack saddle (slippery). Walk the bow up, over your head. The stern will grab onto the yoga mat. Side-step, such that you straighten the kayak, and it swings back over the spare, and over the lip of your loader. With a try, or two, you will decide how to guestimate the angle of the kayak, on the ground, such that your quick "lift and swing", lands the bow - just the right distance - overhanging the pvc bar on the roof. Now rest the bow on the loader. Walk back to the stern and heave 'er up, and forward. The rack rollers "do their thing", BUT, when the kayak reaches the saddle(s), it slips over the cloths, like an omelet, over teflon! No wrestling, while standing on a step-stool! Once you like the kayak's placement, rock the kayak, to and fro, to get each cloth free. You do NOT want low-friction, at the contact points, as you drive down the highway! (You knew that, but not every Dear Reader did...) ;-)

[@Retrocyclist1]

I just use a cheap, plush, rubber backed bathroom rug. lay it over the top of the back window, it won't slip. Lift front of kayak up onto it, then go to back of kayak and push it up. You actually have it better with the spare tire, a 2nd bath rug on your spare tire would hold the boat in place when going to the back to lift. It you got a cheap Walmart 2 rug set, you would be all set. I also keep a piece of cardboard available to put under the tail of the kayak to keep it from scuffing up.

[@promark03]

Nice! Very innovative. I love that you covered your license plate but the wind blew up the newspaper. Lol

[@SteveAB4EL]

I know it is a long time since uploading this ... _but_ ... the piece of 1-1/4 inch on the 1 inch to make a roller ... *just what I needed* to make a roller. Had not thought of it. Thank you.

[@CqCasting]

Nice job Nancy, for those concerned about scratching the paint use a pad or bath mat, that should protect the paint.

[@jopolitesse]

Thank you! This is terrific! My Nova Craft canoe only weighs 86 lbs (about 40 kg), but I still had trouble and this makes it easy. Wonderful of you to share it!

[@explorermike19]

Clever. I like the Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load assist because it is smaller and more portable

[@codygrammy]

Congratulations! Glad to hear my idea helped someone else!

[@MrSteve280]

You got to admire people that come up with their own solutions. We need at add PVC to the do-everything list that has WD40 and duct tape on it.

[@videnteglobal]

I bought a Thule Slipstream and the roller was still too far from the back of the vehicle so I built a ramp extension from wood, tool hanging hooks and lined it with floor mat. Worked well for years but now I own a SUV with a rear spoiler so I might try your suggestion.

[@DNiddy]

Have you seen the video of the fellow using the suction cup things to load his kayak? Seems that may be a bit easier. Happy paddling.

[@TheJuliuscesar]

Hello, Thank your for sharing your idea! Last week I bought my first canoe, a beautiful Bayou 160 with a length of 5 meter and a weight of 52 kg. Of course I became to have the problem of transport. To find out if I could build your loading system I went to the D.I.Y.shop for some PVC tubes and some glue. For my purpose I had to make some little changes, but the basic idea is the same. The result is fantastic. For your information: The whole operation has cost me 27 euro’s and 1 afternoon work.

[@lynx777]

I like it...I also like the little pipe rolling down the hill too.

[@cpr2450]

Great job Nancy!

[@judevucovich7068]

I watch another video on the same subject. They showed if you attach a hook on both ends of a rope and attach on end to the rear of the kayak and the other end to the bumper/trailer hitch, it will stabilize your kayak to not slide as your lifting it up on to one end...they also used the car mat placed on the ground where the rear end is going to be placed when you lift up to put on top of the roof of the car...

[@gdejong7128]

Well done. Might attach a rope to the kayak bow handle to pull forward - sometimes easier than pushing.

[@gdejong7128]

Also WD40 on the foam holders makes sliding easier.

[@BenJamesSantaCruz]

Brilliant! I'm going to use your design as the basis for my project on my Subaru Forester. Thanks for sharing!

[@catbme]

Thank you ! Thank You ! Finally a great idea from a female yakers point of view and geared for a woman ! I am new to kayaking and am having a difficult time with my angler 160 pitching to one side when I try to load the beast ontop my toyota van.My biggest issue is trying to hold my yak into one spot at he back of the van to push it atop the van. Often the yak will pitch to one side and plop to the ground.. I hope to see more videos from you .

[@anngalbraith7880]

Thank you for sharing. This is the best solution I’ve seen yet. Will you post the specifics on the parts list/plans?

[@rawbacon]

I wouldn't count on it, she hasn't posted a video in 7 years and I see no recent replies to comments. I'm sure you can figure it out by looking at the video.....PVC pipe is inexpensive and easy to work with, you can do it.

[@travelingecho]

Brilliant! Good job Nancy.

[@bubmac2]

Thank you for posting this! Very helpful.

[@simonliew9728]

Hi Nancy, thanks for sharing. You are strong too, that first lift is important. I am 62 and I can't do that ??? really sad.....

[@adrianjacobs1478]

great idea, well executed. i have a couple of questions? what stops the frame from moving along the car as you push or pull the kayak on or off?

[@PlayinBanjo]

good idea, you are very inventive! still requires lifting, and I could not lift my kayak that high, but I have been thinking about building something like this, but with an extension that would allow loading the kayak at a lower level, then pushing it up, rather than lifting it. it would be a pvc contraption that would hook/hang onto the loader, similar in configuration to a ladder, with rollers on each rung; it would extend out at an angle from the top of the car, where it is connected to the loader. if I get around to it, and successful, will post it.

[@randyscott232]

Hi Nancy, I am in the process of making one of these, but will need to make some changes, due to the differences of my SUV and the heaviness of my fishing Kayak which weighs 75 pounds. You mentioned in the video that you would redesign it differently if you had it to do over again. Would you be so kind to share what changes would you make if starting new?

[@Tarnapol]

Any chance of posting a diagram of the device and the measurements? You have solved the problem that haunted me all of last summer: how to get it up on my CRV by myself, and how to reload it for the return trip home!

[@TheBrickTavern]

Great problem solving, you Designer, you! Thanks for sharing the video.

[@katycummings3837]

Thank you so much!!!! I was thinking of either selling my kayak to get a lighter one, or investing in a Thule Slipstream or other lift assist contraption. You might have saved me a lot of $$$ :)

[@nancyhamilton4057]

+Katy Cummings Great - it has worked for me and hopes this works for you as well.

[@DENMONKEY]

good work. I suffer ducks disease like yourself and can appreciate your concept

[@codygrammy]

I do not have a parts list, but I will try to make one and post it. I would make it more of a rectangle as opposed to a slight trapezoid shape. I would also make sure that it fits under the bars on your car and pretty much goes the full width so that it doesn't slide back and forth. I have a little too much play in mine, but it works great. Good luck.

[@dublinhuntin]

Make sure to purchase schedue 40 PVC.... SDR 21 will be thin walled and possible break from the weight of the yak

[@DNiddy]

Do you carry all that "stuff" out to the lake with you? Where do you store it when transporting?

[@gretel83102]

Hi Nancy. I can't find where your posted your DIY loader. I have a full size van and am 4'11' with a tandem sot yak. Could you help me find your parts list and build instructions? Thank you.

[@kevinrosing-clapp2881]

Well, Cynthia, it's been 5 years now. Evidently Nancy couldn't help you, or any other DIY kayaker since. Shame.

[@sophiethewestie]

Brilliant! Thank you for making the video!

[@nancyfortier6597]

I just got some 45 degree angle PVC pipe. You could probably get some angle pipe to go over the extension. Or, I found that you can bend it pretty easily if you heat it with a heat gun - like the kind you might you to strip paint. Good luck, but I found the PVC pipe is cheap enough so that you can experiment with it and not feel bad if you ruin a piece or two.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Great idea. Getting older sux. Use to just flip my boat on the top of my suv but now,........

[@codygrammy]

Yeah, I do carry it. It is not really that much, the PVC is very light and fits in the back of my Honda CRV, and the step stool is very small and fits too. After I get my kayak off my car, I just put it inside the car.

[@ajw007white4]

That is very nice setup I may have to try that with my Jeep but it's kind of the higher side

[@sueguza5694]

I know others have asked, but could you post a list and diagram of how to make this? This looks to be perfect, I drive a Pontiac Torrent and have the same issues you do! Thanks for this!

[@nancyhamilton4057]

I am in the process of creating a parts list and directions for those that want to make one - hope to post soon.

[@fishn365]

Great job! Good for you. Glad that you are able to get out on the water.

[@dudleydogbrown1]

You one Smart Gal, BRAVO

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

I load my kayak on an SUV also, but I load it from the side. Slide it up on the SUV cross ways till it pivots forward then just swing it around so it's pointing forward. My kayaks are 13 ft long and 20 ft long. I even load my ESCAPE SOLSA sailboat on the roof the same way. Try it!

[@damkayaker]

Looks good, but you should park over near the grass so you're not dragging the kayak on the driveway.

[@64maxpower]

good job. couldn't you just put a blanket on the back of your car and push the kayak up?

[@TheNickodi]

Amazing 👏 we'll done ❤ you've given me an idea 💡

[@johnheaney6383]

Nicely done!

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

Nice Work, I really like this!! off to Lowes I go!!!

[@maggie94306]

Great job sister...thanks for solving the problem and sharing!

[@robedmund9948]

Hulluvator Pro by Thule. Expensive, but if you kayak enough, it is SOOO worth the investment.

[@PhatBottomOutdoors]

PURE Genius! Thank you for building something like this. This is what I have been lookng for. Perfect application for my Jeep Cherokee XJ!...

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks. Great job. ✌🏻👊

[@gregwesthoff6206]

You didn't show how you kept the pipe on the car.

[@nancyhamilton4057]

Greg Westhoff - Hi Greg - I don't keep the pipe on the car. After the kayak is loader, I pack it inside the car until I get to wherever I am going.

[@bobgil3464]

Great job. I am impressed.

[@Rocstoneau]

Good for you! Clever design. :-)

[@jeremyford8190]

Thats pretty genius! I like it!

[@speeder36]

Very Clever! nice job!

[@PJZombie]

But the Kayak still scrapes accross the roof until it reaches the Rack. Weight of Kayak still pushes down on weak roof section which could dent roof. Roofs on most Vehicles are not strong and will dent or buckle.

[@BREAMIX]

Hello, can you send some photos or vid? I have same problem with canoe. Thank you.

[@nbanolfkid]

VERY NICE! Good job.

[@soggybottom415]

Hurray for "home Made" !

[@mariemcintyre3860]

Great job, well done!

[@1sinequanon]

Nice! Thank you so much. Just the sort of thing I am looking for. Patent it.

[@SAVAGE308SNIPER]

How can I transport my kayak on a motorcycle?

[@froqqer103]

Get a PVC rack on wheels and pull it behind you! :P (kidding of course)

[@SAVAGE308SNIPER]

hahahhahahaha that's funny!!!!!!!!!!!!1 im gonna do it just for fun.

[@froqqer103]

SAVAGE308SNIPER That would be funny yet cool to see.

[@OlliMSa]

Love it! Great idea!

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

Why not just leave the "contraption" tucked in and tie it down with the kayak?

[@brunobrowndog1]

Thats really clever

[@Jennersville]

Great job. Someone owes you $1,000,000.

[@nancyhamilton4057]

I would be happy with just a small fraction of that :)

[@augustbalilo1336]

Genius! Thanks for posting.

[@anastasiasieracki7049]

This is so great!

[@audacide]

very nice, thanks!

[@smarterthenyouknow]

i use j racks. i will have to come up with an idea. i can just get it up on roof of my truck.

[@mizzorian]

great job lady...but do not drag it on asphalt...you have grass near you, park your car there

[@threeleggedcatdogwithtwosa6469]

you are amazing 💗

[@rorschach8585]

Okay...hear me out...try replacing that contraption with a rubber-bottomed bath mat that you drape over the back top edge of your hatchback.

[@CarnachaFL]

Thanks!! Great Idea!!

[@sarahwomack2517]

This is genius!!

[@cathyhaynes22]

you're a smart lady!

[@Ignignokt5150]

*grins at the privacy failure(

[@Iam-mq4sc]

Ignignokt Mooninite me too. A bit of sticky tape perhaps. 😁

[@alwiz6379]

Clever. Thanks.

[@myjeepzia]

Smart. thanks

[@miraupublic]

Simple genius!

[@caliaga33177]

Awesome!

[@Z71Ranger]

Nice! Very Nice!!!

[@ozzyharo7862]

Just buy a kayak roller Ms, it's a lot easier.

[@성천김]

thanks!!!!

[@52bubbabelly]

So much for plate privacy

[@magdalam5159]

💪💪👍👍 Très bien 👍👍💪💪

[@808strykr]

Thanx for posting :)

[@ras685]

Cool lady❤

[@PeterWu777]

Bravo !!

[@thaiga]

Wow. Genius :)

[@АлександрБарабицкий-п8р]

☝👏👏👏

[@effyiew7318]

Nice! Ingenious!

[@nevillemadden5210]

Kayaks are meant to be Transported (and Stored) Upside Down, to prevent Pressure Created Dents and Warping !!! It also Results in Less Wind Resistance when Transporting !!! AND USE BETTER PADDING Under It !!! ... .. You are also Putting Undue Force on ypur Roof Rack and Fittings. You'll eventually Pay For The Mistake.

[@victoryang2094]

your plates are saying peekaboo

[@SuperArmydog]

I didn't even notice the plates until it started waving hello!!

[@OrangeSVTguy]

Good job trying to hide your license plate lol.

[@Palpac]

To bad about it resting on the car.

[@supmk4]

this is how to make big scratch on the car's roof and under kayak.... sorry for my bad english i'm a fucking french guy...

[@Bladenball]

I love you !

[@geoffsmith584]

Dear me, what a waste plastic pipe that is, you might have well pushed it up the roof as the pipe bent so much it went on the roof anyway.