How to Load a Kayak on a Car

[@annokeefe5314]

I used this technique and it worked great. I have a 50lb kayak and now can load it safely by myself. Thank you!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Ann! (And hopefully subscribing).

[@PsychonauticalSiren]

Thank you for creating this video! I drive a 4d sedan and had a hard time finding videos like this for cars. The majority of search results seem to default to people with trucks, SUVs, SUV crossovers and Subaru's. This video helped me immensely! Thank you again!

[@completepete]

Thanks so much for watching (and hopefully subscribing) and I’m happy you found the video helpful!

[@EB-kn1ig]

Awesome video. Thanks for showing a few different opinions. You are helping this 5 ft girl lift her kayak alone in style! Thanks so much for your content.

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! Happy to help and hope it helps you get out on the water more often.

[@Greyxari]

Same here!

[@Hakucho64]

The strap technique is a great idea, I'll try that with mine. I'm currently sliding my yak up the boot lid (trunk lid) using a rubber-backed doormat to protect the car. The doormat is also handy for sliding the boat up or down rocks or stone steps.

[@completepete]

Andrew,. Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! I think the rubber backed doormat is a great idea. I'll keep that in mind! Hope you have a great paddling season..

[@jimmerpro]

Great info. I would like to know how you strap the kayak down once you a get it up on the roof. thanks.

[@completepete]

Hi Jim, we will shoot a quick video showing our strapping method / tips and tricks. Give us a subscribe to receive a notification when the video is up! Hope you enjoy the content.

[@JuanTh3Great]

@@completepete Hi Pete! Currently waiting to see how you strap the Kayak once is on the roof as well as any additional safety/driving tips you may be able to provide us. Thank you!

[@JuanTh3Great]

NVM! Just saw you already posted a video on it haha!

[@richman117]

strap idea is great! im new to kayaking and will be going alone a lot so that is great to know

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Richard! Make sure you get a comfortable life jacket and wear it. Take lots of pictures and enjoy being out on the water as often as possible. I enjoy paddling but also do some magnet fishing , regular fishing, metal detecting and camping out of my kayak.

[@deborahwalsh8279]

Hi Pete. I feel your pain, and your desire to be creative. But seriously, Yakima makes rollers and saddles for those cross bars to easily load and securely hold and protect your boat on nearly any vehicle. A Sherpak Roller on the trunk is the final trick to move and protect everything. Life can be good!

[@funkyalfonso]

You are a genius. It's so simple and it means I will take my sea kayak out more often. Very helpful...thanks.

[@completepete]

Thanks so much for watching and hopefully subscribing! Glad you found the video helpful.

[@laurenlowen4258]

I can't tell you how helpful your video was. Thank you. So much.

[@completepete]

Lauren, thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! Glad you found the video helpful.

[@laurenlowen4258]

@@completepete You definitely got a subscriber! I'm curious though, would your roof rack fit on most sedans? I have a Hyundai Elantra and im hoping to put that exact one on my car.

[@completepete]

Great question - the Baseline System is designed for cars without built in compatibility for roof racks. Most racks are adjustable enough to fit on multiple roofs - just consider the total length of the rack when purchasing as it relates to your cars width. This particular rack wasn’t “specific” to our vehicle, but was adjustable enough to meet the requirements and the only modification needed was different baseclips that were designed for our roof. If you are buying new, your purchase will come with all of the correct accessories, but if you happen to purchase one used, you may need to go online and find the baseclips for your car.

[@laurenlowen4258]

@@completepete Thank you sooooo much!! This was incredibly helpful!

[@sueatherdesk]

great tips - I rigged up a pully system at the front of my car port for an 'extra hand' but I love your idea - going to try it right now!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! I appreciate you letting me know the video was helpful.

[@Greyxari]

Just what I needed! 5’1 115 lbs female 😅 Totally going to try this out!

[@completepete]

Happy to hear the video was helpful.. hope you have a great paddling season!

[@kevinmosgo5492]

Thanks for the video! My kayak is 85 lbs, and makes me look like a fool when I load it myself. I've already had it slip off and take out a mirror. Makes me not use it as much as I'd like. I can sometimes muster the strength to lift it over my head, but that's honestly just asking for an injury (into my 40's it doesn't take much anymore, lol), and I still have the issue of it sliding around.

[@completepete]

Kevin,. Thanks for watching and subscribing! I was running into the same issues.. if you think of anything that might make a helpful video, please reach out. We should all be spending more time on the water!

[@Gr8FriknApe]

Kevin, Totally understand your dilemma. I'm nearing 70 yrs at 68 now. I purchased a load assist bar (side loader) that handles everything you mentioned and saves your back. You can get away with approx 90 to 100 dollars on an assist bar. Not necessary to spend over that. Good luck.

[@fredriksarnblad4441]

This is really helpful, Pete. Great vid. Thank you! Any advice for which rack to get for a Honda Accord?

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching, Fredrik! The rack you get will depend on the configuration of your roof. If you have a “naked roof”, meaning you don’t have any tracks/fixed points that run the length of the roof to bolt a rack to, you’ll need a full rack system. If you have tracks/fixed points, you’ll only need to get the crossbars and bases that mount to your vehicle. I had great experience with the Yakima product, and know many people who enjoy Thule’s systems. Can’t go wrong with either!

[@fredriksarnblad4441]

@@completepete Thank you! Much appreciated

[@ejsmithsa]

I 75yrs young & have a Daihatsu Terios SUV which has the spare wheel attached to the back door. I use an old piece of carpet wide enough for my sit inside kayak and long enough to fit over the spare wheel with some length to spare. the "soft" side of the carpet is against the body of the vehicle. The underneath of the carpeting is tough, meshed material that makes sliding of the kayak very easy. I have a quick light rope method of tying the carpet to the ends of the back roof rack. I then lift the front of the kayak onto the carpet and then lift the back of the kayak and push it forward onto the back roof rack until I can lift the back of the kayak and push the rest of the kayak onto the rest of the roof rack. Tying down the front and back is then simple enough.

[@completepete]

Errol, that sound like a great way to get your boat loaded. Quick and simple so it seems like less of a chore! Enjoy your time on the water this season and be safe.

[@ZKozak-hp5vb]

of all the vids, this is by far the smartest way to do it without sticking a crane on your roof

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Thank you. I’m a kayaker and looking for a car similar to yours. My truck is costing me too much in repairs, not to mention the cost of fuel. Take care and congratulations on 1k👍🎉

[@completepete]

Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching! Hope you have a great season on the water..

[@abairgoodman8045]

What is your roof rack and how is it installed been looking for something besides the yak attack foam blocks don’t really trust it

[@completepete]

Hi Abair, This was the Yakima BaseLine system, which is held on the vehicle by two L-shaped clamps that grip the space between the door and the roofline doorjam. You simply place the rack on your roof, aligning the rubber pads with the channels on either side; and adjust/tighten the clamps against the doorjam to secure. I don’t blame your hesitancy to use foam blocks - I’ve had no issues with this system and it is very secure.

[@natayku]

Thanks for the helpful video! Got yourself a subscriber for that 🙌

[@thebloodyshambles]

Great idea thanks. Been looking for a rack system for my sedan and this looks great.

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching James!

[@thatswhatshesays]

Thanks for sharing all your methods. This is the problem I am working on!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Barbara (and hopefully subscribing).. happy to help..

[@nsdtrchester]

Which Yakima crossbars do you have on your sedan, can you provide a link? I have a corolla with sunroof and looks like your selection would work. With an older sedan I used to slide it up the back and just use the foam cradles, but need to get crossbars with the sunroof. Thank you so much for a great sedan load by yourself option!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! This is the Baseline System with the “Jetstream” cross bars. Links below: Entire system: yakima.com/products/baseline-system Bars only: yakima.com/products/jetstream

[@stiltish]

High fleece, rubber backed bathroom mat protects car and kayak and doesn't slip !

[@lehcarrach6014]

Awsome video exactly what I am looking for a way to get Kayak on myself and Rack Pads..

[@completepete]

Happy to help!

[@dawnmantle7104]

Any ideas in how to get the kayak on top of a SUV on your own when using foam blocks that can move. Think someone with minimal upper body strength. Thanks!

[@completepete]

Dawn, thanks for bringing this up. Sounds like an interesting engineering challenge! I'm planning to work on some kind of solution for SUV's next. I will certainly give this some thought for you!

[@JosephMullin]

have you seen the suction cup and roller system that goes on your back window?

[@completepete]

Hi Joseph! Yes sir, I have seen it and it looks to be a viable loading method. I have not experimented with one yet however.

[@jessicaowens5170]

Great video. I currently have a sedan and need to transport a kayak by myself. What roof rack do you have?

[@completepete]

The rack was the Yakima Aerobars for “naked roof”, since we did not have any tracks that run down the roofline. You can input your vehicle on their site and it will help you determine what product fits your needs!

[@suepagan9388]

Works a treat….brilliant solution thank you😀

[@completepete]

Thanks so much for watching and hopefully subscribing! Happy to help

[@ghalibakkali3813]

What type of the roof racks you have on the top.

[@completepete]

They are Yakima Baseline racks for roofs without an existing rail system. yakima.com/products/baseline-system?_ga=2.267369294.1398280730.1685817997-1165627502.1685817997

[@iamfancyy3949]

I’d like these racks for my car ? Brand and where to buy ?

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! These are Yakima’s “Baseline” system designed for “naked roof’s” (those without built in channels to mount racks). You can purchase them from here: yakima.com/products/baseline-system?_ga=2.108724932.774780230.1681677904-324710591.1681677904 You may also be able to get them from a qualified reseller. I recommend using Yakima’s vehicle selector to find products compatible with your roof!

[@iamfancyy3949]

@@completepete thank you !

[@brittneydiaz1523]

How long is that ratchet strap? Trying to get a general idea of what I need. The ones I have are too long and there’s a lot of slack left over when it’s fully tightened.

[@completepete]

Brittney, thanks for watching! The straps are 12' long. There will be slack left over that needs to be wrapped around the tightened strap and knotted off.

[@allcreaturesnospeakers]

Nice video. I just bought a same kayak model (tarpon 105), have you had any issues with loading the kayak topside up (deck on top)? Is that the recommended way?

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and congratulations on your new boat! If heading out for a quick outing cockpit up is fine. Most often I strap the boat cockpit down as it’s a flatter surface and cuts down on wind resistance. Hope you enjoy the new boat.

[@barrylonglive520]

Well done,this is the one that should work for me.

[@completepete]

Barry, thanks for watching (and hopefully subscribing). Glad this solution works for you!

[@coryrose67]

What roof rack do you have on your car???

[@completepete]

Cory, Thanks for watching! It is the Yakima baseline system for a naked roof.

[@settira71]

Hi Pete! Thanks so much for this helpful video, I will be trying out your method soon! Do you mind sharing the link to the rack you have on the roof? I am in the market for racks that do not need a rail system. Appreciate it 🙏

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! We have the baseline system for a naked roof (style is the jet stream) yakima.com/products/baseline-system

[@sanjoe1246]

how long is your kayak

[@completepete]

Sanjoe, thanks for watching! Our Pungo and Tarpons are all 12’ long. It’s a good length for tracking and speed.

[@frankie2022]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@shalonfischer2441]

Thanks for the video. Definitely been looking for something like this. 55lb kayak + "noodle arms" = not so easy to load kayak by myself. Just a question about the crossbar pads, does the "nonslip" top make it more difficult to slide the kayak up and across if using the push from the back method you showed?

[@completepete]

Shalon, thanks for watching! While the pads are “grippy” you can slide your kayak up and over them. You may need to wiggle the boat around a bit but you should have no problem.

[@shaunaturner3145]

What brand and kind of rack system is that?

[@completepete]

Hi Shauna and thanks for watching and hope you consider subscribing! To answer your question, it is the Yakima baseline system for a naked roof (ours is the Jet Stream) yakima.com/products/baseline-system.

[@benny9685]

Hi pete..May i have the product type and name of your kayak..looks very wide. Thanks..

[@completepete]

Sure thing! It's a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. I find it to be very stable, straight tracking and easy to paddle.

[@benny9685]

@@completepete do you think, yours is as stable as this..kzbin.info/www/bejne/pavSaGeEpaqJsLs

[@completepete]

I would say mine is not as stable. The advantage that mine would have over the one in the video would likely be speed and maneuverability.

[@williamking2249]

Good video. Awesome content.👍

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching William! (and hopefully subscribing)

[@an10nee]

1:27 lol made me laugh so hard

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Anthony! Appreciate your comment..

[@caityP]

Thanks for the tips!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and commenting Caitlin! Hope you have a great summer on the water.

[@michaelaflowers6373]

Great idea! Thank you

[@completepete]

You are so welcome!

[@andy764]

Omg, that's so smart. Thank you!!!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Andy. I’m glad you found the video to be useful. I’m working on an SUV solution that you might find interesting along with a video on how to convert a utility trailer to a kayak hauler. Stay tuned!

[@jessieb0o]

What size kayak is that?

[@completepete]

Hi Jessie, that’s a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. It’s a 12 footer and weighs roughly 68lbs. Thanks for watching!

[@jaxknet]

Great great tip! Thanks!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching!

[@LordByronMacintosh]

Thanks terrific idea

[@Snowdonguy48]

Very helpful thank's! 🙂

[@teresawysocki5729]

Great advice!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Teresa! Happy to help.

[@shanabanana3765]

That’s so smart! Thank you!

[@completepete]

Shana, thanks for watching (and hopefully subscribing!)

[@gmsmolen]

has anyone tried this technique with an SUV,,, I have to do it solo on a buick Encore and I'm short

[@completepete]

The roof of the Buick Encore is 65” high, so at over 5’ that is a bit of a reach. I’ve never tried my methods on an SUV but loading from the rear using a shipping blanket might be your best bet. I would suggest purchasing a folding safety step ladder which supports your legs for safer hands free work. Another idea is to use something like a suction mounted roof roller. www.storeyourboard.com/kayak-lift-assist-suction-mounted-roof-roller/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0eLfpo2k7gIVCJ2zCh19wgJ3EAQYASABEgLcQvD_BwE There are lots of similar models online and some DIY solutions also. I may even work on a version over the winter for people that enjoy DIY.

[@COSMACELF1802]

What's wrong with the way I do it? I simply lift the Kayak from the middle over my head, walk up to the car and place it on the roof gently.

[@completepete]

Hi Josh, thanks for watching. There’s nothing wrong with loading that way. I created this video to provide some alternative options for those who might be unable to load their boat easily, or who have boats that are too heavy or cumbersome to lift in the manner you describe.

[@lawrencelawrence3920]

Genius idea.... thanks

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! Happy to help..

[@robertarmstrong7130]

good ideas Thanks

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Robert! Happy to help.

[@kathycassidy1169]

great hack! thanks!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Kathy!

[@gravitysdaughtr]

Thanks Pete!

[@completepete]

Happy to help! Anything else kayak related that you would like to see, please let me know.

[@BruceWayneeeee]

this is ridiculous. he's struggling to put the kayak on himself when the whole time there is a second pair of hands filming him. smh. (this is a joke) thanks pete this helps a lot :)

[@doubleimage]

Excellent

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Dave!

[@samnangthan7553]

Awesome!!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching!

[@Stevenrosswhite]

Clever!!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Steven! I appreciate the kind words.

[@rjsadventureforme]

COOL thanks for the info

[@Hakucho64]

66 lbs = 30 kg for any non-US viewers

[@peterdelmonte9832]

Or if you’re 70+ in the U.K. And every tape measurement is based on 5cms = 2inches. Never mind, we dinosaurs will all expire soon so good sense can prevail.

[@michelbourgeois6067]

Ha Ha Pretty funny!

[@tangoindiamike9189]

Just back that little car into about 4 inches of water and just float the kayak right onto it.

[@JamesXiaolu]

Great idea right there! I just got a 10 foot long 75lb sit-on-top kayak, and I am trying to find out best way to car top it on my small vehicle (sedan)

[@ess96720]

What is the roof rack you use?

[@completepete]

This setup used Yakima Aerobars, the width should be generally proportionate to the width of your vehicle, but having them be slightly longer is certainly ok.

[@ess96720]

@@completepete thanks, I have a 2015 scion XV and want to get good roof racks for my SUV and now I have a sit in 10 foot kayak. My friend has a THULE on her Ford SUV. And I also hear good things about the one you recommend and one other