Short Fat Mom Shows How To Load A Kayak On A Small Car By Yourself! Hobie Outback on Mini Cooper

How to load a kayak on a small car by yourself!
Just like the title says...I'm a short fat Mom who loads her kayak on top of the car by myself! Kayak Fishing from my Hobie Outback is one of my favorite things, and I learned an EASY way to load my heavy 85 pound kayak on my small car (a Mini Cooper Countryman).
GEAR IN THIS VIDEO:
2019 Hobie Outback Kayak: amzn.to/2Yh6lgJ
CTug Kayak Cart: www.amazon.com/dp/B00KX5A7NW/...
NRS 1" 15' Long Tie Down Straps: amzn.to/2YnbzHL
CargoLoc Aluminum Rooftop Crossbar Set: amzn.to/2YsvJjT
Costa Del Mar Waterwoman Sunglasses: amzn.to/2SxqfyU
The Fishing Family creates entertaining, informative, family-friendly fishing content and kids fishing videos. From bass fishing to kayak fishing, fly fishing in Colorado to saltwater fishing in Florida, we do it all! For more information, visit: www.thefishingfamily.com
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Lightweight/Finesse Setup:
Pflueger President Spinning Reel 20X: amzn.to/2C7kfXm
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7’ Medium Light: amzn.to/2A2jE7J
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[@yourthriveguide]

Love this! I have a Clubman, am considering a kayak, and I'm short too. Thanks for empowering shorties to load their own boats!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Haha you can do it!!!

[@threeleggedcatdogwithtwosa6469]

you just gave 5'2 me the confidence and knowledge to load my kayak up onto my crosstrek! you frickin rock!!!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Woooohooooo you can doooo ittttt! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@mizbootsie8175]

Sending this to a 5' tall coworker. Maybe this can help!

[@aubreyansell1019]

Amazing, truly well done! Yakama does make a round pole rack where u can pull out the pole to put kayak on first, so u will not scratch car. And I will tell you that the factory racks are only held on by simple sheet metal screws, a good gust of wind from a passing truck can rip the racks right off your car! So always use a front and rear rope/ strap on your rig.

[@thepursuitofwisdomandgrace]

Love this! Get it girl! Thanks for the tips 🙌🏽

[@billandallie]

Thank you!! I needed to see this. I just got my kayak.

[@ashleym4084]

THANK YOU 🙌 we had a Honda Ridgeline that I could easily load my kayak into but recently had to trade it in for a non-truck. I have been so concerned about loading my rig by myself but you have given me hope I can do it. ❤️

[@TheFishingMommy]

awww awesome! YOU GOT THIS!

[@goofyryder16]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing your technique.

[@TheFishingMommy]

+Miss Mamimingwit my pleasure, hope it helped!

[@agentwynnoutdoors]

Great Video. It helped me a great deal when I was trying to figure it out with my first kayak.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Ahh I am SO happy to hear that!

[@kelleywile6324]

THANK YOU! I've been hemming and hawing over getting a kayak and if I would be able to load and unload, yours is WAY heavier than what I'm looking at(for now hee hee)but THIS totally made me feel better about just DOING IT!

[@TheFishingMommy]

kelley wile you can totally do it!! Just take it slow, and if it ever does start to slip just LET GO and get out of the way!! (See my “I broke my nose” video..)

[@denniskogler1429]

what is at the end of the kayak? what is called? to help the kayak stand and not to slip back flat on the ground.

[@tinachang2657]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@TheFishingMommy]

I’m so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@joncalvo3591]

GREAT instructional , Gorgeous Mom !

[@TheFishingMommy]

Well thanks very much!

[@jorgeu111]

And I was here crying about my 60 lbs kayak

[@TheFishingMommy]

my secret is I’m ✨stubborn✨

[@riversandcoffee]

This is great.... nice work...thanks for posting 🙂✌

[@amandajones4615]

You’re amazing..this video was so helpful!! I go by myself a lot and usually bring just a float because i can never figure out how to load this thing alone lol

[@TheFishingMommy]

Aw thanks, I am SO happy this video was helpful for you!! Hoping now you’ll be able to get out there and go kayak whenever you want!

[@bestever5511]

I bought a cheap rubber backed door mat and lay it on the roof. Set the Yak on the door mat, lift it up and twist it on the racks. I also tie it down using a strap around the middle handles.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Yep great tips!

[@ambush360]

Very nice job! I also have a Countryman, but I have a tandem Oasis that I put on mine. So I know the struggle.

[@TheFishingMommy]

oooh that’s a longboi

[@gloriareynolds8811]

I'm totally impressed! I have a 23pd SUP and I struggle getting it loaded on top of my Outback. Good job!!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Haha thanks! Maybe try this method? What makes it work so well is that you’re never actually lifting the full weight of the yak (or SUP).

[@gloriareynolds8811]

What is the accessory you use on the end of your kayak that looks like a yoga block?

[@TheFishingMommy]

@@gloriareynolds8811 that’s actually a loading block that came with the kayak.

[@nmolinaro62]

Well done.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Nick Molinaro thanks!

[@TheGungie]

for a person with a major mobility issue i thank you for this

[@TheFishingMommy]

happy it may help!

[@hobieone9833]

I use a bathroom rug with rubber backing to protect the roof surface at the oem roof rack.

[@TheFishingMommy]

That’s a good tip! Thanks for watching!

[@mgw444]

Nice! Thanks!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Thanks for watching! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@HeelznBarbellz]

This was the best loading video I’ve seen so far! Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to pick up my kayak today!!!! ☀️

[@TheFishingMommy]

Glad you liked it-Good luck & have a blast with your new kayak!

[@yobee5779]

Thanks.

[@doomslayerforever2858]

hey thanks for the pro tip on twisting the straps cause that noise it makes can drive you nuts after 5 mins

[@TheFishingMommy]

haha yes indeed!

[@richardkandalec4128]

This works if the kayak bottom is flat but mine is not. I need the extra foam supports to keep it secure on my rack which adds more problems getting them up and over them. .

[@TheFishingMommy]

Oh hmmm, mine isn’t flat either, but I guess some have really deep chines like a catamaran?

[@Corkfish1]

A couple of hints, first many of the hobie rudder assembly's are easy to remove. I suggest you take them off before loading or unloading them in case you drop the end and it lands on the rudder. The other thing to consider is to make sure the window is down ( and maybe even keep the door open if you can).

[@TheFishingMommy]

Thanks! I actually bought a truck since I filmed this. The way the 2019 Outback rudder is made, it looks like the boat will land on it if dropped, but it really doesn’t. It sits almost entirely up in the pocket between the chines.

[@OfficeofthePacific]

I just got a new Outback and dropped mine on the rudder. At the beginning of the video your foam protector folded up and your rudder was resting on the ground... that can't be good for it. Great effort. Thanks

[@TheFishingMommy]

Office of the Pacific yep that protector thing folds up really easily and nope I’m sure it’s not good for the rudder to be on the pavement! I’m actually about to buy my first-ever truck for this very reason, even though I can only realistically kayak May-October here where we live!

[@OfficeofthePacific]

@@nascar427 I did a similar video, but changed it up a bit. This gal did a good job though, I was impressed other than a couple of nuiances.

[@spencerboaz2385]

I would add if you have folding mirrors fold them in first . When the kayak does slip and fall it will take your mirror with it . A car mirror is from $ 100 to $800 depending on what you drive . I was lucky it was an older Ford truck and was able to find one at a wrecking yard for $65 . And for my 2024 Outback that mirrors do everything you can imagine , , , I don't even want to guess what that would cost .

[@TheFishingMommy]

That’s a good idea! I have a truck now & don’t car top anymore-had a bad slip of the yak and it cost me more than a few hundred bucks in mirror replacement.

[@OldLadyAngler]

Good job. You're much stronger than I am. I don't think I'd be able to get that nose up there. I used the same procedure when I car topped my slayer. Do you use a bow and stern rope on your longer hauls?

[@TheFishingMommy]

I can't believe I'm stronger than you buuuut I may possibly be more stubborn? LOL It is pretty heavy but this method works well.. the one issue is the rudder placement on this boat, because you always end up dragging it a bit. Yes I DO use a bow and stern rope, or at the very least one or the other) if I'm going more than probably 10 miles or so. I should have included that in the video but honestly I was dizzy from the heat at that point in the afternoon!! (AND I'm on my way to FL in the morning where I bet it's the same temp!)

[@OldLadyAngler]

@@TheFishingMommy Yeah my rudder takes a beating too but it's tough. YES.... you should be somewhat acclimated to our weather!! Just walked outside to get the mail. Broke a sweat! haha!

[@gaylabaker8346]

Great method -- thank you. This will really help me. However, one note --- your straps have CAM buckles, not ratchets. There is a big difference, as ratchet straps cinch too tightly and can damage the boat.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Gayla Baker yes you’re exactly right about the straps!! I realized later that I had misspoken. I’m actually going to do a new loafing & transport video soon because I recently bought my very first truck 🙌🏽 and a unique rack/tonneau cover system.

[@TheFishingMommy]

you’re commenting that under a comment that said exactly that-and which I acknowledged almost a year ago was a slip of the tongue ;)

[@chesterswingjr9796]

You should check out the suction cup roller that attaches to the back upper window of your rear hatch. It’s called a Seattle Sports Sherpak Boat Roller. Bass Pro Shops sells them for $39.99. It might be an easier option for you.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Thanks! I actually just bought my first truck, so this is no longer an issue :)

[@mialily206]

I am glad I scrolled comments because yours is a great problem solver! This video shows the wheels being of no use just added weight and rudder and keel damage very possible. Yikes😬 On the plus side it gives people confidence that loading a kayak is not impossible for any height.

[@chesterswingjr9796]

@@mialily206 - There’s videos of the Seattle Sports Sherpak loader on KZbin. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s sells them for $39.99. You can buy them elsewhere (Amazon, Walmart, etc), but there’re $49.99. It’s a much easier alternative than trying to manhandle it on the roof, if you’re a smaller person.

[@mialily206]

@@chesterswingjr9796 yes I immediately checked them out at Bass Pro. Thanks for that!

[@chesterswingjr9796]

@@mialily206 - No problem. Good luck with your kayak!!!

[@OfficeofthePacific]

I figured out a new way. Use a yoga pad (99 cent store $2.99) set it on the concrete. Turn the yak upside down... have a movers blanket clipped to the back of the vehicle and push it up. That way there is no worries on the rudder... ever. I will video it next week. Great job on yours!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Office of the Pacific oh that’s interesting! I’ll look forward to checking out your video on that.

[@OfficeofthePacific]

@@TheFishingMommy awesome. Take care. Fish on, till the end!

[@bobbyg6662]

ppppssssttttt....that's a cam strap not a ratchet strap and I am glad you said something about putting a twist in the strap. I had to teach myself that cause that hum can get annoying really quick

[@TheFishingMommy]

+Bobby G you are right!! I always get the two confused and I know the other one is what you DON’T want! And yes that hum is awful; sometimes even with a twist it’s not enough and I drive off like NNNNNNNNN. Nope. LOL!

[@cherylgillis8720]

Not a mom ... but. . I too is short and stubby, little blonde .. . Thanks for this video ... major help ✌✌😀😀😀

[@TheFishingMommy]

You’re very welcome, I’m glad it was helpful for you!!

Y a sin es como se parte el timón de un Hobie Outback Gracias por enseñarme a como no hacerlo...😅😅

[@Kurokyura]

beast mode

[@TheFishingMommy]

lol that’s what my husband says

[@fryeguy9939]

Do you put a 2x4 board across the end on one side to prevent it from scratching the car top ... That's what I do..

[@TheFishingMommy]

That would work! I didn’t ever touch the car with the kayak in this method because of the way my racks were situated. But since this video was filmed, I actually bought a truck, so I’m transporting it in the truck bed nowadays.

[@matthewdillon1210]

OMG. Awesome. I have a Subaru Crosstrek and want to get into Kayak Fishing, but have been overwhelmed with what method should I use to transport. Do you ever tie down the front and back?

[@TheFishingMommy]

I do on longer trips, yes. This particular lake is only 10 miles away so I usually didn’t use extra lines.

[@matthewdillon1210]

Was bouncing between the Subaru standard crossbar with a kayak holder and the nicer Thule one. Going with the bigger Thule one after watching this. Can use with a luggage bag as well. Now to pick out a kayak…..

[@TheFishingMommy]

@@matthewdillon1210 haha well I have to say, if it’s in the budget, in my opinion there’s no better all-around kayak than an Outback! I own 5 kayaks, not including a couple inflatables for my kids, and to be nothing else comes close. I actually sold a valuable collectible to buy my Outback! 😅 BUT there are a lot of great options out there depending on what kind of fishing you’re looking to do, and your budget.

[@10ce213]

Thanks for the video, How long is your Kayak?

[@TheFishingMommy]

12’6”. Thanks for watching!

[@RyanLeary]

What is the block on the back of the kayak that you are using to pivot and protect the boat?

[@TheFishingMommy]

Hi, great question. That’s a loading block that comes with the Hobie Outback when you buy it.

[@bestever5511]

Sweet heart, ya gotta take the cart off first! Yes. This is the easiest and most economical way to load a KAyak. I'm 68 and do it all the time.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Haha yes you are right, I forgot to take off the cart first that day! 🤪🤪

[@MarkoAbo]

Wow, I'm impressed. Why not pick up a couple of rack saddles to rest your yak on? Would be a lot safer for the kayak up there. Great job!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Thanks! Actually since the time of this video a lot has happened and now I have a truck for transporting my kayak :)

[@jessdruze]

What brand of trolley cart is that and how do you like it? My kayak is only 45 pounds but still very awkward to carry to and from the water.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Thanks for your question! It’s a Ctug and i LOVE it! Definitely worth the somewhat higher price tag.

[@joyatidebnath5086]

Where did you get the cart? I like that cart.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Thanks! It’s a C-Tug, here’s the link: www.amazon.com/dp/B00KX5A7NW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_ETNG0NJD37N7967Q57CV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@TheMrpalid]

You shouldn’t be putting the boat directly on the bars. Bars can dig in when you tighten. You should be loading it upside down or use a kayak carrier on your rack

[@TheFishingMommy]

I bought a truck anyway, but thanks :) ps bars won’t dig in if you don’t overtighten the straps - especially not on Hobie plastic

[@anglersoman]

طريقة جميلة ورائعة

[@TheKotik32]

Isn't this way (hull down directly on cross bars) not recommended by Hobie manufacturer?

[@TheFishingMommy]

I think they recommend hull up for transport but to be honest I don’t think it’s remotely practical to expect people to flip over a 100 pound kayak, and have to flip it back over, every time you load/unload. I’ve driven thousands of miles with my kayak hull side down on rails (both on the car & now on a specialized truck rail setup) & don’t have even a hint of hull deformation.

[@djsupafly1]

To get rid of the road buzz the straps make, simply twist the ropes half way on each side that is loose and it will make it go away! Truckers do this all the time.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Yep! Thought I mentioned that but maybe I forgot! It’s a great tip.

[@LifeBehindBars_2017]

there goes your rudder. you'd have an easier time if the kayak was almost parallel to the car with just a bit of an angle. all you'd have to do is lift the bow and push it sideways so you can rest it on the cross bar and the side bar. then lift the rear from there.

[@TheFishingMommy]

+LaMadrid81 the rudder is protected by the little grey plastic thing Hobie provides for just that purpose. I started out doing the parallel thing but for some reason I find it very difficult to control/reach the grab handles from that position. so now I use a sharper angle.

[@LifeBehindBars_2017]

@@TheFishingMommy yeah its protected by the load assist block when its in the down position and not when its flipped up like how you had it. RIP rudder @1:35

[@thiodorchalkias8906]

I follow this technique, but I scratch the "tail" of my kayak and the steering fin as well...😢

[@TheFishingMommy]

Maybe bring a towel, outdoor pillow or some sort of foam to put on the ground to prevent that? The Outback has a load assist piece that’s meant to prevent that issue, though to be honest it’s not the best at it!

[@thiodorchalkias8906]

Maybe if I transfer the wheels nearest to the kayak "tail" I will avoid it. Thanks, be well all the time every time!!! Best regards from Hellas (Greece)

[@kristinel6352]

You're brave. I'd be so afraid it would slip and scratch the vehicle!

[@TheFishingMommy]

+Kristine L yeah, lots of people use a towel or a bathroom rug with rubber backing to protect the car’s finish. My car is low enough to the ground that I can get it on the first try pretty consistently!

[@lisarigatti9716]

Have you gone highway speed with the kayak secured only by the straps?

[@TheFishingMommy]

Yes. How else do you secure a kayak other than straps? I also would add a bow and stern line if I was going a bit further.

[@lisarigatti9716]

ONLY using the straps in your video is not the same as adding bow and stern tow-straps

[@TheFishingMommy]

Right. Yes I’ve gone highway speeds using ONLY the straps. And also, I sometimes used bow and stern lines. Which weren’t tow straps, they’re just paracord. Am I answering your question or am I misunderstanding? Like did you mean “do you add foam blocks” or...something like that?

[@lisarigatti9716]

Thanks, yeah. I’ll consider the tow lines on the next ride.

[@reiverone]

I would of had a piece of carpet where you placed the front of the kayak on the roof of the mini.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Yep that’s a good suggestion! It’s hard to see in the video, but with my specific setup, the kayak really never touched the finish of the car; it leaned right on the side rails.

[@butt0nmash674]

How is that crossbar working out?

[@TheFishingMommy]

it worked great! i have since bought a truck though, so i transport my yak in it now.

[@toripurgers9769]

That keel/finne at the end won't last long when you put all the weight on it.

[@TheFishingMommy]

You mean the rudder? There’s a removable loading assist block (the grey thing attached to the rear handle) but it sometimes folds. What you can’t really see in the video is that there actually is also a keel forward of the rudder, and it’s slightly lower than the stowed rudder, so it takes most of the weight instead.

[@yaady2366]

@@TheFishingMommy when u pulled it forward u gave it a good wack tho. I line up my boat to where the kick stand is near the middle and just rotate the bow up pivoting on that keel protector.

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

This method is how I load my Wilderness Systems Tsunami 165 into the J cradles on my minivan. Because of the rudder, I load the rear up first and then the bow. Just be sure when loading you keep the cockpit between the cradles, because it's the center of gravity and if you load it too far off to one side or the other it could fall.

[@TheFishingMommy]

I’ve never had J cradles (my kayak is too heavy for most) so thanks for this info!

[@albertduran8855]

Lol time to get a small pickup

[@TheFishingMommy]

hahah yeah I know, I actually BROKE MY NOSE unloading it. Ahem. (So, yeah that is actually why I felt like I should record this video--to help people do this without smashing their faces)

[@albertduran8855]

@@TheFishingMommy wow!!! Well it good that u got it figured out without more pain.

[@anatofind2830]

You give me hope. I just purchased my first kayak (about 47lbs) and have no idea how I am gonna put that on top of my car

[@TheFishingMommy]

You got this! Just take it slow, go from the side and lift then pivot :)

[@anatofind2830]

@@TheFishingMommy what’s that little squarish thing you have at the end of the kayak? I have seen some people using some type of handle/stopper at the end, but have no idea what it is

[@TheFishingMommy]

That’s a Hobie accessory that’s included with the sale of a Hobie Outback kayak. It’s called a loading assist block, I think? The reason it’s needed is because of the position of the rudder on this model of kayak. Most don’t really need it unless you’ve got a rudder that could be damaged by pivoting on the rear of your boat. If you’re conserved though, you could just use a carpet scrap or even a folded up beach towel :)

[@TheFishingMommy]

concerned, not conserved lol

[@anatofind2830]

@@TheFishingMommy thank you!!! I hope I can load my kayak on my own 😭😭😭

[@BDENTON64]

Why not just put some protection over car door and use that as your "third hand"?

[@TheFishingMommy]

It could close, or the kayak could slip & bust the door or window… my specific kayak is really heavy! Also I never needed to, really, because my roof racks extended out an extra couple inches. (I have since bought a truck btw)

[@bluesnkayak2049]

Poor car roof. Never seen a carrier slider?

[@TheFishingMommy]

What do you mean, poor car roof? The kayak never touched or scratched the finish of the car because the bars extended a bit wider than the roof. Not sure what a carrier slider is, but I did actually try to buy a Rhino loader and it wasn’t compatible with my existing bars.

[@bluesnkayak2049]

@@TheFishingMommy Well, maybe you are very skilled but the technique you use bumps and scratches in the frame can be the consequence. A better way because more secure - is to use load assistence systems i. e. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn2yqaSpeJqAeqc or www.thule.com/en-us/winter-and-water-sports-carriers/kayak-roof-racks/thule-hullavator-pro-_-1685448 I use them both but do prefer the latter one.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Oh I’m definitely not very skilled, a few months after I filmed this, I tried a different method that I’d seen on KZbin and ended up breaking my nose and orbital bones. Check out that video too lol I bought a truck this year.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Blues ́n Kayak by the way, that hullavator is for kayaks up to 75lbs. My Outback weighs 87lbs unrigged. So, not applicable, regardless.

[@Ben-by1hp]

The rudder was srapping when she dragged it in the bebining.... There's better ways to do this !

[@gerardyoutube3826]

Nooooo..

[@bryine.willis8683]

>

[@Kickthelighter]

Thats not very good on the rudder. Keep an eye on it!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Yeah, it does look bad! Fortunately the way the Outback is designed, the rudder actually sits way up into the chines, so even though it looks like I’m dropping it right on the rudder, it’s not as bad as it looks! But I actually did buy a truck this summer anyway 😀 so I no longer load like this!

[@panisz4968]

And this is how you scratch your roof..faking hell what a fail

[@TheFishingMommy]

Maybe you didn’t notice the bars extend out past the side of the vehicle. No scratches!