Whats the Best Canoe/Kayak Rack for a Nissan Sentra?

Question

Hey. I want to get into canoeing and kayaking. Unfortunately I don't have an SUV or truck, but Im thinking about getting a roof rack for a couple of kayaks for my 2003 Nissan Sentra. Any suggestions on what type to get...or where to get one? Thanks!

Answer 1

If you do it a lot, look at Yakima or Thule racks. Not interchangeable, but those are the big names in high-quality gear racks. Yaks, bikes, skiis, etc. For all kinds of different vehicles. Their websites can match your vehicles with your toy and give you the options. REI and NRS would both be good retailers and mail-order options.

Less convenient but much cheaper and more compact: there are dense foam saddles that fit the round bottom of a kayak and make it sit flat on a roof. About $10 each. REI has them. You'd use two per boat and place a strap over each one and the boat. Then run the straps through your windows or between the door and roof. This works best with one boat. With two boats, you want a spacer between the boats.

National rafting supply has great straps:

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1188

And good straps make a huge difference. DON'T use bungies. They won't hold against the cornering and aerodynamic forces. Get about 4 12-footers and 2 20-footers. Great for when you haul plywood, refridgerators, etc, too. (which I've done repeatedly on a Corolla).

If your boats are heavy for you to lift, there's a roller system that you place one end of the boat on. Then lift the other end and push it the rest of the way onto the roof. Then strap it down. You only have to lift half the boat weight at a time, even by yourself.