How to put a kayak on a car without scratching?

[The Young Gun]

Hey guys, i'm looking at getting a pelican catch 120 yak. But my problem is, I have a new car and I really don't want to scratch it! its a 70# yak so I woujld have to slide it on or be able to do it alone, is there anyway to not scratch my car but load and unload easily? Thanks for any advice!

[Scott F]

Get a piece of carpeting, a rug or a blanket to throw over the car to protect it while loading and unloading.

[sully99]

If you don't want to install a rack a cheep alternative is to use two pool noodles. 

[flyfisher]

practice lifting and doing the motion.  Loading and cartopping a kayak is more about technique than strength.  I load by 85lb kayak on top of my wrangler (with a rack) with no issues.  I would also invest in a rack system as that will lessen your chances of scratching a ton.

[YourBassIsGrass]

A moving pad works nicely if you are using foam blocks. You can slide the thing all over and not worry. The other option is use a loader. If you have a trailer hitch you can mount the loader in and easily lift and load.

http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-7018100-Canoe-Loader/dp/B0024FOTOW

[buzzed bait]

i've seen a lot of guys put a blanket or something soft on the trunk and close it in the trunk.  then they can slide it up without the blanket moving one bit.  seems like a really easy solution.

and i agree with flyfisher in that it's more of the process than strength.  i would highly suggest you try this a number of times by yourself at your house before you ever hit the road and try it on the ramp.  will save you time and frustration.  also keep in mind that sometimes you may have no alternative but to load it up while your car is on an angle so try that too to make sure you've got your process all figured out.  

i have a truck now, but used to load my kayak up on the top of a toyota camry.  it just took some practice to figure out the best way to do it, but after a short while i was a pro at it.

[webertime]

Carpets, noodles and foam all will catch dirt/dust and can scratch the paint it's inevitable.  Invest in a rack and save your car.  Racks can be sold later on and you can recoup most of your money.

[Choporoz]

I use racks, but to get from ground to top, I do have to lay along top rear edge of the car.  I keep an old sweatshirt in the back of the Durango and lay it on the car, hanging down, before I put the kayak on the rack.  I stand the yak straight up, then lean it against the car (sweatshirt.)   I then raise the back of the yak until the front lays in the rear rack.  I'm sure there's a little sliding that goes on between the yak/shirt/car, but it is mostly just rested on the 'edge', like a fulcrum.

[FluffChucker]

I've got a 80-90lb kayak and an SUV. Basically that just means that it sucks to load the kayak up at the end of the day. What I've found helps a lot is Seattle Sports Sherpak Boat Roller. You stick the suction cups to the windows, put the nose of the kayak up on it, and slide the back end right up onto your foam blocks, blanket, or whatever you're using. . It's worked well for me over the past 3 years so it may be worth a look for you too.

[bralexander]

You have a bunch of good advice here, but from personal experience- Unless you get a rack, you will eventually scratch your car! I have carried kayaks and canoes on a plethora of cars. If I am very careful and don't scratch them on the way up, eventually there will be some sand or something trapped between the foam/blanket/noodles  that abrades the paint. I would not carry anything on a new car without a rack. A rack is a sound investment, in my opinion, and once you have one you will be surprised at how often it is useful in everyday shenanigans. 

Bruce 

[The Young Gun]

Whats the best rack for the money then? cheap but not terrible ??

[moguy1973]

Inno makes a relatively cheap rack (Compared to Thule and Yakima) and is what I had on my old car and what I use on my wife's SUV with factory rails.  Inno also comes with locks to lock the rack to the top of your car so it can't be stolen where Thule and Yakima are extra.

I got mine from ORSracksdirect.com

You really want a solid rack though because a buddy of mine bought a cheaper Malone rack and had it come lose at highway speed with 2 kayaks on top of his car.  He has a better rack now.

[webertime]

11 hours ago, The Young Gun said:

Whats the best rack for the money then? cheap but not terrible ??

Find out what racks from Thule and Yakima fit your vehicle.  Check Craigslist and local bike shops (often have spring swaps. I got mine for 75 at one...  saved 300.)  If you need help with figuring out the racks that you need, pm me.  I've got a ton of experience with the stuff.