Can you load your kayak on top of your car by yourself? I am planning on buying a kayak on the upcoming month or so but have some questions about loading it solo. I mostly fish alone...

FS Digest

I am planning on buying a kayak on the upcoming month or so but have some questions about loading it solo. I mostly fish alone so I’m going to have to get it on the roof of my CRV by myself. I’m 6 feet tall and relatively athletic but not necessarily the strongest person. Anyone else load it alone? Any tips? What length/model/make is your kayak? Should I look into an ultralight model or would a regular 10-12 foot yak be doable? Thanks in advance.

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by Publius1993

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I suspect it will be like lifting 100 lbs up over your head and stowing it on the roof of your vehicle. if you can do thatr, you have notrhing to worry about. Justr Sayin...RJS

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

As long as you don’t buy too heavy a kayak, nor have a van with a lift kit you should be okay. I have had a shoulder replacement on one, had the other cleaned out and have no issue putting both of ours on my 4 Runner. I use J style carriers and ratchet straps on my 11’ Olde Town and my Wife’s Sun Dolphin.

JohnG Loc: Long Island NY.

I use a roll bar to assist in getting my 13ft Hobie Revo on my SUV. It’s still not easy but doable. In all honestly by the end of the day I’m shot. Lifting it on and off, fishing for hours, and doing it all over to get it home takes a lot out of me. But I am pushing 70.....

tmhdgpth Loc: Farnham, VA on Rappahannock River

I use non-folding j-style Malone racks on my 2018 Outback, one per roof rack. I added a small steel angle (Lowes, Home Depot) leg down to the underside end of each of two 8' 1x4. The down leg of the angles go into the slot below the "Malone" name. That leaves the 1x4s at an angle with the other end resting on the ground beside the car - (very important) and protecting the side of the car. I put the kayak - tandem 75 lbs.- bottom up, against the 1x4s and slide the kayak up, and flip it over the platform/rest. I have to change hand position from underhand to overhand at chest high, then move them under the side of the kayak to flip it over the platform before tying it down. Reverse to get the kayak off. I'm 6', but 70 yrs.old and it's a bit of a chore is all, nothing that'll ruin your day. Put the 1x4s either in the kayak or tie to your roof racks. Good luck!!

WiBob Loc: NE Wisconsin

Lots of variables will make this a very personal decision. I can throw my 40 pound 10 footer wherever I want it, but I really don't enjoy trying to get my 85 pound fishing kayak on top of the minivan.

Elefantdude Loc: Oxnard, CA

FS Digest wrote:

I am planning on buying a kayak on the upcoming month or so but have some questions about loading it solo. I mostly fish alone so I’m going to have to get it on the roof of my CRV by myself. I’m 6 feet tall and relatively athletic but not necessarily the strongest person. Anyone else load it alone? Any tips? What length/model/make is your kayak? Should I look into an ultralight model or would a regular 10-12 foot yak be doable? Thanks in advance.

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by Publius1993

I had a Subaru Forester with Yakima bars on top that I would life my Hobie Revolution kayaks on, by myself. I am 5'8" 180 lbs and had no problem and I was well into my 50's. I love the Hobie Revos because they were the lighter model over the Outback and the Pro Angler, which are TANKS! LOL! I would shop around and buy what you are comfortable with. I was very comfortable with the Hobie Revolutions because of their weight and speed on the water.

tony hopp

I loaded my kayak on to my 4-Runner by myself. I can't think of the name of my rack right off but it had a bar that was tucked away on the left rear rack and it slid out about 3' . You put the bow on it and then lifting the stern and you just pushed it on the rack. Very easy.

Papa Jack Loc: Indianapolis

I have a 10 foot kayak that I transport on the roof of my suv. I put an old rug of towel over the back of my suv I then only have to lift the front end of the kayak to the top of the suv then push it onto the top of the vehicle. The rug protects the suv and you do not have to lift the entire weight of the kayak There is a video on YouTube that demonstrates this process. This is where I learned this technique. It works well.

Elefantdude Loc: Oxnard, CA

Papa Jack wrote:

I have a 10 foot kayak that I transport on the roof of my suv. I put an old rug of towel over the back of my suv I then only have to lift the front end of the kayak to the top of the suv then push it onto the top of the vehicle. The rug protects the suv and you do not have to lift the entire weight of the kayak There is a video on YouTube that demonstrates this process. This is where I learned this technique. It works well.

Good process for loading the yak on top of a vehicle, PapaJack :-) I used to do it that way but one thing you need to be aware of is it can slide to any side while lifting the rear up and your kayak will come crashing down on its' side. I resorted to lifting it up and loading it on top of the bars from the side again after that.
Nice crappie on your profile picture , BTW :-)

PierRat904 Loc: St. Augustine

Popa Jack is right. I anchor the carpet by putting it under the top of the lift gate. Still is a real tussle lifting it up, but it is do-able.

Gorgeguy Loc: The Dalles, OR

I load a 12' Portabote on my wife's Equinox to haul behind the motor home. It weighs about 90#. She has a roof rack to I pick up one end and get it on the cross bar and then get the other end and slide it forward. I am only lifting about half the weight since one end is always on the ground or on the roof rack. By the way, I am 73.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

FS Digest wrote:

I am planning on buying a kayak on the upcoming month or so but have some questions about loading it solo. I mostly fish alone so I’m going to have to get it on the roof of my CRV by myself. I’m 6 feet tall and relatively athletic but not necessarily the strongest person. Anyone else load it alone? Any tips? What length/model/make is your kayak? Should I look into an ultralight model or would a regular 10-12 foot yak be doable? Thanks in advance.

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by Publius1993

I'm 76 and quit loading my yak on top of my 2005 Chevy Equinox. Now I tow it with my electric bike. It's so much easier.

depwarden Loc: Allentown, Pa.

I generally fish from my Wilderness Systems Pamlico 100. With the way I have it rigged for fishing, it weighs 50 pounds. I’m 5’ 6” tall and weigh 120 pounds and I have no problem lifting my kayak onto my Jeep Wrangler. I hope this gives you a little insight. Good luck. You’ll love fishing from your kayak.

Fallbrook Ken Loc: San Diego California

FS Digest wrote:

I am planning on buying a kayak on the upcoming month or so but have some questions about loading it solo. I mostly fish alone so I’m going to have to get it on the roof of my CRV by myself. I’m 6 feet tall and relatively athletic but not necessarily the strongest person. Anyone else load it alone? Any tips? What length/model/make is your kayak? Should I look into an ultralight model or would a regular 10-12 foot yak be doable? Thanks in advance.

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by Publius1993

I’m 75 and out of shape. I load a 14’ 85 pound canoe onto my SUV with a little help from my wife and Tuli roof rack system an their protective sliding Matt. I first tip up the front of the canoe onto the front Tuli rack , which holds it there. I protect my paint job with their protective Matt . Then I lift the back end onto the roof rack, get it all lined up and tie it down. Taking it off is the same procedure in reverse. So far I Have my wife hold it while I change ends but I’m sure I could rig some strapping to hold it. It’s a bit of a hassle but totally doable