FS Digest

I am about to buy my first kayak tomorrow and I do not know much about them. I have a 2018 VW Jetta so I know I need to buy the bars for the top of my car. Bass pro shop has them for like 160. Question is should I be fine with that and using straps? Or would a j hook or j rack I think its called be better?? And is there anything that I do not know about that will come in handy. Thank you all!

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by DumbBiscuette

bric Loc: Helena, MT

I am pretty knew to kayaks. Been around’em a bit borrowed friends boats. There are some options for car top transport from less expensive foam blocks that will protect car top vs a rack system. Those J racks are nice for more than one boat, but more $$. Google or check Amazon lots of options.

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

First, what condition are you
in ? Can you lift a kayak to your car's roof level without straining or injuring yourself ? If you think
you might need assistance to
load/unload your kayak, that would be a major consideration
regarding the rack you want !

There are load-assisting kayak racks on the market that help
with that chore - the best-priced
one I've seen on the 'net' is the Yakima 'Showdown' model for around $200; Thule also has
load-assisting racks, but for
considerably more money (near $1,500) ! For more info, look for 'load-assisting kayak mounts' on Google - there are several brands
out there that should fit your needs and your budget ! Keep in mind that most of these racks may require that your vehicle already have some form of roof rack or load support bars to mount them safely and properly !

bric Loc: Helena, MT

Big A - good advice. I’ve seen those load assist racks.

Jeremy Loc: America

Big A nailed it. Trailer down low to ground or the roof rack Big A is suggesting would be the way to go. Buy a place on the water would also make for easier when it comes to getting Yak to the water.

Many Modern cars do not have the gutter rail so the mounting is a whole new style.

mccarthyges

I put my Kayak on a Nissan Altima using Malone Standard Foam Block Universal Car Top Canoe Carrier Kit $37.75 on Amazon. Suggest you go the inexpensive route till you know what you want long-term.
If you are driving long-distance + 1 hour to kayak then you probably do want to buy a more substantial rack now.