How to Load Two Hobie Kayaks on Roof Racks

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Fit conventional "square bar" or "aero bar" roof racks to your vehicle

   Lubricate it as necessary.
   
   This forms a loading bar for the kayak. ,,, One kayak is supported by J-bars and the other loaded upside down, adjacent to the first. ,, Experiment to determine the optimum location of the kayak, relative to the car and loading bar. , eg 87 centimeter (34.3 in) ,, This is to protect it when the other end is lifted. , It should now be in a sloped position with one end on the ground and the other on the loading bar. ,,, Adjust it into its final position. ,,,
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   Step 2: as recommended by the roof rack supplier.

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   Step 3: Purchase an extendable tent pole.

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   Step 4: Purchase hose clamps.

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   Step 5: Purchase a hollow "pool noodle".

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   Step 6: In an unextended state

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   Step 7: use the hose clamps to clamp the tent pole to one of the roof rack bars

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   Step 8: with the locking screw and the bottom of the pole projecting from the end of the roof rack bar.

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   Step 9: Loosen the locking screw and check that the pole can be extended and retracted freely.

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    Step 10: Cut a section of pool noodle to slide over the extended pole (now acting as a loading bar for the kayak).

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    Step 11: Buy a locking pin

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    Step 12: drill a hole through the inner tent pole tube (near the base with a plastic cap)

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    Step 13: and fit the locking pin such that the pool noodle won't slide off.

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    Step 14: Fit "J bars" for one kayak and fit them to the roof rack bars.

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    Step 15: Load the lightest kayak

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    Step 16: such as the Hobie "sports" model

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    Step 17: onto the J-bars.

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    Step 18: To load a heavier kayak

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    Step 19: such as the Hobie "outback" model

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    Step 20: place it on the ground next to the car

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    Step 21: parallel with the car

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    Step 22: upside down if it is a Hobie kayak.

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    Step 23: Extend the tent pole out to act as a loading bar

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    Step 24: to a length sufficient to load one end of the kayak onto it.

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    Step 25: Fit pool noodle and locking pin to hold it in place.

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    Step 26: Place some padding under the end of the kayak that will not be lifted (ie the end furthest away from the loading bar).

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    Step 27: Raise the end of the kayak and gently rest it on the loading bar.

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    Step 28: Adjust the kayak to ensure it is evenly balanced and stable.

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    Step 29: Raise the other end to the same height as the loading bar.

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    Step 30: Gently "walk" the kayak along the loading bar and onto the roof rack

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    Step 31: by consecutively moving each end onto the roof rack bars.

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    Step 32: Tie-off the kayak.

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    Step 33: To unload

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    Step 34: reverse this process.

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    Step 35: Leave the tent pole permanently fitted to the roof rack.

Detailed Guide

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