Kayak hauling in a zx5

[austinpetemo]

I want to get in to some kayak fishing, but Im in need of a way to carry said kayak. I plan on getting a 10ft kayak but thats still too big to cram in the cabin so I have an excuse to buy a roof rack, oh darn. I dont have all to much monies though so I decided that redoing my stereo system and silencing road noise id persue this instead :P I like the kona but cant really afford it at the moment (well i could but then i wouldnt have kayak monies!) so is there any type of "cheap alternative" that would get the job done?

I know cheap is never synonymous with quality, but i live 2 miles from the bay so I dont need anything for serious drives at the moment/until i can get something better

[Sponsor]

[02fordsvt]

Cheap = screws in your car.

You'll be much better off waiting till you can afford a quality rack like the Kona or Yakima. Watch the BST section on this forum, sometimes a used one comes up for sale.

[bringler26]

the kona one is pretty much the cheapest solution.

[austinpetemo]

Originally Posted by 02fordsvt

Cheap = screws in your car.

You'll be much better off waiting till you can afford a quality rack like the Kona or Yakima. Watch the BST section on this forum, sometimes a used one comes up for sale.

But doesnt the kona screw into your car as well?

[02fordsvt]

Originally Posted by austinpetemo

But doesnt the kona screw into your car as well?

True, but into predrilled holes; at least the Svt's are predrilled for them, I can't confirm about non-svt models. Plus, the holes wont be visible and are away from anywhere that could leak.

[austinpetemo]

Just checked, mine arnt drilled but by looking i can tell where the holes should be at. But thats ok, Im pretty confident in my ability to put 4 self tapping screws in my car lol. It looks like i need to remove the hatch to attach the rear mounts, is this right?

[rambleon84]

Have you looked at foam blocks? I just saw a focus this weekend hauling a pretty long canoe using something like this:




Here is the first one that came up in google, im sure you can search for other ones too
http://www.drdcorp.com/roofracks/kayak-rack.htm

[Blue5ive]

I used the blocks for years for my kayak. Work great. Usually you can find them at stores like Academy, REI, Bass pro shops etc. Usually around $30-$40.

Couple notes when using blocks. The bottom of them blocks are usually rubber so make sure they are clean when you set them on the roof. If there is any grit/sand it will scratch the paint. So keep them clean. 2nd thing is when you attach the ratchet straps to the front and rear give them a twist or two. Reason is if when securing the shape you keep them flat with no twist they will vibrate at speed and make a loud annoying noise. The twist eliminates this noise. Of course this is if you get these.

[Blue5ive]

^That was b4 I had my Kona. Of course now I don't have my Kona but do have the Kona rack and will eventually put it on my zx5.

[austinpetemo]

You sure you dont want to sell that rack to me? Youre pretty close and all so there wouldnt be shipping involved