Getting Kayak on Roof

A

AGLCut26

New member
Joined
Jun 27, 2019
Messages
1
Fluid Motion Model
R-21
Vessel Name
Aurora
Hi all, my wife and I recently bought a new-to-us Cutwater C-26. We have a sit on top double kayak that we would like to store on the roof rails. The idea is to leave the swim step clear for fishing, crabbing, etc. It’s too heavy for my wife to lift over her head. Any tips for getting it on and off the roof? Are there any pulley or winch systems you would recommend for this purpose? Thank you.
 
Inflatable kayak and keep things simple. There are some inflatables that paddle as well or better than a sit on top. We have an Advanced Elements Convertible with deck and rigid floor. Paddles great and is light enough for me to haul up onto an R25 classic by myself. I'm 5'10", 185, and over 60. We also have a heavier Saturn 13 ft whitewater boat that I can muscle up there as well though a bit more of a struggle.
 
I agree with the others that good quality inflatable kayaks are a good way to go. We have been using two Advanced Elements "Advanced Frame" kayaks for about 15 years and their performance is excellent. Their current price on Amazon is $499 each. They weigh 36 pounds and their downside is that cleaning and drying after a saltwater trip is time-consuming.

This year I bought two Advanced Element "FireFly" inflatable kayaks on Amazon for $200 each. The Amazon price is a moving target, with the current price being $229. They weigh only 16 pounds each and they are much easier to clean and dry. Their performance is not quite as good as the heavier ones, but it is very acceptable. I am 6-feet tall and 200 pounds, and I fit comfortably inside the kayak with my shoes off. With shoes on, I am more comfortable with my knees raised because the bow is very narrow inside.

Our 21-foot two-person kayak is out of the question for boat trips. It has far superior performance, but its 85 pounds of fiberglass makes it hopeless to load onto the boat.

Marshall
 
I think the fiberglass double will be a challenge. We load 15 ft singles thru the bow walk and carry them across the bow deck and along the rail with one hand for the kayak and one for balance. That way only one person has to leave the bow deck. Might be easier if the front rail on the roof rack had a roller mounted and only the rear cross rail had the actual upright and cradle for holding the kayak. We just have typical fold down cradles on both cross bars that hold the kayaks on edge underway to give our solar panel access to sun.
 
Sorry if this s a slight highjack...

We’re considering an inflatable dinghy, specifically https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mar ... ecordNum=2

They’re on sale this weekend. If anyone has experience with this one or some other inflatable dinghy, I’d love to hear your experiences and/or opinions.

Thanks!
 
Michael,
Had one of West Marine roll-up inflatables - just like the one you referenced. It was included with our RT-25 Classic when we bought it. Hated how that dinghy rode in the water with the wiggly slat floor. Was really afraid of beaching it on anything other than a sandy beach. Sold it cheap!
Now have RIB which I'm not afraid to beach on rocky landings. Handles much better while underway. If I want my view back when stopped, I just release the two standoff rods and let the RIB sit in the water attached to the davits. That won't work in a really tight marina but it does work in most spots.
 
I have the Zodiac Cadet Fastroller. It has a high pressure floor so doesn't have the same wriggly slats issue. I have the Cadet RIB as well but that sits in the garage. I like being able to lug the dingy home when I'm not using it and that's not possible with the RIB unless I get a trailer. Note that the high pressure floor is easier to stand on then the RIB since its flat.

https://www.zodiac-nautic.com/en-us/sho ... astroller/
 
We use a St. Croix Little Crane to lift and lower our Malibu Two Ocean Kayak between the water and roof rack. Rated at 135 pounds and swivels. Has a 7:1 lift. Pictures in my album.
 
Like Crewdog we bought the Sea Eagle 370. Found that it can be carried in the cockpit of our R-27 ob fully inflated. It lies on its side with the nose up against the rear of the cabin with the back end sticking out the gate. No problem stepping over it if needed. Haven't figured out a good way to secure it to the roof yet, but we are working on it.
 
shrh676":griioing said:
Like Crewdog we bought the Sea Eagle 370. Found that it can be carried in the cockpit of our R-27 ob fully inflated. It lies on its side with the nose up against the rear of the cabin with the back end sticking out the gate. No problem stepping over it if needed. Haven't figured out a good way to secure it to the roof yet, but we are working on it.
Click to expand...

Yes, many people have discussed this methods for the R23 and R27/OB. If you can live with this way it's a better choice than placing on the cabin roof IMO.

I now have the R29 CB and I keep my SeaEagle FasTrack 375 deflated in its bag on the starboard side of the forecastle secured to the bow railings. I have the battery pack for easy inflation which can be done on the bow and when inflated can be heaved over the side and moved back to the swim step for boating etc.

I could easily store the bag on the swim step, in the cockpit or up on the Command Bridge between the seating.

I may also try inflating it and attaching it to outside of the Command Bridge port side railing with sturdy J hooks that can be rotated flat when not in use.
 
I have the west marine roll up dingy. Works very well for me. For short trips I store it on the swim platform tied on with lines. I use a Suzuki 2.5 HP 4 stroke to push it. Holds three people.
 
Boatagain":241dhs9m said:
Sorry if this s a slight highjack...

We’re considering an inflatable dinghy, specifically https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mar ... ecordNum=2

They’re on sale this weekend. If anyone has experience with this one or some other inflatable dinghy, I’d love to hear your experiences and/or opinions.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I got this https://www.marinesuperstore.com/tenders-accessories/tenders/3d-superlight-tender-twin-air (the 230)

I used it last week and it works really well. 30 lbs. I strapped it sideways on top of the R-27OB bimini (to keep the solar panels uncovered). I can get it up there without any help, although it's a lot easier with two people. It is also really easy to deflate and pack up. Came with a really nice carry bag, and the folded dinghy actually fits in it. Also came with a nice foot pump. I was really impressed with it. Quite stable and no problem for two people.

I also got a Suzuki 2.5 outboard for it, but now I'm questioning whether I will ever use it. It will make the dinghy move, but not plane, and I don't think I'd want to plane this dinghy anyway. It's pretty small and has no keel. But it rows really easily.
 
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