cmaponte

Hi everybody:

I'm looking to combine my two favorite "sports"; driving my P5 and Kayaking. I'm taking the boat using the factory installed racks and ties. Want to use saddles, stacker, or rollers. Yakima people says I need to buy towers and rods ($$$) to use their equipment.

If there is any way install Kayak saddles to the factory racks?

Any recommendation?

Thanks...

Opus

I just started a thread on this not too long ago, check it out.

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...threadid=24010

The Thule saddles are still working great, mount tightly and are quick to remove.

cmaponte

Thanks...

This is exactly what I was looking for.

My boats are recreational Kayaks (Pamlico 160 and Pungo).
I'm not in the composite league yet...

Opus

Pungos are fun. Most of the time I'm just paddling around the lakes, so I was actually looking to get a Pungo or a 15' boat. But the deal on this boat (used) was just too good to pass up.

These saddles have an adjustable angle on them. What really helps me load onto my P5 is to loosen the saddles on one side until they lie flat, saves you from hefting the boat over them.

cmaponte

Yes, who needs an SUV???

Check-out my new Thule Saddles...

Thanks OPUS for the information.

Kayaking anyone???

Pheaven

That is a sweet! I don't do any kayaking now but after looking at that setup I might take up the sport. How much was the Thule Saddles?

Opus

I think they were about $60 for a pair, two pairs per kayak.

As for kayaking, go for it! It's the most relaxing (flatwater) and exciting (whitewater) watersport out there. A good place to start is looking for local clubs or even guided tours. Alot of places offer instruction too.

When you go to buy a boat, it's best to have some experience paddling first. That way you can go out a rent a particular model and give it a good best before you commit to it.

Pheaven

Kayaking sounds like fun. I'm going to check this out. Do you think there is enough room on top for a second kayak?

Opus

Probably not enough for two kayaks with the saddles, unless you add aftermarket crossbars. The factory rack's just a little too narrow. You can buy a kayak stacker that lets you stand the kayaks on their sides next to each other. The rack is rated to something like 140lbs, so you should be okay as long as you're not carrying two 17 foot polyethylene boats.

The other rack I considered was the Thule Hull-o-port. It's kind of an angled holder. Two of those might fit.

Take a look at a Pungo if you just want something to scoot around lakes, they're not the prettiest but they're very easy to paddle, stable, and fairly cheap. I've tried a few of the other Wilderness Systems boats too, they're very good.

Here's some good links:
Oregon kayak club http://www.okcc.org/
http://www.kayakonline.com/oregon.html
www.wildernesssystems.com

Pheaven

Opus

Thanks alot for the information. I took a kayak class a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I talked to my girlfriend and she wants to get into kayaking as well. Hopefully we will have a good summer after the very wet winter we had in the Northwest.

cmaponte

The boat in my picture is a Pungo, I think it is the best entry level recreational Kayak. We also have a Pamlico 160 Tandem (double), it is heavier (+/-80 pounds), but the Thule/P5 setup can haddle it OK. Our Tandem has a third little seat for our 5 years old, very nice "family boat".
There is not enough space in the factory racks for two saddles, and you always need to consider the weight limit in the racks.
I bought the Thules for $54.00/set, with one strap. You will need two sets, and additional straps for the front and rear. They also fit into our minivan with factory racks.

We go Kayaking in lakes and here in NC around the barrier islands, prime waters from Kayaking We combine camping with Kayaking using our "big boat". You can load a lot of gear into these boats.
It is a great "Family activity".

sylvanlights

As a manager of a specialty outdoor store in Alberta, Canada I am very familiar with the options for hauling kayaks. Our store carries the Yakima product line, so I know it very well, and I have taken the time over the years to familiarize myself with Thule as well. Both companies make a great product, although each offer a few things that the other does not.

Both Yakima and Thule make the saddles pictured in the above posts. And both make a new style that is more of a "J" which takes up less bar space on your rack. Pheaven mentioned the need to carry more than one kayak, and this may just be the solution for him/her.

They also make a style which is essentially a vertical bar for both front and back bars (think inverted "T") which can be used to haul boats on edge. This will definitely carry two or even 3 boats on your car, but is designed with smaller boats in mind. The Pungo (great boat, we carry it as well as most of the Wilderness Systems line) is a little wide to carry this way, but would work well over short distances ...

Just some food for thought. Both Yakima and Thule have excellent web-sites that will walk you through their product offerings and tailor it to your vehicle. Their websites are:

http://www.yakima.com
-and-
http://www.thule.com

Let me know if there are any questions remaining. I just ordered some new accesories for my Yakima rack, and will post pictures when I have some.

Good Luck!

-=D

Pheaven

Thank you for the tips Sylvanlights. I'm looking forward to viewing the pics. I like the idea of making the P5 more versatile. I love to bicycle a lot. Not too long ago I installed a hitch on the car so I can take my bicycle with me.

I recently sold a SUV. At first I missed the carrying capacity when I bought the P5. But now I could take a couple of bikes and two kayaks on a outing. That is cool. I'm not missing the SUV now.