Your boat doesn't do any good if you can't get it to the water!
Rooftop racks are a critical piece of gear for kayak transport. Two sets of resources are available, based on your needs:
If your vehicle already has a rack, and you need watersports-specfic carrying equipment for your boat like j-cradles, stackers, and saddles, click here.
If your vehicle does not have a rack, lacks crossbars, or your crossbars are too narrow to carry more than 1-2 kayaks, click here.
Base roof racks provide a way to install crossbars on your vehicle's roof, which allow for objects to be safely strapped down, or sport-specific carrying attachments (kayak cradles, bike trays, cargo boxes, etc..) to be attached.
Some models of SUV and wagon/estate cars will come with previously-installed crossbars. However, these manufacturer-original options are often too narrow to carry much, or have low weight limits. Therefore, even if you already have a factory roof rack, you may want to consider the options below if you want to carry multiple boats, or a variety of gear.
In North America and parts of Europe, the most-commonly available quality rack brands are Yakima and Thule. Both of these companies manufacture aftermarket rack systems that will fit a wide range of cars. They also supply manufacturer-branded accessories for a wide range of auto companies. If you are in need of a base roof rack, these companies are the best place to start. Each company has an interactive tool that will tell you what base rack equipment you need for your vehicle.
Thule Fit My Car: select the "roof racks and truck racks" option to see what base racks will fit your car.
Yakima's home page: click the button that says "Find the right products for your vehicle."
Yakima Vehicle Fit Tool: this is a system designed for dealers/retailers, and has much more detailed information about Yakima fits/installation, as well as information on the vehicle fits for retired Yakima products. Good if you are trying to save money and buy older, used Yakima equipment
Two other reputable brands, with more-limited vehicle fit options include:
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT VEHICLE FIT
It is important to look at BOTH THULE AND YAKIMA when buying a rack - one brand may have a better fitting rack for certain types vehicles. When looking at the fit descriptions on Yakima or Thule's websites, keep an eye out on a few factors:
Maximum weight rating: The max weight that these two companies will usually rate their aftermarket racks to is 165 lbs. In truth, the weight capacity for a rack rated at weight limit 165 lbs is likely higher, but the manufacturers cannot state a higher limit without much more in-depth testing. HOWEVER, if your rack is rated to a lower weight limit like 130, 125, or 100 lbs this is an indicator that the fit on your vehicle is generally awkward, and you need to exercise additional caution in installation and loading.
Crossbar spacing: very generally, the wider crossbars can be spaced, the better. Anything less than 2' wide may limit your safe carrying options for longer boats like sea kayaks. Both Yakima and Thule will include cautionary notes about rack fits that result in very small distances between crossbars. Usually this is a bigger concern for 2-door vehicles like coupes and small pickup trucks and less of an issue for 4-door vehicles.
Significant warnings or limitations: In addition to the two items noted above, Yakima and Thule will also publish notes about whether or not racks will interfere with back hatch or trunk operations, or notable weight or fit restrictions. It is important to read these restrictions before you make a decision.
If you have a pickup truck, you can get one of the rack solutions from the companies above. Both Thule and Yakima make some nice ladder racks, rack attachments for hard-top bed covers, as well as some interesting "goalpost" attachments for hitch receivers that can help with carrying longer boats. You also have some added flexibility with cheaper solutions, including cheap ladder racks, bed extenders and various types of arms that come out of the bed (check Amazon and Harbor Freight for questionably cheap options),
If you have the space for storage, and a hitch receiver, a cheap trailer is an excellent alternative for carrying kayaks. It is easier to load and unload than a rooftop rack, can generally support more weight and gear, and can be customized to fit your needs more easily.
Cheap Option: Harbor Freight Trailer
Malone Option: Malone Trailers
Yakima Option: Yakima Trailers
If you cannot afford a full roof rack, there are other options to carry your boat on top of your car. Generally, these options are more time-consuming, less durable, less secure, and may risk denting your boat or roof. Therefore, we recommend that if you have the means, you should invest in a purpose-built rack like the ones listed above.
If you want rooftop carrying options that are less-likely to damage your boat or your car, check out:
If you want to go even cheaper, get a foam block option, such as this.
If you don't give a shit about your boat or car, you can try a pool noodle rack. These can be found via Google.
Once you have the base roof rack, there are multiple options for carrying a boat, depending on shape, size, and weight of your boat, height of your vehicle, and size of your wallet.
Yakima does a good job of illustrating all of the major watersport carrier options here.
The general types of watersports attachments are:
J-cradles and stackers transport kayaks on their sides leaving space for multiple boats or other gear. They’re good options if you have a lighter or shorter boat, a shorter car or someone to help you load your boat.
Saddle-style carriers nestle kayaks or canoes upright, cushioning the sides of the boat. Some come with rollers to make loading easier. These racks are great for solo loading, taller vehicles or heavier boats because you can tip and push them onto the roof from the back of the vehicle.
Lift-assist racks lower the carrier to the side of the vehicle so you can load the kayak at about waist level. Once the kayak is secured, you push the kayak and rack back up on the roof. They’re easy to load but the most expensive rooftop option.
Foam blocks: These temporary carriers are inexpensive, easy to install and often don’t require a base roof rack. They’re not as durable. Some foam blocks sit directly on the vehicle roof; others fit onto a rack’s crossbars. Straps hold the kayak, surfboard, canoe or paddle board in place.