How To Choose A Kayak, or Canoe Roof Rack System

Here is the information you need to help you choose the right roof rack system for your kayak or canoe.

The information below will help you to choose the right canoe roof rack or kayak roof rack, one that fits perfectly on your car or truck and one that makes the most sense for your budget, storage and boat carrying needs:

Click on the rack titles for more information

Choosing a Roof Rack System

If you don’t have a trailer than you will have to carry your kayak or canoe on the roof of your vehicle. If your vehicle has factory installed roof rails and crossbars (roof racks) all you might need to do is to pick out your kayak or canoe accessory mount to complete your rack system.

If your vehicle does not have a factory installed roof rack then your still in luck because Thule Racks and Yakima Racks carries a wide selection of roof racks and mounts for kayaks and canoes that can attach to your roof.

The Thule and Yakima rack systems are very similar but also different.

Thule Racks load bars (crossbars) are square to prevent the rack and rack accessories from shifting and rotating.

Yakima Racks crossbars (load bars) are round for strength and adjustability. Round bars allow you to rotate and flatten rack mounting accessories.

Thule and Yakima have made selecting the proper roof rack system very easy. All they need to know is the make, model, year of your car and if there is a factory installed roof rack.

Enter that information into their roof rack selection finder and they will show you all the equipment you need to properly fit your roof to carry your kayak or canoe.

Before you make your decision on the roof rack and mount system that will carry your kayak and canoe make sure you take the time to explore all your options.

There is a wide selection when choosing a mounting system for your kayak or canoe. Investigate them all and find the right mount that’s best for you. Remember, this will be an important and major investment right up there with purchasing your boat.

Click here to use the Thule Roof Rack Finder

If you don’t want to make a big investment of roof racks and mounts for your vehicle to carry your kayak or canoe, and/or you don’t travel very far with your boat, there are other options like the Handirack Inflatable Car Rack by Malone. This inflatable roof rack costs much less than metal roof racks, stores in the trunk when not in use and has a universal fit for most vehicles.