Don’t put yourself through a day of frustration trying to figure out how to put your kayak on the roof of your car only to realize that it doesn’t fit. A bad kayak rack can ruin everything from your day trip to a fun weekend vacation. Not to mention shorten the life span of your vehicle and/or kayaks.
Now you have a new kayak to haul and transport, but the process of picking the right rack is overwhelming. That’s why it’s critical to know what to look for when you are shopping for kayak roof racks.
Selecting the type of rack you want will depend on your type of vehicle, whether it has a naked roof or rack rails, and whether you have a sunroof.
Let us help you find the perfect kayak rack for your needs. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of kayak carriers that will help you save time and money. This review will introduce you to different types of vehicle roof racks along with an in-depth buying guide to help you pick the best one for your car or truck.
So, let’s cover these topics so you can better decide what you need:
Check out Ultimate Guide: How To Transport Your Kayak with More Confidence to find out more about hauling kayaks!
Well, let’s get started
Related Topics
- What Size Kayak Do I Need? The Compete Guide
- What Sea Kayak Do You Need?
- What Is A Fishing Kayak And Its Best Features?
- Ultimate Guide: How To Transport Your Kayak with More Confidence
- Learn How To Paddle A Kayak
Does Your Vehicle Need A Roof Rack?
First off, let’s get this out of the way: unless you drive a truck or pull a trailer, your car will need a roof rack to transport your kayak. This gear is one of the essential accessories you will purchase to protect the kayak, canoe, or storage carrier you carry on your roof, except for the truck bed.
Few cars come with a factory roof rack other than SUVs, Jeeps, and mini-vans. So, use an aftermarket roof rack system along with a dedicated set of kayak mounts. I highly recommend it.
And it would be best if you avoided DIY noodle roof racks when considering options. Noodle, temporary padding, and other DIY roof racks and kayak carriers can:
- Warp or bend the bottom of your kayak or canoe
- Dent or damage the roof of your car
- Break or become unsecured and let the kayak blow down the highway
With this in mind, you are responsible for damages caused to other vehicles for losing your kayak(s) on the road.
So, yes, you need a heavy-duty factory-built or aftermarket roof rack system to haul your kayak. The good news is that these seem racks also carry canoes.
Roof Rack Options By Roof Design
Let’s start our discussion by reviewing roof rack systems. Car, truck, and SUV rooftops come in a few varieties:
- Naked roof
- Raised side rails
- Flush side rails
- Fixed-mount points
- Roof tracks
Each scenario will require a slightly different solution. But, your roof rack should all be easy to install, easy to load and unload, and quick and easy to disassemble.
As a result, here are some vehicle roof rack options to serve your purpose, based on what is currently on your vehicle roof. First, therefore, identify what top type your vehicle has. Then, in case you need help, refer to a reputable installer.
Naked Roof
A naked roof means no rails, racks, or tracks that carry your kayak. For example, you will find a bare top on smaller vehicles, some SUVs, and truck cabs.
There are several options for a kayak roof rack that serves cars without rails. Generally, this roof type requires a strap-on or clip-on system from an aftermarket vendor. These products allow you to carry a kayak on vehicles not specifically designed to carry cargo on its roof.
As a result, most manufacturers offer naked roof carriers. These include:
- Four towers with pads that rest on the roof. This accessory supports the crossbar
- Four clips that secure the towers and crossbar to the vehicle
- Two crossbars to carry and hold the weight of your kayak
Naked Roof Rack Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Load Rating | Rack Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Baseline |   Baseline | 165 lbs | Clamp |
| Yakima Jetstream Bar |    Jetstream Bar | Crossbar | |
| Rhino Rack Vortex |   Vortex 2500 RS | 165 lbs | Clamp + Crossbar |
| Thule Evo Clamp |   Evo Clamp  | 165 lbs | Clamp + Crossbar |
| Thule Wingbar Evo |   Wingbar Evo | Crossbar | |
| Inno XS-250 Aero Base Stays |   XS-250 Aero | 165 lbs | Clamp |
| Inno Base Bars |   Aero Base Bar | Crossbar |
Rack towers and crossbars are purchased separately. Sometimes you will find them packaged together. However, some vendors list prices for one rack bar, so you will need to order two.
Furthermore, all roof racks require you to fit the size of your vehicle. Therefore, additional parts may be necessary. So, read the order details carefully.
You will also need a bow and stern tie with load straps to secure the kayak to your roof. Again, ratchet straps work the best for a quick and easy fastener.
Most roof racks require a minimum of 24″ between bars and 48″ from the front bar to the back of the roof. They also recommend attaching one crossbar above each door, so 2-door cars are not usually supported.
Raised Side Rails
This vehicle accessory runs along the top of the roof, from front to back. Additionally, there is a gap between the rail and the roof. These gaps allow you to run your hand between the rail and the car top. Manufacturers of these vehicles intend and design them to carry cargo on their rooftops.
Rack manufacturers have roof racks that take advantage of raised side rails. These kits include:
- Four towers with a clip or wrap attachment to the side rail. These towers will support the crossbar
- Four clips that secure the towers and crossbar to the vehicle
- Two crossbars to carry and hold the weight of your kayak or canoe
Raised Side Rail Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Load Rating | Rack Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Timberline |  Timberline | 165 lbs | Side Rail Clips |
| Yakima Railbar |  Railbar | 165 lbs | Side Rail Clips |
| Yakima Jetstream Bar | Jetstream Bar | Crossbar | |
| Rhino Rack Vortex SX |   Vortex SX | 176 lbs | Side Rail Clips |
| Thule AeroBlade Raised Rail |   AeroBlade Raised Rail | 165 lbs | Side Rail Clips |
| Inno XS150 |    XS150 | 165 lbs | Stainless Steel Straps |
| Inno Aero Bar |   Aero Bar | Crossbar |
Rack towers and crossbars are purchased independently. Sometimes manufacturers package them together. However, some vendors list prices for one rack bar, so you will need to order two.
Furthermore, all roof racks require you to fit the size of your vehicle. Therefore, additional parts may be necessary. Therefore, read the order details carefully.
Roof racks require a minimum of 24″ between bars and 48″ from the front bar to the back of the roof. But the number of doors does not matter since the side rail supports the racks.
Flush Side Rails
This vehicle accessory also runs along the top of the roof, from front to back. But, the rails are flush and do not have a gap between the rail and the roof. As a result, these vehicles’ designs look sleek and aerodynamic and carry cargo on the top of the raised side rails.
Rack manufacturers also have roof racks that take advantage of flush side rails. These kits include:
- Four rack towers with ridge clip attachments to the side rail. This system will support the crossbar
- Four clips that secure the towers and crossbar to the vehicle
- Two crossbars to carry and hold the weight of your kayak
Other rack tower systems come with thick pads that screw down into the top of the flush side rails and a removable crossbar that attaches to each.
Flush Side Rail Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Load Rating | Rack Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Ridgeline |   Ridgeline | 165 lbs | Ridge Clips |
| Yakima Jetstream Bar | Jetstream Bar | Crossbar | |
| Yakima Flushbar |   Flushbar | 165 lbs | Flushbar Clips + Crossbar |
| Rhino Rack Vortex SX | Vortex SX | 176 lbs | Flushbar Clips + Crossbar |
| Inno sXS450 Aero |   XS450 Aero | 165 lbs | Torque Knob |
| Inno Aero Bar | Aero Bar | Crossbar |
Rack towers and crossbars are purchased separately or as a set. Unfortunately, some vendors list prices for one rack bar, so you will need to order two.
Furthermore, all roof racks require you to fit the size of your vehicle. Therefore, additional parts may be necessary. So, read the order details carefully.
These roof racks require a minimum of 24″ between bars and 48″. This system extends from the front bar to the back of the roof. But the number of doors does not matter since this set attaches to the side rail.
Fixed Mount Point Roof
This vehicle looks like a naked roof but has a set of attachment points or pre-drilled holes that go down into the vehicle’s frame.
This option also uses the rack tower and pad system screwed down into the attachment points on the vehicle’s roof.
This roof rack system is an exceptionally sturdy option to use with your rack system, so it’s a preferable rack attachment style. These kits include:
- Four rack towers with screw-down attachments to the roof attachment points. This tower set will support the crossbar
- Four clips that secure the towers and crossbar to the vehicle
- Two crossbars to carry and hold the weight of your kayak
Fixed Mount Point Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Load Rating | Rack Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Skyline |  Skyline | 165 lbs | Vehicle Specific Pads |
| Yakima Jetstream Bar | Jetstream Bar | Crossbar | |
| Rhino Rack Vortex RCH |   Vortex RCH | 165 lbs | Vehicle Specific Mounts + Crossbar |
| Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 RS |   Vortex 2500 RS | Vehicle Specific Mounts + Crossbar | |
| Inno XS350 Aero | XS350 Aero | 165 lbs | Vehicle Specific Mounts |
Rack towers and crossbars are purchased separately or as a set. Unfortunately, some vendors list prices for one rack bar, so you will need to order two.
Furthermore, all roof racks require you to fit the size of your vehicle. Therefore, additional parts may be necessary. Therefore, read the order details carefully.
The vehicle manufacturer determines the spread distance between the crossbars and specifies them at the time of build. Use the provided mount points to ensure using the manufacturer’s intent.
Roof With Tracks
These vehicles have a low-profile track that runs from front to back on each side.
This option allows you to also attach the rack tower and pad system and crossbar rack system to the tracks. In addition, some rack system manufacturers offer a track set for custom options for hard-to-fit vehicles.
Roof Track Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Load Rating | Rack Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Skyline | Skyline | 165 lbs | Track Mount |
| Yakima Jetstream Bar | Jetstream Bar | Crossbar | |
| Rhino Rack Vortex |  Vortex | 165 lbs | Track Mount + Crossbar |
| Inno Insut Stay Rack |  Insut SUT | 165 lbs | Track Mount |
| INNO Square Base Bars |   Square Base Bar | Crossbar |
Rack towers and crossbars are purchased individually or unless packaged together. Some vendors list prices for one rack bar, so you will need to order two.
Furthermore, all roof racks require you to fit the size of your vehicle. Therefore, additional parts may be necessary. So, read the order details carefully.
Types Of Crossbars
Have you ever heard a whistling sound when you leave one of your car windows cracked? Unfortunately, that is what you will hear if you don’t choose an aerodynamic crossbar or it is not attached correctly.
Most vendors will offer aluminum and steel crossbar teardrop versions. The main difference is how it attaches, accessory options, and the cost. You can also select a classic round bar.
Crossbar Length
We recommend that the crossbar length be just slightly longer than the attached rack towers. You can extend longer but not longer than the vehicle width and side mirrors. Longer than that is illegal in some states.
Other Roof Rack Options
Most manufacturers offer a windshield deflector in the front to reduce wind noise from the round crossbar. You can also add locks to the towers to keep someone from stealing your investment.
Kayak Mounting Cradle Options
There are three standard types of kayak roof rack mounts for all vehicles.
Saddle Kayak Mounts
This kayak car rack sets positions your boat flat with the deck and gunnels pointing up. There is good padding to protect the kayak, and it is cradled above your racks to prevent scratches on your vehicle.
Kayaks are loaded from the back of the vehicle and slide forward with this mount type. Some of these come with a roller system or a load extender. You mount this at the rear of the car to make loading easier.
Saddle Kayak Cradle Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Weight Capacity | Rack Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima DeckHand |   DeckHand | 80 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
| Thule DockGrip |   DockGrip | 85 lbs | 8.7 lbs |
| Rhino-Rack Nautic |   Nautic 580 | 80 lbs | |
| Malone Saddle Up Pro |   Saddle Up Pro | 90 lbs | 9 lbs |
The downside is that this mounting system will take up a lot of room on the crossbar and possibly limit you to one kayak.
J-Cradle Kayak Mounts
The J-cradle is one of the universal cradles on the accessory market; some folding models can tuck out of the way when not in use; other models can fold up to tie a second kayak or canoe on the other side.
The J-cradle mount keeps your kayak at a 45-degree angle, which allows you more room to mount other kayaks to the crossbar.
Since this kayak car rack sits in a cradle with a slight tilt, the boat will rest there while you strap it down. This technique keeps strapping simple. There is the padding that helps to protect your boat from bending and warping during transport.
You will load kayaks from the side of the vehicle using this mount.
J-Cradle Kayak Cradle Options
| Product Information | Amazon Availability | Weight Capacity | Rack Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima JayHook |   JayHook | 80 lbs | 10.5 lbs |
| Thule Hull A Port Pro |   Hull-a-Port | 75 lbs | 8.7 lbs |
| Rhino-Rack |   J-Style Carrier | 80 lbs | |
| Malone |   J-Pro2 | 75 lbs | 11.5 lbs |
Stacker Kayak Mounts
This option is the most economical kayak carrier available. In addition, it is the only mount that carries up to 4 kayaks.
This kayak car rack comes with a vertical bar in which you mount each kayak. Then, you strap the kayaks to this bar.
The kayaks are on their side against the bar, making it hard to handle and tie them down.
In addition, because you are not protecting your boats from the bar, there is a chance they can be damaged or warped if not appropriately secured.
This mount type also requires you to load the kayak from the side of the vehicle.
Stacker Kayak Cradle Options
| Product Information | Weight Capacity | Rack Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima BigStack | 150 lbs | 7.2 lbs |
| Thule Stacker | 150 lbs | 7.1 lbs |
| Rhino-Rack | 150 lbs | |
| Malone | 50 lbs / boat | 8.5 lbs |
Summary
Hauling a kayak or canoe on your car roof requires a roof rack. You can use the original manufacturer or an aftermarket model. It would help if you avoided DIY carriers. They can be harmful to your kayak, canoe, or storage cargo box due to pressure points between the boat and your vehicle.
There are kayak carriers for cars without rails (a naked roof), raised side rails, flush side rails, fixed mount points, and roof track style.
Kayak carriers are attached to the roof rack crossbars. Then kayaks are attached to cradles such as saddle, j-cradle, and stacker kayak mounts.
