kayak/bike roof rack

[MrMiner2]

Any suggestions please. I have a Honda accord. Have both kayak and Mtn bike. I was hoping for a rack they could carry both at the same time or just both separately. Thanks!

[MrMiner2]

Thanks and I know all will be out of my range but still want suggestions for the future

[Feral Bill]

Thule and Yakima are the standard brands. I use Yakima and like it. You can get attachments (like a bike carrier) from third parties through Amazon for a better price. If you do a lot of hard usage you might want the system attachments from your rack maker. To carry both items just be sure you have long enough bars, then watch your head.

[bigcranky]

You'll need a base rack system from either Thule (http://www.thule.com/en-us/US) or Yakima (http://yakima.com/). That means two metal crossbars that run across the roof of your car, and the posts that support and lock them to the roof. Every car is different, so go to REI or a local outfitter or online to Thule (http://www.thule.com/fitguide/Default.aspx?language=en-us&market=us&dealerid=fcf96b55-4ab9-46b7-927a-74d5db496093&utm_source=REI&utm_medium=RetailerTraffic&utm_campaign=FitGuide) and Yakima to see exactly what you need. Expect to spend close to $300 on the base rack.

Once you have that, you can buy the parts that actually attach your boat and your bike to the base rack. I have more experience with boats than bikes (my bikes ride on a hitch mount.) Your two basic choices are J-hooks (http://www.rei.com/product/753408/yakima-hullraiser-kayak-carrier) and saddles (http://www.rei.com/product/753409/yakima-hullyrollers-boat-mounts-pair). J-hooks are easy if you can lift the boat high enough to clear the edge of the hook, which isn't all that easy on a big truck but might work on your Honda. I like the Hully Rollers and the saddles from Yakima for my big heavy kayak going on my Yukon -- I can lift the bow up to the roller at the back of the truck, then lift the stern and slide it on -- no lifting the whole boat all at once. Expect to spend $125-200 for the kayak system. Our rack carries two boats -- my wife's lightweight touring boat in J-hooks, and my heavy Tarpon 160i in saddles.

Note that the J-hook holds the boat at a steep angle, which gives you more room on your rack for other stuff like a bike or second boat. But I don't have any idea what to recommend for bikes for a rooftop mount, sorry.

And yeah, you can easily spend more for the rack system than the bike or the boat cost initially.

[rocketsocks]

Not familular with that car,but then I've always had trucks,never owned a car,ecept for my wifes,but they do sell those foam blocks,cheap,and just tie it down,but keep checking it or,oooh nooooo,the bicycle,honest no idea,with spending some money on the suggestions above posts.But then there again,just a blanket and some well placed blocks of foam,with some tape and then some rope and a whole lotta luck,I no this didn't help much,but I've had to tie-up some pretty spooky situations along the way,and theres always a way,even though it looks dicey and not to clean,but strong like bull.cheers

[kayak karl]

i got the Thule system in '06. they adapted with just the roof mounts being switched (not the bars, bike and kayak mounts) to blazer, then accord, then windstar, then focus. now they are on my Chevy work van. :) got the bikes on a hitch mount now. they would be +10' on roof.

[The Will]

When I was researching this same subject a few years back, it seemed that there was more versatility and options with the Yakima system as opposed to Thule. If you go to their website they have a really good vehicle model and intended use key to identify exactly what you need. Craigslist and eBay are great sources for getting this type of equipment at reduced prices.

[coach lou]

On my fish car[photo in gallery] I have a Yakima Heavy duty basket, with 2 bicycle attachments. I'm sure a kayak attachment could squeeze up there. On my last Cherokee I had Thule. They also have many attachments available. Both were fine companys and prices were not dissimilar, and can fit any popular vehicles.

[MrMiner2]

Yeah thanks I think the swimming noodle thing will my best best for awhile