"Chris" wrote in message ...
All,

I'm new to kayaking and would like to know if the setup below will work just
fine? I have a factory rack installed. or would you still go for the Thule
setup?

http://www.prolineracks.com/riversid...k-carrier.html

while I've never used one, I've seen people that have and they seemed
to like them. One of the nice features is that you can "compress" the
foam for a tighter fit, making the boat more secure. It give it more for
the boat to "bite into" and hold firmer. Remember that you'll easily
be driving 80mph on the interstate perhaps with it. A boat that comes
loose will become a "ballastic missile" for the cars behind you.

Just make sure to get the straps tight and check them at every stop.
Some nylon straps will stretch, especially if they get wet a little with
rain. Of course these foam blocks might scratch or rub your paint
a little.

A Thule or YAKIMA (my preference) of course is better. But it costs more.
But is is much more secure. I can grab my yakima rack and shake my entire
car with it. It NEVER loosens up. I am 100% happy with it. They
just aren't cheap is the problem. Another benifit to a "real" rack
is that you can lock your kayak to it to deter other people from
"borrowing" it in the middle of the night, etc. Most kayaks have
a "security loop" now days to to lock it, or you can easily buy one
for pretty cheap to add on.

Invest in good straps to put your rack on it also. My preference is
the blue "NRS" straps from Northwest River Supplies. they are a few
bucks apiece and do not strech or give even an 1/8", even after getting
wet and being driven at 80+ mph down the interstate with a kayak on top.
You can get them in all kinds of different sizes. Get larger than you
think you'll need. I use a 15' to put kayaks on my car. You can always
cut them shorter if you need to. These straps are so strong that I
don't even need bow/stern straps to my bumpers. I get no "wobbles" or
anything. You can order them online at NRS website at
http://www.nrsweb.com

FYI, yakima also sells a padded wrap around for their racks to help
give a compression point for your boat to dig/seat into. I've never
used them as it fits on my rack just fine the way it is.

hope this helps. email if you need more help.

-mike


Thanks

Chris