Keith,

Basically I have 2 constraints limiting me: 1) The front of the boats can not be too close to the back of the Jeep due to Y axis articulation, that is to say that when the Jeep starts up a steep incline I can't have the boats hit it in the back. 2) The shape on the bottom of the boats limits how far the saddles can be apart.

So to put a standoff bar (or hoop) in the front area, I would need longer boats. I currently have 14 footers so I could up to 16 footers and probably make the saddle distance work. However, I believe that would be a problem with the articulation. Look at the photo below:



See how even this mild angle would cause long kayaks to jam into my top, assuming I had my top up?

I am all for a pair of longer boats, the 14 footers are too short for my taste and prefer 17 foot boats myself, but I don't see a practical way to carry them off road.

Dave

 

OK....I guess I'll try here. Seems like folks are finding ways to do this with their 'Yaks, but I'm looking for something fairly specific....
I need to put THIS:


on the top of THIS:


Using a KargoMaster Congo cage AND SAFARI BASKET....and one of THESE:

...A Thule "Hullavator" Yak rack....like the one posted earlier in the thread....
I also started a thread here (https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/boating-fishing-104/kargo-master-thule-65292/), but so far, no luck?
Any ideas? Anyone using a similar setup?

 

 

I have been a long time kayaker, both white water and now fishing. I went through a similar dilemma when I got my Unlimited JK. I often go fishing alone so heaving a fishing kayak on top of the JK can be a PITA. I think this is especially true now that I put on a RE 3.5 lift and 35 tires. My solution was a Rack and Roll trailer. I think that Yakima has now bought the company and offers their products but at a bit more of a price. The trailer is great. It folds up and can be stored against a wall and is very light weight. Loading is a breeze and it sure saves my back. The trailer uses all the standard accessories and will take either Yakima or Thule bars. If I go camping now, and do some trails to a local lake the trailer is high clearance so I think I should be able to take it. Alternatively, with the soft top on I could just strap it to the roll bar if needed after arriving at a campsite. I think in the future I will put some Yakima tracks on the hard top for smaller WW boats where the weight of the kayak does not stress the hard top or me. A picture with the trailer and JK before lift and 35s:

 

I love that trailer!

 

Ive been just strapping it right on top of the roll bars and using like ratchet straps to hold it down on the sides, usually it sits resting on the windshield and the back sport bar. The down side is if there's a slight chance of rain i don't go out cause i have to keep the roof down. I was thinking of the Lang setup or a Congo cage but it seems to hinder putting up and down the roof and they're both pricey for me

 

It looks like you bedlined you front bumper. Did you? How'd you do that?

 

No that is the stock plastic bumper, it's about spot on with the bedliner grill. I may bedliner my aftermarket bumpers when I get them.

 

Can anyone show me a two door with a kayak on top. I am looking to buy a 13 ft. And not sure if I need a rack or if I can just put it on top.

 

I need to post a picture, but a quick description might suffice. I've got a 4 door. Went to Harbor Freight and got a pick-up bed extender. Reversed it from the way it would be used on a truck. Essentially works like a Yakima dry dock. Cut noodles to fit or rolled up towels at the front and let it rest on the top of the front window frame. Cost less than $45 with tax. I'm not entirely comfortable with the weight being on the front windshield, so keeping my eye out for a cheap light bar.