car topping Swifty II Tandem

Advice
#1

Ok, My girlfriend bought US a Perception Swifty II Tandem for my birthday, and of course foam car top blocks, I ordered a Yakima roof rack system for my Neon which works a LOT better than just plopping the foam blocks on the roof. However, the rear bar on my car does push in on the Kayak quite a bit, I dont want to dent the kayak permanently. What other kind of kayak mounts for the yakima system should I consider? Im about 45 minutes from Oak Orchard canoe/kayak in Rochester, NY, they have their own J-racks that look nice, as well as some v-wing holders.



Im probably limited with the 25" span with the yakima bars on my neon, and a 13’ kayak. Its pretty heavy too, 78lbs I believe.



the swifty is near the same size as the perception Acadia II 14, just a bit shorter with less features. We have been doing ok so far, I have a bit of experience with a canoe, she really doesnt have a ton of paddling experience, but were figuring it out and having a blast! We also bicycle together (seperate bikes), She wanted to get something for us to do on the water, as I live near Lake Ontario, and shes near the Erie Canal here in NY state.



Thanks!

#2

Can you turn it over? If you don’t
get the straps too tight, that should help.

#3

It is hard to figure what you are saying
It sounds to me like you are just putting the kayak directly on the bars, and not on cradles.

Is that correct ?

If so, then you either need to get Yakama saddles, or J cradles.

In my opinion the J cradles would be a lot better for that boat than the saddles since it is so wide.

I have a couple of Keowees which is the exact same boat only a K-1 (older model) insted of K-2, and they nest very nice on the J cradles.



Cheers,

JackL

#4

J cradles
No, im putting the kayak on the foam blocks that are on the yakima bars.



I think I like the idea of J cradles, but might buy from Oak Orchard…theirs look nicer and are made locally (to me)…The deluxe version looks better, but I have a feeling the standard would do just fine.



http://oakorchardcanoe.com/rackaccessories.php



theres a link.



I really wish I had more than 25" bar span, but I have a neon and I dont see myself upgrading cars anytime soon…I get 34mpg as a daily driver :slight_smile: