I have a 4-door Ford Focus (without factory roof-rack) like this one: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/2009_ford_focus_SES_sedan.JPG that I would like to put a roof rack on to transport 2 kayaks. The kayaks I have are the Old Town 10-Feet Vapor 10 Angler Recreational Fishing Kayak, seen here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RMFYD0/ref=wms_ohs_product_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
I just wanted to see if anyone has done this before or know if a double kayak would work and be safe. And if so, what the best way of going about it would be (products, etc.). I have seen quite a few Ford Focus hatchbacks (5-doors) with dual kayak racks, so I would think that I would be able to, but I wanted to get the opinion of someone who is familiar with this (I am not).
Any tips, tricks, general advice would be greatly appreciated for a rack noob. I’ve posted this in a couple places on the web hoping to get a few answers before I make my decision, so thanks for any help in advance!
Fit info on Yakima and Thule sites
Sorry - just caught you have a bare roof. I just recommended a fellow paddler to the rack sites last fall, also had a bare roof Focus, and he found a system that would work.
The major manufacturers of third party systems have fit apps on their site to tell you what parts (towers and rails) you would need based on car make and model. Just go to their sites - Yakima and Thule and maybe Malone.
If you are talking about something less robust like foam blocks and a lot of straps, can't help you there. We've never taken a chance on that for two or more boats.
bow and srern lines
Any bar set up for your vehicle is going to have a short,front to back span. I would stromgly recomend bow and stern lines tied to the extreem front and rear of your vehicle-preferable criscrossed. This is in addition to the 2 bar holdown straps and brackets.This may seen excessive,but from my experience crosswind or vehicle turbulance can twist short span bar fastened boats easily.A friend of mine with a Focus learned this the hard way. Multiple boats compound the problem.Good luck.
Turtle
first the base rack
First you need a base rack. Meaning a clamp on metal cross bars. Yakima or Thule. Then you add the actual part holds the kayaks. There are many different types. J-bars are common but require you to pick up the kayaks above your head. With 2 people its easy. Or a type that you can slide the kayak on from the back of the car.
First get your base rack picked out as both Yakima and Thule will most likely have a couple of different options. Such as Yakima offer the basic round cross bars or they have airfoil shaped ones that look like a wing. There less wind noise from the airfoil shaped bars but cost more but do look better.
As far a putting 2 kayaks on the roof rack that is no problem. Just buy 2 sets of say J-bars and your set.