V-bars are a type of "cradle", so cradles are still tops :)
Unfortunately, for a fat recreational boat like the Kestrels, the V-bars might be a touch narrow. Plus, they lift the boat way too high above the racks, which I don't like.
Saddles are the best option, IMO, in terms of being the most gentle to the boat (if properly installed and positioned). Stackers I use if I need to have 3 boats (1 on my saddles and 2 next to each other on the stackers). With stackers, it is also a good idea to pad the bars or you will get dents on the plastic boats and cracks on composite.
J are my second choice after cradles - they keep the boats on the sides, which I don't like - I can't drive with my boat on my car in my garage when the boat is on its side, but I can in the cradles. This way, I park inside with boats on top without the need to unload them outside first.
On a Prius, the roof line is curved, which with round Yakima bars does not matter, but with square Thule bars Js will be at an angle to each other, which is not good for the kayaks on top of them - they will rest on just the edge of each J...
Load bar spacing matters when transporting kayaks on paddled bars, since many kayak decks are pointy just in front of the cockpit.
Wider bar spacing allows flatter portions of the deck to rest on the padded bars. Manufacturerās trailers have wider bar spacing, so it works for them.
Narrower spacing doesnāt work so well when one in on the pointy part of the deck. This would be most sedans, such as mine, with a 36" bar spacing.
Tie Down I used a strap through the lift ring under the bumper up through the latch on the hatch. The kayak was wrapped in an old comforter. I wasnāt driving very far so as long as it was snug it was fine. Worst part is the ādoor openā beep was constant. I need to get the local dealer to change the setting to one beep.
whichever way you goā¦when straps are to be usedā¦try to grab the widest = less prone to create an indentation when tied down tight + vertical & 3D jostling over rough roads.
Have used all 3 Saddles on rooftop, J-bars and stackers on trailer.
Saddles are the most secure, if you get ones that fit the contours of your boat. Most PITA to initially set up, though. OTOH, the fussiness of setup is partly due to adjustability of angles to best fit the hull. With my system (Spring Creek saddles, Yakima bars, Towers, Landing Pads, truck topper tracks), I did the fussing only one time because the saddle-bar-interface with my topperās roof has a quick-detach fitting.
Stackers are the easiest to initially set up, allow carrying boats on sides or bottoms or tops. Least secure contact, so be careful while the boat is not strapped.
J-bars in between the above for setup ease, pretty good contact, could be very difficult to load on a roof (but not necessarily in your case). You have only one carry position: boat on its side. If this matters to you, you can scratch J-bars off the list. Also, I did not like either of the J-bar brand/models I bought.
Moving Along Thought Iād bump this to the top. Good discussion of pros and cons of each style.
Iāve had a lot on my plate so Iām still putting this together.
So far, Iāve swapped out the Q-clips for the models that fit my Prius, but I havenāt installed the racks yet.
I picked up a set of older 4 Yakima TLC Saddles on Ebay for about $45. Their in great shape. They didnāt come with the straps but Iām sure I can figure it out.
Folding J-Cradles and Stackers I use Malone Stax Pro2 stackers when I carry more than two kayaks.
I use Thule Hullaport Pro folding J-cradles when I carry one or two kayaks. The Hullaport Pros are pricey. (If I had to do it again, I would go for Malone folding J-cradles.)
To me, itās easier to load/secure the kayaks on J-cradles and the folding feature keeps them out of the way.
congratulations and kudos ā¦to you for finding a used set, recycling and not paying the extortionary sum that the big two ask for their rack components. Well done!
