Any driving experience with kayak J cradles?

[Brett92]

This is a question for anyone who has a driven/ridden in a car that uses kayak J cradles (pictured below). Does the kayak catch more wind (like a sail on a boat)? What's noise like? Is it secure?

I have always just strapped my recreational kayak upside down to the cross bars. It's secure and doesn't make too much noise. However, my roof is two narrow for 2 kayaks to sit flat, so I'm thinking about a J cradle.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. BTW, mods feel free to move it. I just posted here since I'm concerned more with driving/road feel part of the rack.

J cradle


Kayaks on J cradle


The way I carry my kayak now (not my picture)...

[rockit]

strapped properly, they are very secure and dont make any more noise than anything else strapped to the roof. depending on the car, there can be some additional buffeting with kayaks on their sides, but nothing major.

they are a lot quicker and easier to load too, imo.

[Heffernan]

Ask me this weekend after I use my set for the first time.

[2.0T_Convert]

I've used those my a kayak before. Wind noise isn't too bad and I found just wrapping the exposed parts and rack road bars with sticky pipe foam or tape cuts down on noise.

[Brett92]

strapped properly, they are very secure and dont make any more noise than anything else strapped to the roof. depending on the car, there can be some additional buffeting with kayaks on their sides, but nothing major.

they are a lot quicker and easier to load too, imo.

I get buffetting/vibration with my current setup - one kayak strapped upside down to crossbars, with second kayak laying on top of it to the side. It's fairly secure -I've driven at Interstate speeds for long periods (2+ hours) with no issues, it's just loud.

Hopefully the cradles will help, and like you pointed it out it will be a little easier. As it is now, I have to get my wife to hold the 2nd kayak from sliding off the 1st one while I strap it down.

I've used those my a kayak before. Wind noise isn't too bad and I found just wrapping the exposed parts and rack road bars with sticky pipe foam or tape cuts down on noise.

Yeah, I've been a fan of foam pipe insulation for years. Can't be beat for the price.

I forgot to mention that I do have a fairing. Not sure how that will affect the kayak. I guess it may even make it worse since it's directing more air at it (versus it going under).

[2.0T_Convert]

I forgot to mention that I do have a fairing. Not sure how that will affect the kayak. I guess it may even make it worse since it's directing more air at it (versus it going under).

I had a fairing when I first bought my setup and found without it there was no increase in noise and all it really did was further erode my fuel economy. Just creates bigger frontal surface area for drag.

Sold mine on craigslist and never looked back.

[GTaye]

I strap my 2 12-foot perception kayaks onto the same carriers all the time.

For short trips everything is fine. For longer trips mileage is a killer, and the air that enters the cockpit literally holds the car back. It can definitely be felt at interstate speeds (and greater)

I recommend getting some cockpit covers to fit on the 'yaks for longer trips. Helped out immensely and mileage seems almost normal. I think I spent $40 on each cover.

Edit: Here is what I got for our boats:

http://www.outdoorplay.com/Seals-Del...vsfhu=32363733

[vasillalov]

I took a kayak trip in Utah 3 years ago. I rented two kayaks and hauled them on the roof rack of my old Jetta. No need for kayak attachment.

As far as wind and stability goes, I easily managed 95mph on some highway section in Utah. It was a lot of fun to see the faces of all the SUV owners when they saw a slammed VW with 2 kayaks on top passing them like they are stopped!

[Brett92]

I had a fairing when I first bought my setup and found without it there was no increase in noise and all it really did was further erode my fuel economy. Just creates bigger frontal surface area for drag.

Hmmm....interesting - will experiment.

For short trips everything is fine. For longer trips mileage is a killer, and the air that enters the cockpit literally holds the car back.

I was wondering if the open cockpit would affect things. It makes sense that it's just going to catch air. Might have to pick one of those things up. Thanks for the link.

As far as wind and stability goes, I easily managed 95mph on some highway section in Utah.

Wow, that thing had to be howling at that speed. Nice to know it help up though. I may consider a carrier like what you have. I just assumed I couldn't get 2 Kayaks side by side on my wife's roof (Toyota Camry), so I've been looking exclusively at the J cradles.

Lots of great ideas here - Thanks guys.