Loading Kayak on small hatchback....

[dom]

I have been thinking long and hard about acquiring a Kayak, my only reservation is the loading and unloading onto my small hatchback.
I have seen them loaded with ease on various youtube clips, the trick seems to be to use roof bars with an extendable arm, balance the yak upright against the extended bar then lift and shimmy into position.
I have a Seat Altea (VW Golf sized) and am thinking of a Hobie Outback or 12ft Pro Angler, is it a viable combination? or a non-starter?.
Any feedback from Kayakers would be greatly appreciated.

(I should be able to convince the wife to let me have a Kayak.....but a new car as well....I don't think so).

[bartailflathead]

Hi Dom
Why not get the kayak vendor (ART Marine or Adv HQ I'm guessing) to show you how to load it before purchase?
Not much to ask when you are dropping 000s of dibs.
The Pro Angler is very heavy for solo loading, but other than the weight, it would be my choice-----you can stand on it and fly fish, incredibly stable.

[dom]

Thanks BTF, stability and width is the reasoning behind my choice of those models, it has got to withstand my 200+lb shifting around(i'll leave the standing up and fly fishing to you!).

[bartailflathead]

In that case, just go for one with a broad beam.
Job done.
Best
BTF

[dom]

After a week of searching for a roof rack with no success, I was persuaded to try to quick-strap option with the soft pads . The purchase budget approved from the boss and off the Adventure HQ. It took a while for me to explain I wanted to load the yak and test the viability before purchase. A couple of rounds with various supervisors/managers the ok was given. Five minutes later it was on top of the car.....well sort of....the pads were nearly long enough, the yak resting on the extremity, the front hatch was scratching the paint work and making an imprint...'take the hatch off and it'll be fine' was the verdict.
Maybe it would stay put with a bow and stern tie but not for me. This one was 35" in width , something around 30" and 20kg would be the limit imo for my small hatch and the soft pads..... Back to the drawing board....and the dreaming.

[Sunny]

Unlucky Dom.... are you thinking small trailer might be the way forward ?

If you decide to go down that route then let me know and I will pass on the contact details and directions for Master Trailer in Ajman.

[bartailflathead]

I don't know which soft racks you are using Dom, but the Crack of Dawn ones are, IMHO, the best, and I have strapped some of the widest and deepest yaks on the market on my SWB vehicle.
I don't know where you live but you would be welcome to check out my set -up if you want.
The Crack of Dawn soft racks are sold by Noukhada, and a warehouse in Al Quoz.
Best
BTF

[dom]

Thanks BTF for the kind offer. I think I have found the solution, at least a viable temporary one. This afternoon I bought a 'handi-rack', basically an inflatable soft rack, it is more substantial than the previous one I tried. I fitted it on to my car and I am pretty confident it will do the trick.
So if all goes to plan I will own my first kayak by teatime tomorrow.
And fingers crossed I will be undertaking sea trials Thursday morning weather permitting, (swimming trunks and a life jacket only, no fishing rods....well maybe just one.. ).
Dom.