Carrying Kayaks

[TommySm]

The boat gets a bit of use taking family and friends to some local (10NM trip) islands to either go to secluded bays for a day of playing on the beach and in the water or sea side pubs. It is northern Australia so comes with the hassle of jelly fish half the year.

I have toyed with the idea of getting a couple of kayaks to carry on the boat to use for both fun and a mini tender to allow me to anchor further out from the beach without having to swim back. The boat has a hard canopy on it, how badly would putting one or two 8 ft, 37lbs kayaks on the roof affect the handling of the boat? They wouldn’t always be there, just on days when we wanted them?

 

[Grub54891]

Most kayaks are fairly light . Might be ok?

 

[jbcurt00]

Based on little info and the 1 pix, maybe.. only whoever made it could say for sure. Looks DIY/homemade.

Hows it anchored to the hull, small baseplates topside, larger baseplates behind the fiberglass?

 

[TommySm]

I'm more concerned with the handling of the boat, It is a pressed aluminium boat so already lighter, it would be like putting roof racks on the boat to carry stuff which isn't something I have really seen done with boats this size, I figured there might be a reason for that, like it having a negative effect on handling because of the higher centre of gravity.

The kayaks would be the smallest and cheapest I can find that will carry an adult

 

[jbcurt00]

I'm more concerned with the handling of the boat.....
......isn't something I have really seen done with boats this size, I figured there might be a reason for that, like it having a negative effect on handling because of the higher centre of gravity

It'll add to the wind load up high too...

Can a kayak be hung/slung along the gunwale from the tops uprights? 1 each side, and not obscure the captains view from the helm?

 

[Horigan]

I'm more concerned with the handling of the boat, It is a pressed aluminium boat so already lighter, it would be like putting roof racks on the boat to carry stuff which isn't something I have really seen done with boats this size, I figured there might be a reason for that, like it having a negative effect on handling because of the higher centre of gravity.

The kayaks would be the smallest and cheapest I can find that will carry an adult

One way to find out is to put the equivalent weight up there and see how it handles. Do you have some lumber lying around that you can strap to the top?

 

[Scott Danforth]

throw 2 cases of beer up there and check. yes, a full case of beer weighs the same as your kayak.

if the boat hard top is well made and properly anchored to the hull, the strength should be there

Wind load will be the biggest issue.

i personally would mount removable chocks and put the kayaks on the bow, however your bow looks short