Is anyone carrying a Kayak on a Kizashi roof rack?
I plan on getting a set of Suzuki roof racks but not
sure what Kayak holders will work best.
I'm going to carry two 10 foot kayaks.
Any advice would be welcome.
Kayaks on a Kizashi ?
I have a '13 SLS and purchased the OEM Whispbar racks here: http://www.oemsuzukiparts.com/parts/201 ... /index.cfm for $151 plus shipping. Easy to install. If the link doesn't work the p/n to search is 990B0-38001.
We also have two 10' fishing kayaks. I paired the rack with two sets of Yakima BowDown kayak carriers that I purchased locally on Craig's List. The setup works great, and there is plenty of room. The BowDown's are good in that they fold down when you are not carrying a boat, so there there is less wind resistance. You'll still hear plenty of whistle at higher speeds, though.
Make sure you get the Yakima locks/keys with the rack. The extra $10-$15 is worth it. I'll be removing the Kayak racks here in a month or so before the snow starts flying. Now I just need to find a good ski rack...
We also have two 10' fishing kayaks. I paired the rack with two sets of Yakima BowDown kayak carriers that I purchased locally on Craig's List. The setup works great, and there is plenty of room. The BowDown's are good in that they fold down when you are not carrying a boat, so there there is less wind resistance. You'll still hear plenty of whistle at higher speeds, though.
Make sure you get the Yakima locks/keys with the rack. The extra $10-$15 is worth it. I'll be removing the Kayak racks here in a month or so before the snow starts flying. Now I just need to find a good ski rack...
2013 Kizashi SLS Sport AWD
====================================================mNhhh wrote:I have a '13 SLS and purchased the OEM Whispbar racks here: http://www.oemsuzukiparts.com/parts/201 ... /index.cfm for $151 plus shipping. Easy to install. If the link doesn't work the p/n to search is 990B0-38001.
We also have two 10' fishing kayaks. I paired the rack with two sets of Yakima BowDown kayak carriers that I purchased locally on Craig's List. The setup works great, and there is plenty of room. The BowDown's are good in that they fold down when you are not carrying a boat, so there there is less wind resistance. You'll still hear plenty of whistle at higher speeds, though.
Make sure you get the Yakima locks/keys with the rack. The extra $10-$15 is worth it. I'll be removing the Kayak racks here in a month or so before the snow starts flying. Now I just need to find a good ski rack...
mNhhh, thanks...$151 is the lowest price I've seen for the rack.
Do you use ropes attached to the kayak ends or are the Yakima carriers good enough alone?
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With 10 footers you'll be fine with the supplied Yakima heavy duty tie-downs, especially if it is a local trip. I suppose if you are taking a longer road trip at highway speeds...or if there is really heavy wind....you want want to use the front/rear tie downs for added reassurance. So far we have not had reason to use them and have not experienced any movement at all in the kayaks. The BowDown's feel very solid.
That being said, it is never a bad idea to go overboard on safety if there is any doubt. I think for a road trip I would add an extra ratcheting tie-down on each rather than the front/rear straps.
Have fun. If you have any questions regarding the installation of the crossbars feel free to PM me. I think there is a post in the DIY forum where someone has posted photos as well. You'll like the OEM racks. They are very sharp looking.
That being said, it is never a bad idea to go overboard on safety if there is any doubt. I think for a road trip I would add an extra ratcheting tie-down on each rather than the front/rear straps.
Have fun. If you have any questions regarding the installation of the crossbars feel free to PM me. I think there is a post in the DIY forum where someone has posted photos as well. You'll like the OEM racks. They are very sharp looking.
2013 Kizashi SLS Sport AWD