I‘m trying to find a kayak rack where one person can lift their large 2 person kayak onto their car and lower it very easily. Is there such a thing? This is specifically for a toyota camry. Thanks!
if you are in the US or Canada, try Craigslist for your area and nearby towns. I've gotten a lot of my kayak gear that way. Look for a basic roof rack like a Thule or a Yakima brand --check their company websites to find which models fit your vehicle. You can easily post an ad yourself in Craigslist under the boats section saying Wanted: kayak roof rack. Some people sell old racks when they buy a new car that doesn't fit the old rack. Also, many kayaking and outdoor sport clubs have online newsletters with classified ads selling used equipment. Truthfully, the good racks usually don't sell that cheaply even used -- you might want to also check gear closeout catalogs like Sierra trading Post to see if you can get a good price on a discontinued new model. I got my Thule rack used but bought the J-type kayak cradle attachment new on sale (marked down from $140 to $99).
Go to a body shop. Have them install a roller assembly across the back of the car roof. Install a fixed rack forward of the roller. You may not have to do this but you will need to pad the roof. Drag the kayak to the back of the car. Lift the end near the car to the roller. Lift the other end and slide the kayak forward. Flip it over. Secure it with bow and stern lines fastened to the front and rear bumpers. Use a rope or strap to secure the kayak amidships to the roof or through the windows. Lifting effort will be one half the weight of the kayak.I have seen small females do this time and time again. If your partner is present lifting together will only require 25% of the kayak weight.
Thule rack systems makes the Hullavator that flips over the side, you attach the kayak and then slide it up to the roof. Check their website for details. There is also a product I believe is called a HullRoller (or maybe Kayakroller) that also doubles as a kayak cart for dragging the boat to the water. It mounts to the back of the roof and allows you to roll the boat up onto the roof rack from the rear. It does work better on vans and wagons, though, so you would be better off with the Thule contraption. I like the Thule J-racks, too, as they make it easy to point one end of the boat into the cushioned notch and then rotate the other end up to the second bracket. They are a lot cheaper than the Hullavator
