Fish-Hawk.Net

I have picked the kayak I want, it will be a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. Will probably get it from Trailhead.

Here is my problem. I own a 2005 Toyota Sienna that does not have a roof rack. Trailhead says that I can buy foam and straps from them to transport the Kayak with. Thinking about going to AutoRacks Ottawa to have a rack installed. Will call them later today to see what they can do and at what cost. Yesterday I looked under the van fore tow hooks to secure the kayak for and aft. There are none. Any ideas about where I can tie down the bow and stern? I have discovered lots of newer cars no longer have tow hooks.

Last question, I don't have a garage, how does one winter a kayak outside?

Thanks,

Bill

Auto racks is always a good choice, you'll get the setup that fits your vehicle. I've always been a canoe guy but securing the ends is more about wobble than it is actually securing the boat.

With the straps that Trailhead or any other kayak retailer sell, there is always somewhere to secure the hook. A hole in the frame, a bend or T connection or even the spare tire in the rear. You don't actually need a tow hook.

As I said I'm not actually a kayak guy but I'm not sure that if you get a proper kayak rack, that you even need the front and rear tie downs.

I'm sure Joco or one of the other 'yak guys will have some advice for you.

We got our kayaks at Jenda and got all the straps there as well. We bought a Thule rack thats easily put on and removed. The straps that we got were a couple to tie the kayaks down to the rack itself and then we got special ones for the front and back. If I'm by myself and have just one kayak then I don't bother with the front and back straps ... it ties to the rack itself very tightly and never moves. If I was going on a long trip then I might use the front. Same as Joey said theres always a spot under the car to secure the tie downs. I would suggest that you get a decent rack if you are going to be a frequent user .. foam pieces can be a pain. Also don't skimp on the tie downs get good quality and enough to property secure the kayak ... again poor quality ones and they are terrible to work with.

storing ... well I did store mine outside for a few years and they seemed to be fine ... I have also stored them in my garage ... they seem to be pretty tough. Of course some other folks might think that outside is not a good idea ... I've had mine for almost a decade and they seem no worse for wear ...

Welcome to kayaking ... it's a great way to fish and explore ... addictive ...

first great to see motre yak angler.

and you sher did a great choice tarpon 120 is in the top sit on top yaks aroud.

you got a pm.

joco

sometime you need hood hooks.

you can get them at the paddle shak not to far frome trailhead..there made off tubing you put under the hood then close the hood..there realy cool.and work fine.

if you have a van that as the rack on it..you can use those foams or just pool noddles.

sher the rright rack is better but you can mange wit a few other way to do it and cheaper way.

or wait till you get a deals on used racks.

for the tarpon...shop around.

i saw some last week at 792$ new...for the t 120........plus had a guif card off 100$.

shop aroubnd this time off the year you can have demo boat or used boat at very good price.

few sctartch but can save you a bunch off $$


for storage mine get pyt in a barn in winter but there out in the sun the rest off the year.........april-nov...no prob.

you can put them outside in winter..just make sher you have it a place where you can toutch it..you dont want to play around them wen its -40 outside...it still plastic...but again tuff plastic.

i rob them wit some 303 few time a year great for the sun and scratch..good for protection.

joco

Ellis, nice to see you joined Yakfisher.net too . Good choice on a kayak, it pays to do your research and buy a quality boat right off the bat.

I too have a Sienna but it has factory roof racks and tow hooks front and back. I rarely use bow and stern lines, I simply attach securely to the factory rack. While I'd recommend using the lines to the tow hooks to be 100% sure, you're not breaking any laws by only securing it to the roof rack.

I'd buy a Thule rack if I were in your position, and either pad the bars or get J hooks.

Have fun yakkin
Don

Bill, I forgot to mention overwintering... last year I kept my Trident outside in the backyard wrapped in a tarp up off the ground (two mini sawhorses) upside down. No damage at all, only thing I found was a bit of mouse poop inside where the little buggers decided to hang out. Nothing damaged or chewed though.

Roof Rack:
- your best bet is to try at Toyota dealer, or order online one designed for your vehicle. My experience: I was asked to pay almost 500$ at one Richmond rd. roof rack store for one that was ill fitted for my vehicle, but at the dealer I was able to find one for less than 200$, and is sturdy and good looking.

"Any ideas about where I can tie down the bow and stern?"
- I would sau there is no need to tie up the bow and stern of a 12ft. plastic kayak, that is if you have a rack. Use two sturdy kayak straps (not the ratcheting types) to tie it on your roof rack.

Storing outside:
Store it off the ground (use a rack or two sawhorses, or even two camping stools). Store it OUT ! of the sun. If you can also build a simple cover from a tarp will be like storing it inside...

Hi,
For storing the kayak outside there will be no problem if you put a tarp over it.
Just watch how the kayak is supported.
By that I mean do not support it just from the ends or else the snow will build up and bend it in the middle.
Set up the sawhorses, maybe at 1/3 and 1/3 in, as most of the weight is in the centre of the kayak anyway.
If you are at Trailhead, see how they hang the kayaks from the ceiling, sideways, against their wall, with the same straps you will use to attach it to the car.
Still make sure the straps are at 1/3 and 1/3 in.
I also did the same set up in my garage (you might just use your fence)
Good luck and see you on the water.
David

..storgae in winter...sideway is the way to go.

for racks..look used ottawa they a pair now at 70$ not bad.

there alwasy some used one frome time to time..i would not pay fullprice meyself for a kit..i would used what i got...foam pool noddle and so on. until i get deals.

sher it easy to go and buy kits..bt they are expensive.

if you are like me and like deals..wait for some........they will come.


joco

I'm with joco on this .. don't be in a rush to buy a new rack ... they really sock it to you for roof racks ... we paid dearly for a new one ...

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND INFORMATION.

Took the plunge and got the Western Systems Tarpon 120 Angler version this afternoon.

Went to AutoRacks and bought 4 Yakima Anchor Straps. Installed two under the hood and two on the frame of the rear hatch. These secured the bow and stern for tie downs.

Bought foam pads ant the Kayak store with straps. Got the kayak home from Hull without any problem. Only thing I have for figure out is how to stop the straps that go over the hull and through the door frame from making a VERY loud buzzing sound while driving at speed.

As for the rack, according to Toyota, Toyota didn't provide them for their 2005 Sienna vans. Third party companies don't have any that fit either. AutoRacks said that they would be able to make something work for ~$800.00. Think I will wait on getting a rack system.

As for wintering, I found two rack systems that fit on a wall or a fence at Paddle Shack, ~$60.00.. Both will hold the Kayak on its side.

Cheers,

Bill

CONG on your purchse bud.

fully equip now.

SEE YA ON WATER NOW,,,,,,,

joco.

ELLIS wrote:THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND INFORMATION.
Only thing I have for figure out is how to stop the straps that go over the hull and through the door frame from making a VERY loud buzzing sound while driving at speed.
Bill

Bill, twist the straps many times over to stop the buzzing, it's just wind catching the strap and emitting a sound much like that of blowing a breath into a blade of grass between your thumbs when you were a kid

Not to go all red green on you but you can use some duct tape on the strap to prevent the buzzing sound ... did a trip to PEI and it worked fine ...

the price they are quoting you for the rack is outrageous ... ours will fit many vehicles out there .. we've had 2 CRV's and they adjusted fine ...

Now get out on the water !!!