Kayaking is all about fun, right? Well, for most of the part it is but sometimes, it can make you feel miserable. What if you have to load a kayak on the roof of your car all by yourself? If you have got a great physique and great muscle power, you will not have any such trouble but for the rest of humanity, loading a kayak poses a serious challenge. An average American Joe lacks the physical strength to lift a 100 lbs kayak to be honest with you all guys. This is the reason why you need to have a kayak load assist to help you get the job done. Kayak loader does the heavy-lifting and thus allowing you to explore the water world without losing your breath.
To make your job easier, here we have listed some of the most popular kayak loaders that money can buy so that you can make a better decision at the end –
Best 8 Kayak Loaders
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1. Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader Rack
Loading a kayak should be not a pain in the neck. All you have to do is to get your hands on this Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader Rack and everything around you will start falling in line. You would need anyone else to get the kayak loaded on the roof rack and the credit goes to Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader Rack.
The loading process is pretty simple and straightforward. All you have to do is to get the one side of the kayak lifted onto the Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader Rack and then swivel it to the crossbar and there you go. It is that simple. Once done, you need to make sure that the kayak is secured by the tie-down straps otherwise, it might wobble during the journey.
The best thing about this Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader Rack is that it can easily be operated by a single person. To stop the load from sliding off during the transportation process, Integrated load stop is included in the design.
2. KEYWEST KRR Kayak Boat Roller Loader
Loading a kayak has never been this easy thanks to Keywest KRR Kayak Boat Roller Loader. You don’t have to ask your homie or your neighbour to give you a hand to get the kayak loaded onto the roof of the car. Keywest KRR Kayak Boat Roller Loader has got a unique design that can easily contour to the curvature of the car and thus allowing you to lift the load without putting too much pressure on the vehicle itself. Rubber suction cups help the Keywest KRR Kayak Boat Roller Loader to stay put during the loading process.
However, if the surface is uneven, these rubber suction cups might fail to provide any support and therefore, in such cases, you might have to use the Velcro straps. The best thing about this Keywest KRR Kayak Boat Roller Loader is that they can be folded down when not in used and thus helping save valuable space.
3. Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist
Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist could be a lifesaver for all of us who love to paddle in this uncertain time. Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist comes equipped with two suction cups that can be mounted either on the car. These suction cups are strong built and will allow you to lift the kayak to the roof of the vehicle without getting another person involved in the process.
Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist is compatible with almost all vehicles. IT has got two different mounting options which is great. The bar is made from heavy-duty aluminium. One of the finest aspects of this Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist is that it rules out any possibility of developing scratches during the loading and unloading process.
4. Thule 898Pro Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System
Thule 898Pro Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System will do all the heavy lifting for you. So, save your energy for the gruelling kayaking season ahead! Its gas-assisted struts do 90% of the job by lifting as much as 40lbs of the weight of the kayak which is incredible if you think about it.
Thule 898Pro Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System allows you to load a kayak by lowering it 40 inches to the side and thereby making the whole process of loading and unloading simple and straightforward. It has got 36 inches wide cradles that can accommodate large and wide kayaks with ease.
This kayak loader comes equipped with powerful Gas Struts that helps immensely in the loading process of the kayak. The base of Thule 898Pro Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System is resistant to corrosion which is a big advantage. In case, you want to lock the loader to the car, Thule has got you covered. Use the One-key lock cylinders to get it attached securely to the vehicle.
5. Malone Stinger Kayak Load Assist Module
Malone Stinger Kayak Load Assist Module works as just claimed by the company in its advertisement. Without an iota of doubt, it is one of the most versatile kayak loaders available in the market at this price point. However, this load-assist works really well with SeaWing saddle type kayak carrier which is a bummer. Malone Stinger Kayak Load Assist Module is made from heavy-duty polycarbonate that helps extend its lifespan.
Malone Stinger Kayak Load Assist Module will keep your kayak protected from scratches and dents no matter what by capturing the bow whenever needed. Malone Stinger Kayak Load Assist Module is also resistant to corrosion which is just awesome.
6. Codinter Kayak Roller, Kayak Load Assist
Codinter Kayak Roller, Kayak Load Assist lets you mount your kayak on the roof of your car without doing anything extreme. All you have to do is to rely on its powerful suction cups and they will make the loading process as simple and straightforward as possible. Codinter Kayak Roller is made from aluminum and this is what has helped it shed excess weight. Maximum weight capacity of this Codinter Kayak Roller is around 220 lbs and that means, you can definitely rely on this kayak loader to mount both small and large sized kayak with elan and ease. Protecting your kayak will be a 360 degrees smooth-rolling foam pad which is thick enough to keep your kayak protected from scratches and dents.
7. Onefeng Sports Kayak Boat Roller
Onefeng Sports Kayak Boat Roller is the perfect kayak loader that you can get your hands on without spending an astronomical amount of money in the process. The suction cups are immensely powerful and can provide all the tractions that you will ever need to get your kayak mounted on the roof of your car without using too much muscle power in the process. Maximum weight capacity of this Onefeng Sports Kayak Boat Roller is 60 lbs that means it ideal, for mounting smaller kayaks. You will get two different mounting angles to get your kayak loaded on the roof of your car.
8. Malone Channel Loader
Malone Channel Loader is compatible with most vehicles and that means, you don’t have to face any trouble while trying to load your kayak on the roof of your car. Narrow footprints make it possible to load multiple kayaks on the roof of your car. Malone Channel Loader is compatible with all kind of sedans, hatchbacks and SUV’s. The best thing about this kayak loader is that it can be installed in minutes. Malone Channel Loader is resistant to corrosion that adds to its impressive durability.
Kayak Loader Buying Guide
Purchasing the right kayak loader is never easy. There are so many different factors involved in the process that you might find the whole process intimidating. Here are some of the factors that you need to carefully consider while purchasing the best kayak loader for your next kayaking adventure –
1. Gas-Assisted Lift
Gas-Assisted Kayak Loaders are extremely powerful and they can help you lift heavy kayak without making you break a sweat. This type of Gas-Assisted Kayak Loader is not available for the cheap. They are specifically designed for taller vehicles.
Having gas assisting technology in your kayak loader can make it easier to get heavier yaks onto the roof of your car. If you struggle to lift your vessel above your head or if you have a taller vehicle or SUV, loaders with gas assistance can help by taking some of the weight of the vessel as you lift it to the roof, making your yak appear significantly lighter.
2.Rear Loading
Rear loading of a kayak is not an option if you are driving a vehicle that has got an extended trunk or a typical sedan for that matter. During the loading process, you will be standing at a distance from your car and which is why it makes sense that you should opt for a roller if you are planning to go for rear loading.
3. Side Loading
Side loading of a kayak can be a lifesaver. Side loader lets you stay close to your vehicles and thus offering you a chance to keep both of your kayaks and your vehicles safe should anything goes wrong during the loading process.