My boats first trip on the E.

Couple more...

I would have preferred the bars be spaced further apart
but I obviously have no control over that.

Very nice! I'm glad to see you using the front and rear tie downs! Try this, so you don't scratch the crap out of your front end: http://community.webshots.com/photo/125899970/126054930HPeORX
http://community.webshots.com/photo/126055988/126055988xtWOlX

Do you notice any difference in driveability/handling with the kayak on top of the E?

I don't and I have carried two most everywhere. It does use a little more gas on long trips if you're not conservative with the pedal. But then, what doesn't? Especially with two big boats on top.

It doesn't seem to make too big of a difference with me unless it is windy. I drive differently, more conservatively, just being aware of what is on my roof. When I take it off it's back to driving normal.

Thanks, Dan, for the tip! I enjoyed your photo gallery, too. I'll have to put some pics online with some of my adventures.

Nice Photos!

Dan,

Where do you buy "tie downs"?

These were pics from this past weekend out at Hood Canal, WA.

I just returned the J Cradles (today), due to the height; I was getting hit with an overheight fee on the Ferry. (my yak and E stood over 7'10"). SO now i'm getting the standard Thule Bars and am considering the Hulluvator. anyone, here have experience with this thing?

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/featured_product_hullavator.asp

Dan,

Where do you buy "tie downs"?
If you're talking about the bow and stern "tie downs" they're rope. I get most of my rope at Home Depot. If you're talking about the straps holding the kayaks to the roof rack, I like to support my local outfitter, but REI and that Dicks place has 'em. They're nylon straps, much like seat belt material but narrower and come in fun colours and various lengths.

Nice Photos!

Dan,

Where do you buy "tie downs"?

The quickdraw tie downs for the bow and stern (very handy):

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=10&sku=855

The load straps for the top of the vehicle:

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=14&sku=523

The quickdraw tie downs for the bow and stern (very handy):
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=10&sku=855
The load straps for the top of the vehicle:
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=14&sku=523
Holy crap Treetop! You're in it for $52 and you haven't even gotten your boat to the water yet!
Yer a gearhead, arentcha?

I was offering up my $13 solution, but hey, if you wanna spend $52 every 3 months or so...

Holy crap Treetop! You're in it for $52 and you haven't even gotten your boat to the water yet!
Yer a gearhead, arentcha?

I was offering up my $13 solution, but hey, if you wanna spend $52 every 3 months or so...

HAHA, you got that right; anything that adds convenience to my life is game.

Also, i wanted to show him what the diferrence between the 2 straps were. They do sell both the straps and tie downs with generic names MUCH cheaper. What do you think about the hullavator? ($399 retail, OUCH)

I am my own hullavator.

Actually tried out the Hullavator at the SportsRack shop and this thing is COOL! They had a demo setup with a 15' poly kayak. It worked as advertised, i'll be sure to put this on my bday wish list. :grin:

Are you using the control towers and landing pads #9? Do they fit and look good? I'm looking at getting a Yak for my E to haul my bikes and when I looked at the landing pads they were both the same size where the E looks to be two different sizes. And what really sucks about the whole deal is I had a Yak on my Jeep and the only thing I can use is the load bars.

Yup, control towers and #9 landing pads is what is used. Very nice, factory looking setup. You
ll want the fairing if you don't want to take the rack off when you're not using it. Lock cores are also a good idea.

Speaking of kayaks, here are a couple of pictures of mine from my latest camping trip. The boat is in the blue pack on the right side of the car (under the gray duffle containing tarps etc). The water side picture was taken at Summit Lake near Nakusp, British Columbia.

paulj