Kayaking can be the sport you wait for a sum of time to enjoy. Now, for fulfilling of the purpose, one need to transport it to the beach, here, the kayak rack for car without rails helps in the efficient way to take them right on the spot. Our guides hold the relevant information that might help you buy the best kayak rack for a car without rails. The important things you need to know before buying the kayak rack have been explained here—mainly includes; car roof ratio, kayak dimensions, the material of the kayak rack, durability, ease of installation, size capacity, and holding capability.
Editor's Pick | Name | |
 | Malone J-Pro 2 Kayak Carrier |
Based on the universally convenient features—aesthetic design holding, durability, fitting ease, and high-end quality, we have selected Malone J-Pro 2 as the recommended model.
Table of Contents
Things You Must Know Before Buying the Kayak Rack for Car
Certain things are necessary for you to check to get the right product—this will more likely increase your radiancy of the knowledge so that when you roam the market, the preferences would be already cleared;
Know your Car’s Base Roof Setup
the base roof of your car plays a keen role in the adjustment of the kayak rack. The stock roof can be simple/plain or have a certain mounting of crossbars on them. Make sure to know some of these;
- Whether the roof has a crossbar.
- The weight capacity that the crossbar can bear.
What if my Vehicle Does have the Crossbar?
Most of the off-road vehicle has crossbar installed on the roof as stock, but if one does not have it, then make sure you install it before getting on to the attachment of kayak rack. The reason behind the need is; if you need a kayak rack for cars without roof rails—then the crossbars will allow the adjustment of such kayak carriers.
Types of Kayak Rack
Certain types of racks are inn for carrying the kayak. Each of the sorts is credited to give off different convenience for the user. These types of kayak rack for cars are;
Saddle Kayak Rack
The kayak is placed horizontally in the saddle kayak rack—The main streams of use are from the professional kayakers. The horizontal placement of the kayak leaves a good sum of space on the vehicle roof.
Aerodynamics: Because of the horizontal placement of the kayak on the roof of the vehicle, at higher speeds, there is no much bother from it—the ride is much safer and secure.
Stacker Kayak Rack
The stacker kayak racks are significantly known for holding multiple kayaks at a time. As per the holding of different kayaks, the saddle kayak rack leaves accommodation for other supplies on the roof—but as for the stacker kayak rack, the placements of the kayak are vertical, thus allowing for more kayaks.
Aerodynamics: due to the vertical placement of kayaks, they cannot be secure for faster and windy rides—many people consider this method a bit difficult.
J-Cradle Kayak Carrier
The J-cradle kayak carrier is significant for its placement of kayak—they are inclined at 45 degrees. This way the kayak is protective of its foam and has a very low ratio of tearing damage. The placement angle allows space for other kayaks and if not, then for supplies as well. Plus, it looks much aesthetic.
Aerodynamics: The inclined kayak at 45 degrees on the roof, gives in a much safer ride at faster speeds as well.
Tip: In addition to these kayak racks for car without rails, the pop up camper bike racks will help to transport bikes along with the kayaks.
Ease in Installation
The rack comes in different installation processes, that can be and cannot be hustling.
Release Handles
The method involves the releasing of handles and the kayak is held or freed up. Their certain characteristics are;
- This is convenient for short-distant uses.
- The mounting and demounting are much quicker.
Screw Mounting
This sort of mounting requires certain dedication in installation and tool work is necessary. Their certain characteristics are;
- They require screwdrivers and pliers for mounting and demounting.
- The process would require some time.
- The grip is much firmer than the release handle technology.
Mounting System
The mounting system of the kayak rack plays a vital role in the convenience of the user. Clamps and straps come in different installation measures.
Screw Brackets
Kayak rack for cars without rails have various screw brackets that mainly decides whether the racks would stay on the roof permanently or that they can be portable and unmounted.
Crochet Brackets
For the holding of kayaks upright—crochet brackets are popular. As the installation of the kayak is much easier. The mounting of crochet brackets allows the user to uninstall the rack whenever they are done with the transportation.
Material
The material of the kayak rack is significantly important to look in—thus, while selecting the material, make sure to follow these;
- The material should be soft—the kayak would not face any tearing.
- The material should be gripping, as you don’t want your kayak to slip off right.
The considerable ones, according to the prescription are;
- Foams
- Rubber
- Latex
- Spandex
Top 6 Best Kayak Rack for Car Without Rails
| Image | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Malone J-Pro 2 Kayak Carrier -Vehicle Type: Passenger Car -Material: Alloy Steel -Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 6 inches | Check Price |
 | Rhino-Rack 570 Series -Material: Santoprene -Item Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 6 inches -Universal Fit Pads | Check Price |
 | ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks -Vehicle Type: Car, SUV, Truck -Weight: 17.26 pounds -Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Check Price |
 | Malone VersaRail Bare Roof Cross Rail Rack -Material: Composite -Dimensions: 58 x 8 x 5 inches -Vehicle Type: Car, SUV, Truck | Check Price |
 | IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack -Weight: 21.7 pounds -J-Cradle Technology -Aluminum Grade Material | Check Price |
 | Mrhardware 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack -Loading Capacity: 150 Pounds -2 Pairs Roof Rack -Vehicle Type: Passenger Car | Check Price |
1. Malone J-Pro 2 Kayak Carrier
Hot Features
- Vehicle Service Type: Passenger Car
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 6 inches
- Weight: 10 Pounds
- E-coated
- Corrosion-Resistant
- Limited Lifetime Guarantee
- Steel Construction
The Malone J-Pro 2 acquires the firm grip to hold the kayak. The set consists of a bow and stern that safely ties downs the large kayak. The model is integrated with the e-coating thus, acting as a counterpart for the rust that is usual in other racks. The adjustable pads make it work as a universal kayak rack for cars without rails helping them to accommodate every sort of kayak dimension.
The J-style allows the installation of another set on the roof, thus convenient for the accommodation of another kayak. The lightweight of 10 pounds makes it portable and easier to disengage from the roof. Manufacturers give in a limited lifetime guarantee thus, easier for one to trust the liability. The set includes bow and stern, two 12-foot cam buckle straps for finest gripping.
2. Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 Series
Hot Features
- Material: Santoprene
- Item Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 6 inches
- Universal Fit Pads
- 180 Degree Rotation
- Contact Surface Area per Cradle: 2.95″ x 7.87″
- 5 Year Warranty
- Firm Grip
- Easy Installation
The Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 gives in the universal fitting that can mainly deal with the kayak and canoes. The pads are super adjustable with adjusting knobs. The fitting is not only for the kayaks, but they fit the most popular brands of roof rack crossbars. The rotation is leveled up to 180 degrees with a large contacting area of 2.9 X 7.8, thus, giving off the robust grip for the kayak with different hulling shapes.
The durability of these sets is much higher as the material is resistant to corrosion, UV protected, and waterproof. The security Allen Key adds to the aesthetic of the rack. The larger surface accommodation allows the user to deal with the transportation with supremely increased stability.
3. ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks
Hot Features
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car, SUV, Truck
- Weight: 17.26 pounds
- Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches
- Type: J-Bar Carrier
- 180 ° Adjustability Range
- Holding Capacity: 165 lbs.
- Paddle Holders
- Extra Roping
The Artipoly Kayak Roof Rack has the base material composition of aluminum that makes it much robust, lightweight, and strong than the normal steel constructions. The rubber lining on the model allows for better gripping of the larger kayaks. The package has three extra ropes for the ultra-satisfaction of the user. The J-bar rack is designed to adjust in a range of 180°.
The usage is multi, not limiting to the kayaks but can be used for transportation of water to other sports equipment—canoe, boat paddle, wake surfing boards, etc. The high-density foam embedded on the racks doesn’t let any tearing to the kayaks. The J-bar is integrated with quick raise and easily foldable design thus, allowing the highly convenient adjustment.
4. Malone VersaRail Bare Roof Cross Rail Rack
Hot Features
- Material: Composite
- Dimensions: 58 x 8 x 5 inches
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car, SUV, Truck
- Weight: 12.5 Pounds
- Loading Capacity: 135 lbs.
- Rust-Free Coating
- Attachment Straps
The Malone VersaRail Kayak Rail is made of composite material, thus being lightweight and easy to transfer. The model does not require any crossbars on the roof of the vehicle. The attachment straps having a wide 1. 5” safety length gives in the firm fitting for the user.
The rack is adherent to corrosion because of load bar coating. The adjustable foot to the rail allows for a much universal fit—convenient attachment on different vehicles. The rail is robust having a bearable capacity of up to 135 lbs. the commodity is not limited to the kayaks only, but the rail design lets other water supply such as canoe, wake surfboards, etc. easily on.
5. IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack
Hot Features
- Weight: 21.7 pounds
- J-Cradle Technology
- Aluminum Grade Material
- Quick Foldable Design
- Accommodation: up to 2 Kayaks
- Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 11 Inches
- Vehicle Type: SUV, Passenger Car, Truck
The Ikram Kayak Rack is apprehensible for the accommodation of up to two kayaks at a time. The increased size of the carrier even allows for the stand-up paddleboards to settle on. The robust composition of aluminum grade loads on a burden of up to 156 lbs. (72 kgs). The kit is loaded with bow sterns, safety tie-downs, and heavy-duty straps that ensure a safe and firm carriage of supplies.
The acrylic fabric sleeves are super soft, thus not letting any tearing damage to the kayak or other supplies. The design is easy to mount, convenient to raise, and quick to fold. The release handles are installed to deal with the adjustment (increasing/decreasing) of overhead clearance.
6. Mrhardware 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack
Hot Features
- Loading Capacity: 150 Pounds
- 2 Pairs Roof Rack
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Adjustable Padding
- Easy Screw Installation
- Dimensions: 17 x 6 x 14 inches
- Weight: 15.43 Pounds
The Mrhardware Heavy Duty Kayak Rack is a j-style carrier that is especially integrable to passenger cars. The model consists of two sets of mounting hardware that use the loose to prevent the installation of typical screws. The package comes with a 10-feet long ratchet rope having a width of around 1-inch, and high-quality buckle belts. The belts maintain a robust grip against the bumps of the journey and making the ride safer.
The alloy steel construction is strong and durable to pass a certain lifetime—the tie-down straps are factory tested that can bear up to 600 lbs. of break strength. The mounting hardware design uses 2 pieces, equipped with an EVA sticker that will more likely protect the car’s bar.
How to Transport the Kayak Safely?
Conclusion
Planning to go for that kayaking trip occasionally or is it being your regular sports—the transportation is always a liability, such for almost every trip, one needs to be cautious about the installation and the grip of the kayak. Dealing with the query of transferring them safely, the robust kayak racks are useful in this manner. Instance, a kayak rack for cars without rails allows the kayakers to travel with their rocking sets of kayaks while not giving them damage. Here, we have explained certain things that you must know about the racks, like—the types of kayak racks, installation processes, the material used in them, placement of the kayak on the rack, etc. Also, the enlisted models are according to the universality of use, durability, gripping quality, and extensive history of providing robust convenience to the kayakers.
FAQs
How to transport 2 kayaks without a roof rack
Ikuram Carrier is the finest double kayak rack for cars without rails that ensures the transportation of up to 2 kayaks at once. The model does not require any roof rack and holds the kayak firmly. the fitting over the roof is likewise easy and quicker.
How to transport a kayak without a roof rack
The kayak carriers for cars without roof racks are specifically made for the transportation of the kayaks. The strap and rope holdings allow the firm grip to them. Carriers place the kayak incliningly at a certain angle—the mounting and demounting are easier and quicker.
How do you transport a kayak without a crossbar?
Any of the best kayak roof racks will allow transportation without initiating a need for a crossbar on the vehicle. Some roof rack for kayaks is directly installable thus, making it easier for the user to cope with the conveyance of kayaks.
Do I need crossbars for a kayak rack?
The kayak racks mounted on the crossbars ensure a sober carriage of the kayaks—as the height from the base roof prevents preliminary damage and tearing of the paint. Having factory inserted crossbars on the vehicle allows you to install various robust kayak rack types; stackers, or j-cradle, etc.
How do you transport a kayak with a car?
If the car has crossbars, then it is certainly—directly possible to transport kayak with the help of kayak racks for cars without rails. The kayaks are placed on the racks and ready to go. The accommodation depends on the roof surface, crossbars capacity, size of the kayaks, and racks installed on the car.
Data Source
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roof_rack
- https://www.wikihow.com/Store-a-Kayak
- https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-Down-a-Kayak
- https://www.twoeggz.com/int/5441033.html