opinion needed on carrier

[Dottie]

I would appreciate anyone's opinion on the Autoloader Xv by Malone available from Colorado Kayak Supply ( a kayak carrier). I drive a Rav 4 by Toyota. A 4 door model with a factory roof rack.
Thank You.
Dottie

[Lupe]

I have an older model of J-cradles by Malone that I used when I still had a sea kayak. I thought they were very well made and a good design for carrying one boat on it's side, so depending on what type of boat you need to load, I would say it's a good product. I used mine on a Thule rack, but as long as they say they will work with a factory rack, they should be good to go.

However, I don't know why they call them "autoloaders," as it's still you who have to lift the boat up there!!!

PS - In the past I have had good luck at places like rackwarehouse.com for stuff like that - they often run sales on different items...definitely check a few sites to see who's offering the best price!

Cheers

[Cowper]

You can read a number of opinions here...
http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showRev ... ?prod=1402" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The companies website is here...
http://www.maloneautoracks.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One issue with any rack system is that the factory roof rack is the "weak link". No matter how well the product is made, it won't stay in place if part of your roof rack comes loose. That said, "everybody does it" (uses factory roof racks instead of stronger, independent systems), but I wanted to make a pitch that you should still do like they say and at the very least have a really good bow line on your boat, ESPECIALLY if it is a longer boat that overhangs the front windshield.

Just curious, how long is your boat, and are you considering any of Malones loading assist systems? I've found that the really long touring/sea kayaks can be a bear to load with one person, because they weigh more than a touring canoe and are very unwieldy due to the length. If there is a wind blowing, then it gets REALLY challenging to lift and balance at the same time.

Thule makes a hydraulic-power lift assist system that is FANTASTIC (especially for very tall vehicles like vans or 4WD trucks) but, it is relatively complex system with many moving parts and costs as much as some kayaks. From browsing Malone's site, it looks like they have come up with a couple of cheaper alternatives, which while not nearly as nice as the Thule system, would still make one-person loading a little bit less like an Olympic Clean and Jerk competition... http://www.owresource.com/lifts/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dottie]

Hello Cowper,
My boat is 12 feet long. It is a Prijon Capri Touring model that I just purchased from dparrothead ( Ark. canoe club member).
I appreciate your comments and suggestions. I don't have a good bow line on this model. By that I mean there is no way to tie anything onto the bow . This is why I need a carrier. In the past with my old kayak, I could secure a bow and stern line easily, and needed no carrier as I have a rack and my Rav 4 is short, and I am tall, and I have developed a system unique to me that enabled me to put it on the rack by myself.
I will explore your websites. Thanks so much. Happy paddling!
Dottie

[Lupe]

Hi Dottie,

My friend has that same model and uses bow and stern lines attached to the carrying handle/loops on each end. Unless going for very short trips and low speeds, I would use bow and stern lines with that boat and using the Malone J-cradles...probably even more so if using a factory rack. Just my 2 cents!

FYI - my friend who has that boat ONE time did NOT use bow and stern lines...it did not end well! :shock:

[msullivan57]

Since Heather ratted me out I'll make my comment on the bow and stern line. I have a prijon Capri also (very good choice in boat selection by the way). The handles are a little cumbersome to tie a line to since they don't have a loop of some type. I first used a small enough rope to go through the hole in the handle. Then, tired of trying to get that rope through the handle, I put a rope through the handle and made a loop to attach strap or rope. And and left the loop on the handle. Then, since I became so proficient at tying my boats on the rack, I decided not to use the bow and stern lines. I didn't think there was anyway the boats would come off the rack. And they didn't. Going down highway 67 at 70 mph with a strong head wind, the whole rack came off my car. The boats hit once on the road and then went into the grass. I had two 12 ft boats on the rack. Don't think I mentioned that. Since I know you are worrying, the boats are just fine. They were treated at the scene and released. The rack was a yakima and they replaced it free. But I learned my lesson. If going on a trip of any length and especially on a highway at increased speeds, I'm going to have both a bow and a stern line. I was lucky the boats and rack didn't hit a following car. I have even thought about drilling holes in my roof and bolting the rack on so I don't have to worry about it, as much. But then I couldn't go anywhere if it rained.
Actually, I think people should pay me then follow me around so they could learn valuable lessons on what NOT TO DO.
And you just wanted an opinion about that Malone thing.