Kayak rack on 2 door Honda Civic?

[Kayaker_Guy]

My daughter has a 2004 2 door Honda Civic and needs to mount her kayak. She used to have a Jeep Cherokee and had her Yakima rack mounted to its roof rack.

The challenge seems to be that the Honda is a two door, and the solutions we've been able to find have only been for 4 door cars. So, anyone here seen a 2 door with a rack? Or have a suggestion who to call and discuss this?

Thanks.

[Jim Krueger]

You can message 'Paddlegal', she also has a small two-door car, sorry I can't remember the brand. At any rate, I think she has a Yakima rack
clipped on that had done well for her.

Best Regards
Jim

[jjones03]

you have to get a stretch kit....its for two door vehicles.

[Jim E]

A Yakima "stretch kit" will give more of a spread between crossbars for two door cars.

Yakima Stretch Kit

[Kayaker_Guy]

Thanks to all for the help. I also called ORS-Direct and spent some time with them and I understand now what parts she will need.

[JBradley]

I have used a Yakima rack with a stretch kit on my 2 door civic for about 4 years now. I love it but it definitely needs regular maintenance.

If you carry large loads for extended periods... expect to retighten things at least once on your trip. Although my rack was in poor shape after driving through a NM sand storm, my boats never left the roof and i was extremely impressed.


JB

[Kayaker_Guy]

Thanks JB. With you help and others like you I have been able to learn a lot. Looks like the cost for the Yamima system ("stretch" kit) and Honda towers will be about $350. Lot of money for just replacing the mounting system, but what ya gonna do? <g>

[okieboater]

I used a yakima stretch kit on a extended cab 2 door pick up for 3 or 4 years.

It works but always use bow and stern lines and check things when you stop for coffee etc

not much stability for even kayaks and canoes really do wander around

[Kayaker_Guy]

Thanks. Looks like she will be getting that stretch kit. I will remind her how important it is to have bow and stern lines attached for stability, but who knows if she will listen!

[justin.payne]

I had a 2 door Honda Civic....I used landing pads....Permanent, but if you plan on keeping them they are cheaper and no maintenance.

[Kayaker_Guy]

I had a 2 door Honda Civic....I used landing pads....Permanent, but if you plan on keeping them they are cheaper and no maintenance.

My daughter's car doesn't have an OEM roof rack, so that's out.

[Cowper]

You could buy her a sub-6 foot play boat, and tell her to throw it inside.

(won't work for touring boaters, but if she's interested in WW play this is a serious option...)

[justin.payne]

You dont need OEM roof racks http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?Number=8000221" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You attach the landing pads to the top of your car....kinda tricky, but I did it. Might want to take it somewhere to get it done. Do it if you dont plan on removing them EVER.

[Kayaker_Guy]

You dont need OEM roof racks http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?Number=8000221" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You attach the landing pads to the top of your car....kinda tricky, but I did it. Might want to take it somewhere to get it done. Do it if you dont plan on removing them EVER.

Roger that. Thanks.

[amazingJOHNBOY]

Thule has what you need. I have a 99 Civic with the Thule locking racks and kayak stackers... can carry 2 kayaks at a time. Have transported my ww kayak up there along with my touring kayak which really looks funky since the touring kayak is about 6 feet longer than the civic!