Reddit reviews Malone Standard Foam Block Universal Car Top Kayak Carrier Kit

I've used this on a Dodge Stratus, and a Pontiac G3. Hauling a 9.5' kayak and an 11' one. Seems to work ok, but I did have the blocks come out from under the 11' kayak once with the Stratus. Both blocks fell off, but the kayak stayed on top of the car. I wound up with some dents and scratches. It happened when I crested a hill at about 55mph. I think a combination of the roof flexing, the kayak flexing, and the blocks flexing all lead to it happening. Putting the blocks right at the front and back edge of the roof (which I didn't do that day) keeps the roof from flexing and using a ratchet strap instead of the cam style straps they give you would probably let you strap it down tighter. Though if you tighten them too much you completely compress the foam and the boat will hit the roof. Again, it can lead to dents and scratches, if that's a concern. Like DrRabbitt mentioned though, you don't really need it to be tight, just tight enough that nothing really moves around.

Hey there,

I will attach links at the bottom.

$350 is going to get you a new boat from dicks or wal-mart. Those usually are $299 or so. If that isn't the route you want to go then I would recommend craigslist and see what boats are already available in your area. A lot of local paddle groups buy, sell, and trade their boats as well and can hook you up.

If you just want to do river's and bays you should be able to find a sit-on-top pretty cheap in your area. That said I also prefer a sit-in. My favorite is the jackson day tripper because is a sit in with an open cockpit (bad knees), good back support, lots of storage space, flat bottom for stability, and I can put my dog in it with me. It's a stellar boat and it is made out of the same plastic they use for the whitewater boats so it is super durable. I have seen them used for about $350, new is $599 up to $799 or so depending on if you want the fishing package. Basically, that just means they put a lawn chair in it. Awesome!:) It comes in sizes 10 and 12. So 10 feet and 12 feet. You would fit in either as my spouse is 6'1 and uses the 10. The 10 is cheaper as well.

Most outfitters will let you demo the boat, so I would do that if you can.
If they don't go somewhere else until you find a place you can or offer to rent it for the day, so that they can make some money.

You would want a recreational paddle, which basically just means a longer paddle that you can reach really far with so you don't have to work to hard. You would most likely want a 230cm for your height. I will include the fit guide below from werner so you can get a size comparison. However, you do not need to buy a werner paddle unless you want too.

They can run from $140 up to $450ish depending on what you want. I always did just fine with my $100 paddle, but I got it used (originally $300). Start with the basic paddle, you can get a two part paddle and that won't be an issue at this point. What that means to you is you can change the angle of the blades and that just helps your shoulders and wrists adjust to the paddle. Single shaft paddles usually you have a built in angle, straight, or can have it ordered to have different angles.

Also, a good thing to buy for your boat is 404 which is like sunscreen for your boat if you plan on leaving it outside locked up. It is $16 bucks. Don't forget a lock either, so that people cannot walk away with it. Get a whistle for your PFD and a dry bag for your stuff.

Transportation is not an issue at all. You can actually get by without buying a rack this summer, unless you have the money. I would wait until you are sure you love kayaking and will go as often as possible before investing in it. Bars are $70, q clips are $35 each and you need two sets, and then you need the mounts, for like $125ish. It ends up being around $300 for a rack -brand new, and that's when I was installing them 2 or so years ago. You can buy it used online for like $100 if you can find one that fits your car.

Look online and buy some foam blocks and some tie down straps with the the cam buckle. Toss those suckers on the car, place the boat on top, and then throw the straps across it. Then open your car doors (NOT WINDOWS) and connect the cam buckle on the inside. This won't be an ideal situation for cross country travel, but if you aren't planning on going more than an hour or two not so bad. Basically, you want to pull on the strap until you can't wiggle the boat any longer. Don't pull so tight you buckle your roof- it can happen, but it means you aren't paying attention. If you do just pop it back out- it will pop back out. This is about $30 bucks. It also is a great system for loading mattresses on your car during a move. :)

References:

Yakima Fit Guide- if you want to buy a roof rack- new or used this gives you your size: http://www.yakima.com/fit/Information

Werner Paddles- gives you the most detail on how to determine the right paddle for you and your size- you most likely will want rec or touring since you aren't speeding from a shark: http://wernerpaddles.com/fit_guide_widget/

Jackson Kayak Day Tripper- my preferred choice and seems to be a favorite for a lot of people: http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/recreational-touring-kayaks/day-tripper-3/day-tripper-photos/
(don't let the floppy hats fool you this is a cool boat- I've got cool pictures in it somewhere :) )

Foam Blocks Kayak Carrier: http://www.amazon.com/Malone-Standard-Block-Universal-Carrier/dp/B000SXQCVA

Also, if you go looking at used boats, try not to buy unless you can test it. Look up the stats on the boat as well, some of these things are so heavy! You can also shine a flashlight on the bottom of a sit in and look at the other side, if you can see the light then the plastic is thin and the boat is wearing out.

Check gaskets and screws, if applicable, to make sure they are tight and the washers look good.

Lastly, if you see a lot of patches, unless you plan on learning plastic welding and repair just walk away. You get what you pay for is what it comes to with this kind of stuff.

Best of Luck! Email me if you need any other help, I worked as an assistant manager and sometimes manager(college comes first) of an outdoors store for years. Lots of fun.