Roof rack

   Does anyone know much about these inflatable roof racks?  Basically I don't want to shell out £100 odd quid for a fix roof rack, which I will probably only use about 8 times or maybe less a year.  Nor can I be bothered take it off the whole thing, yes I know you don't have to take them off every time.  Anyway, back to the question, are these roof racks okay to transport boats.  The boat will be a Byte and the car 3dr golf.  Just worried about the lack of support at the back.
Cheers 

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Fans1024 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 30 Nov 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 177	Post Options Post Reply Quote Fans1024 Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Roof rack Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 9:21am
	Does anyone know much about these inflatable roof racks? Basically I don't want to shell out £100 odd quid for a fix roof rack, which I will probably only use about 8 times or maybe less a year. Nor can I be bothered take it off the whole thing, yes I know you don't have to take them off every time. Anyway, back to the question, are these roof racks okay to transport boats. The boat will be a Byte and the car 3dr golf. Just worried about the lack of support at the back. Cheers

sten Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 07 Mar 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 208	Post Options Post Reply Quote sten Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 10:27am
	whats to stop the roof denting in? normal roof racks weight is on rails that looks like the weight of the boat will be in the middle, also with fuel so expensive the windage might cost the difference in price after a few trips. might be handy for windsurfers? for extra support you can tie the boat down at the front and back to make it more stable, forces of windage make the bow want to lift and if you stop quick momentum could put the boat on your bonent. if its a new car you might be better off with a second hand trailer.

Simon Lovesey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 30 Nov 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 349	Post Options Post Reply Quote Simon Lovesey Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 10:33am
	Not used this particular product, but often regularly transporting boats on the roof,. The critical part is getting a secure lashing for the boat and I can NOT see how that would work here, you would only to be able to use the front and back towing eyes on your Golf which would not be very secure in the middle IMHO Thule are the best, will last and well built
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ASok Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Sep 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 739	Post Options Post Reply Quote ASok Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 11:02am
	I've only every seen these used for surf boards. Can't see how anything heavier would be supported and how you would lash it down tight enough. I wouldn't risk it.

Fin. Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 12 Feb 07 Location: Ireland Online Status: Offline Posts: 128	Post Options Post Reply Quote Fin. Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 2:20pm
	I've a set of inflatable racks (pictured). They're great . easy to use, packs up in a small bag. very handy. doesn't clog the garage etc like normal racks. Boats - I think it'll easily carry an oppy - a mirror , not sure. Most boats you'd tow anyhow. Boards, poles, boxes etc.... no problem.... not sure how much the cost 50 quid possibly. haven't damaged/bent roof yet. worth getting a set.

stuarthop Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 22 Dec 04 Location: Nottingham Online Status: Offline Posts: 1040	Post Options Post Reply Quote stuarthop Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 5:36pm
	i wouldn't buy an infaltable set. fork out the extra for a propper set of roof racks, i got a set of vw one for my old polo for £50 on ebay, used them most weekends for 6 months and then sold them on for the same price.


Villan Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 26 Nov 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1768	Post Options Post Reply Quote Villan Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 5:41pm
	Put a boat on the inflatable ones, and it'll be like a fat man jumping on a balloon. BANG Get the real thing, and just leave them on. They wont take any space, and wont exactly make a dent in how many MPG you get.
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Fin. Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 12 Feb 07 Location: Ireland Online Status: Offline Posts: 128	Post Options Post Reply Quote Fin. Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 6:01pm
	all I can say - I think there a clever idea. 1 - they pack up into a small bundle - stores easily in a car or house. 2 - therefore doesn't clog up your garage/shed 3 - actually work well 4 - fits to any car - small racks are car-specific 5 - easily removed. also - leaving racks on your roof will cause a good bit of windage... it's like sailing - it'll make a small/some difference to your car's performance.

Kudlinski Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 18 Sep 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 132	Post Options Post Reply Quote Kudlinski Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 7:38pm
	looks as though inflatable roof rack rests on the roof, so sureley will dent the roof if you put something a bit heavier on. Also where can you lash any straps around on it to secure whats on top. Edited by Kudlinski

stuarthop Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 22 Dec 04 Location: Nottingham Online Status: Offline Posts: 1040	Post Options Post Reply Quote stuarthop Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 8:23pm
	whats with people thinking its hastle to take roof racks on and off cars? If the golf fitment is the same as the mk 4 polo or similar, i could put mine on/off the car in sub 2 mins. Most racks can be put on or removed in less than 5 mins. Under emergency breaking i cant see an inflatable rack being stong enough and or secure enough, thus making it a pretty unsafe and in my opinion a stupid option. It could be putting other road users in danger. And theres the added bonus that no matter what the advertising says it will damage the paintwork of the car, it only takes the slightest bit of rubbing to start leaving scratches/blemishes (ok the last point is a bit sad but i'm a car nut and do as much as i can to keep my car in good condition) Edited by stuarthop