Roof rack
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
Forum Discription: Ask any questions about the sport!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3856
Printed Date: 06 Aug 25 at 11:13am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Roof rack
Posted By: Fans1024
Subject: Roof rack
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 9:21am
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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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Replies:
Posted By: sten
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 10:27am
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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. |
Posted By: Simon Lovesey
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 10:33am
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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 ------------- http://www.sailracer.org" rel="nofollow - www.sailracer.org Online Sailing Results, GPS Tracking & Event Management |
Posted By: ASok
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 11:02am
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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.
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Posted By: Fin.
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 2:20pm
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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.
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Posted By: stuarthop
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 5:36pm
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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. ------------- |
Posted By: Villan
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 5:41pm
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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. ------------- Vareo - 149 "Secrets" http://www.TandyUKServers.co.uk" rel="nofollow - TandyUK Servers |
Posted By: Fin.
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 6:01pm
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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.
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Posted By: Kudlinski
Date 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. |
Posted By: stuarthop
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 8:23pm
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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) ------------- |
Posted By: jpbuzz591
Date Posted: 24 Jan 08 at 9:03pm
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Those inflatable racks look like they are only really for light things, Just had a look on google for them, and there was some people who put one of those rotomoulded kayaks on top of a polo, and it did dent the roof, which popped out when taken off. But these kayaks are a bit lighter than a boat, so personally wouldnt risk, and get some proper bars, or just tow it ------------- Jp Indoe Contender 518 Buzz591 Chew Valley Sailing club Bristol |
Posted By: Fans1024
Date Posted: 25 Jan 08 at 4:30pm
| Cheers for the advise. Thought about it at work, then checked my car out afterwards, and realised the two pads/bars would only be resting on the front half of the car. So, the stern would be resting on my car, doing untold damage. Right, so it looks like am going to splash out more shiny coins and get a proper roof rack. |
Posted By: Contender443
Date Posted: 25 Jan 08 at 5:29pm
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Good result. It would have been a false economy to buy the inflatable version. Next stop ebay!! ------------- Bonnie Lass Contender 1764 |
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 28 Jan 08 at 7:31pm
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I got a set of Focus roof racks from the other side, no not another Sailing forum, the Y&Y sister, Boards Magazine. Check out the forum over there, just as friendly. A guy on there was swapping cars that week and sold them to me. Ok not ebay but more reliable and just as good. ------------- |