I carry all kayaks cockpit down, hull up
Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady
on Sep-24-12 5:13 PM (EST)
However, I do use Thule racks. But the same system should be usable on factory racks.
I use the kind of thick foam blocks that clip onto bars, not thin pipe insulation. I carve the foam blocks to fit the curve or peak of the upside down front and back decks.
This system allows the kayak to nestle into soft concave cradles, allows me to cinch the straps tight against the resilient foam blocks, and doesn't require a cockpit cover to keep out rain.
I also think a cockpit down carry is more streamlined against the wind and less likely to generate a wind up-force on the bow strap.