Seattle Sports Sherpak Universal Kayak Roof Rack Kit

The Seattle Sports Co. saddle carriers are a very good alternative to traditional racks for transporting kayaks and canoes. The 22" wide kit featured here is suitable for wide kayaks (tandems) and broad beam canoes.

This kit solved a problem that many cars with sunroofs (like my Saturn Vue) have with standard rack compatibility.

Be aware that Seattle Sports Co. has these kits in many sizes to suit almost any kayak, and that a narrow touring/racing kayak would roll a bit with this kit.

The carrying case keeps things neat and allows me to stow this in the back of the SUV. Installation takes about 10 minutes the first time and removal is quick. The contact points are rubberized and the strap grabs have extra webbing to protect the paint.

One more advantage of this is the couple of miles per gallon you save not having a rack on top when doing your everyday commuting. If you have standard roof rails, the grooves in the saddles will fit onto... Read more

I bought this system for a trip out west where I anticipated renting a kayak. The outfitter didn't supply a way to haul the boat so this was an economical solution for me. The pads fit a wide boat very well, and the straps are easy to use, and of great quality.

Since returning home, the saddle system has provided a great way for me to haul my boat on top of my VW without a rack system.

I highly recommend this product.

Great product, light weight, easy to put on car. By the second time, I got it down to 10 minutes. Don't crank down too hard though, you can get pressure dimples in the roof. Make sure to twist your tie downs or it will sound like you are driving with a Cello on top of the car.