Lifting an 85# Kayak to the rooftop (Ideas needed)

Morning Star · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:51 am Post subject:

Casey & Mary,

The Garhauer lift installation looks great! How tall is the vertical support bar and how long is the horizontal lift arm? Which Garhauer part number did you use? Is it easy to setup, remove, and stow when underway? Where do you stow it on board between uses? I like it!

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 9:09 am Post subject:

Looks good, Casey & Mary! Thumbs Up

Being able to keep the pedals and seats in while underway is a great solution for time AND space. Have a great summer - we'll be looking forward to the updates!

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan

Casey

We should be able to leave the lift in place with the hook connected to the kayak straps (but loosened so it's not carrying a load). If leaving it in place doesn't work we can easily remove it and secure the main pole to the roof, collapse the boom, and store it 'somewhere. (We would prefer to leave it in place since dismounting while on the water would risk dropping something overboard.)

The lift (model LD 6-1 w/34" arm) can be seen at: http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=41
The assembly consists of four parts. (1) the boom which hinges and fits into the upper pole, (2) the support ring which provides stability for the main pole, (3) the main pole (which we had made taller at 57" ... normally 27") to accommodate the higher lift necessary for the kayak to clear the cabin roof, and (4) the lower ball mount. The ball mount can either be screwed in place or through bolted (a backing plate is provided).

For highway speeds we will transport the kayak atop the truck then lift it to the boat at the launch ramp.

While at Lake Powell (SEP 2012) we found that the kayak rack on the boat worked fine - but getting the kayak up/down was NOT 'fun. As a result, we mostly towed at displacement speed. Now (hopefully) we'll be able to EASILY launch or retrieve the kayak in a matter of minutes, and cruise at either displacement or planing speeds.

Best,
Casey&Mary

jennykatz · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 11:46 am Post subject: kayak

Casey it looks good Great job . Are you guys doing the Northwest again this summer or doing East Coast (Erie canal etc) Take care Jim

Casey · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 12:14 pm Post subject:

Jim,
We are currently in AZ and will head for Prince Rupert around the first of May, and plan to be in SE Alaska for Jun/Jul/Aug.
Best,
Casey&Mary

RobMcClain · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 12:17 pm Post subject:

Beautiful job Casey & Mary. Gives the boat even more of that wonderfully rugged mini-trawler look. Should be great to have in Alaska! As time and technology allows, I hope you're planning on writing a cruising blog describing your upcoming trip. I definitely looking forward to reading it!

Rob

ghone · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:13 pm Post subject:

Looks great Casey! That should solve the heavy lifting. You guys enjoy your r and r in Hawaii. Then load up and hit the road. See you up north. George and Carolyn

Hunkydory · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:45 pm Post subject:

Casey & Mary,

Very well done! If the Mokai didn't tow so well, I'd be copying your project.

I'm sure envious of your three month Alaska plans this summer. We must wait for next year, but sure wished we could make it this year with the possibility of some shared experiences up there.

Jay

El and Bill · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 11:22 am Post subject:

Good no. Casey. Hope to see you guys before you head north up the Passage.