Question: roof rail diameter 16' Cruiser?

DMcD

I won't be able to go to the marina and actually measure until the weekend, but I want to order some fittings to make a roof rack for some kayaks. I found some nice clamps at McMaster-Carr but need to know the rail diameter.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#2534t21/=13dactn

island andy · Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 2:01 pm Post subject:

DMcD,
If you have kayaks, you probably have a roof rack............or several........for cars. For my 22 Cruiser, I just used old Thule racks with the feet which clamped on rain gutters. No modifications needed, and they are secure. I have transported a kayak, lumber, a prehung entry door and more.
Now, credit where credit is due - I got that idea from this Forum which has answers to most questions. Except maybe rail diameters, which I couldn't find when I discovered the idea of repurposing roof racks.
andy

Sunbeam · Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 4:16 pm Post subject:

Until someone with a 16 responds (I don't know if the rail diameter is the same), I'll just say that on my 22, the rails are 7/8" diameter.

spuncopper · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 1:30 pm Post subject: handrail dia

Hey,

I have a 2007 16 ft cruiser and the handrails on the roof are 7/8 inch. I would add, be careful of any weight put in the roof of the 16 as it will compromise your center of gravity and it is "lively" enough as it is.

Good luck and safe boating.
Spuncopper

DMcD · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 5:35 pm Post subject: repurposed car roof rack concerns

I just have one that fits the gutters of my car, but it doesn't look like it would work on the 16' cruiser.... the roof is more curved and has a head-room hump in the middle. I don't think the posts of the roof rack will be tall enough to keep the cross-bar off the center of the roof.

Jazzmanic · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 7:37 pm Post subject:

DMcD,

Check out how I made my stainless steel to of rack last year. Full disclosure, I "borrowed" the idea from a few very talented C-Brat craftsmen. The use of Taylormade flag holders was perfect but also very expensive. It looks like your McMaster-Carr solution looks like a great alternative.

Blueback · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 9:42 pm Post subject: Re: handrail dia

MikeR · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 10:47 pm Post subject: Re: handrail dia

Marco Flamingo · Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 12:48 pm Post subject:

I will "forth" putting nothing on the roof of a CD 16, although I did put a flexible solar panel up there (2 pounds). Also, the scaffold connectors are cheap because they are steel. They would probably last for awhile in fresh water, but as soon as they start to rust they might cause some rust streaking on your gel coat.

There are some activities that are incompatible with cruising in a C Dory 16. Having a kayak on top would be one of them. I always wonder when I see an RV driving down the road, pulling a Jeep, with kayaks, lawn furniture, aluminum boats, and bicycles strapped all the way around, whether they really get enough enjoyment from those all those toys to make it worth the effort. It seems that one toy at a time might be more fun. That being said, I have enjoyed taking my folding bike with me (in the cockpit).

Mark

Blueback · Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 1:39 pm Post subject:

DMcD

I appreciate the advice, but some of it is making me nervous.

We are using our 16' Cruiser on an inland lake. Why should I be overly concerned with CG shift? Is a 50 lb kayak on the roof really going to cause me to capsize?

spuncopper · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:01 pm Post subject: handrail

Hey DMcD,

Fifty pounds? Even on an inland lake fifty pounds on the roof of a CD 16 cruiser would make it squirrely. I use mine on Lake Wateree here in SC, an inland lake and I wouldn't put fifty pounds on the roof.

Here's a suggestion for you before you expend the funds on a roof rack. Take a soft sided suit case or duffle bag and pack it with something totaling fifty pounds. Secure it on the roof of your CD 16 and take it out, you'll get a feel on how it will handle.

I would suggest a tow bridal.

Good luck, Spuncopper

spuncopper · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:09 pm Post subject: handrail

Oops, that should've been bridle... :lol:

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:18 pm Post subject:

DMcD,
Consider that the 16 owners are a diverse and experienced group. I doubt that any would feel that at rest in calm waters that the 50 + lbs (rack, Kayak, paddles etc) would cause a capsize. But it does change the dynamics of handling when under any way, even slow speeds. Add in that weather can change rapidly on any inland lake, and when 40 knots of wind, and 2 foot seas, come along--and it does not take much fetch, for that to happen, things can go wrong very quickly. You can argue that you never go out in predicted bad weather. I live where I can see Alabama from my front door, and things go bad very rapidly on Perdido Bay, sort of a small "lake"- where I have made a number of rescues in a boat far more capable than the C Dory 16.

If I was in your "shoes" /boat; I would tow the kayak for some time and see how things go.

MikeR · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:24 pm Post subject:

50 lbs kayak plus whatever weight of roof rack...earlier in thread there was talk about using or adapting a standard car roof rack...I have a small Yakima that was from a civic hatchback and it is definitely no leightweight!

Have you considered inflatable kayaks? I often carry an Advanced Elements deflated in the cockpit of my 16, it's easy and quick to inflate across the back deck, very seaworthy, and fast enough to explore any area I anchor out at, even with tides (it is only 11' so you do have to watch the tides/currents, but they also make longer models, and you wouldn't worry about tides anyway on your lake).