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

C

Casey

New member
We have a Hobie Tandem Mirage kayak (14.5 feet, about 85# hull weight).

We both Love the kayak, and displacement towed it for the three weeks we were recently on Lake Powell. The kayak rack that I fabricated for the CC23's rooftop works fine. The only problem is that launching and retrieving the kayak is a royal PITA. It's heavy, bulky and very awkward. We can do it - but there must be a better way. I need Ideas!

The Cape Cruiser 23 has the standard welded aluminum rocket launcher atop the cabin, so I have a reasonable platform from which to build/mount something, possibly some type of collapsible lift or davit-like gizmo.

I envision some form of welded, hindged(?), folding arm that could be deployed overboard to grab the kayak, then pivot the arm so the kayak rests on the carrier. Although I can 'see the device in my minds-eye, I'm not enough of an engineer to see any details. (Although I must admit, I am a Master of overEngineering stuff!)

Any Ideas out there?

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
We, too, have a Hobie Mirage Tandem. I slide it up over the side of the bow pulpit, pivot it around, and then slide it up on the roof racks. It is a bit of a chore. I have considered mounting a Garhauer lifting davit http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=41 on the rail. I have seen this done on a couple of Rosborough 246s, and it seems to work well. It can be removed and stowed when not in use. I thought about using two mounts, so it can double as a davit for lifting the kicker.
 
Casey,

I don't have the details, but I recall that the late George Roach had a lift system for two single kayaks on his boat the "Sea Quest". I believe that George and his wife were from Oregon and you might find some photos from the Lake Powell Gathering in 2010 if you can't find an album.

Jim
 
Since I sold the Tomcat, I have been communing with the water in my Hobie kayak. I use the Malone Lift Assist to lift the kayak to the roof of my Rav-4. You do have to lift the kayak to place it in the device, then you can ratchet it up quite easily to the roof. You will need both the "Downloader" and the "Lift Assist".

2012 Malone Telos Kayak Lift Assist for Use on Malone DownLoader, J-Loader & AutoLoader Kayak Racks - MPG351
 
1. Buy a lighter kayak
2. get a gym membership for some weight training for all parties concerned
3. get one the slide thingies that they use to launch and retrive the Portland Pudgies
4. get an inflatable dinghy
5. get a motor for inflatable dinhy
6. rig up a pulley system for your windless to drag the yak to the roof while you guide it up using a portable remote to control the windless.
7. take more people along on your cruises to help you load the heavy things you purchased without thinking how am I gonna get this 85 pound beast on the roof of my other boat :D
D.D.
 
If you're looking for all kinds of ideas you might check out the Portland Pudgy thread in which Aurelia's captain builds a "ramp" to load the 128 lb dinghy onto the roof. There are photos on page 4.
 
Casey, George used a winch that lifted the Hobie up to the level of the radar arch. The kayaks were carried on edge, along the sides of the boat at the level of the cabin top. I may have some photos. I'll check when I get my computer field up.
 
Here are some shots. In 2009, George and Jan only took one kayak, mounted the same way. Balance did not seem to be an issue. The winch looked like a trailer winch, and was mounted on a 2x4 that was on the top of the radar arch. George took the winch down once the kayak was in the rack. You might use a similar winch, then pivot the Hobie around to the cabin top if you want to keep it on center line. I think that pool noodles and good tie downs might be all you need for the double on the cabin top. What ever you come up with, please take detailed photos and post them. Diana and I may plagiarize your work.



Sea_Quest_DSC4935.sized.jpg

Sea_Quest_DSC4943.sized.jpg

Sea_Quest_DSC4930.sized.jpg
 
I would look at one of the roller mounted to the front rail. These are sold for mounting on the cars carry racks. the hardest part of is lifting the kayak to the roof. With the rollers you can get a tipping point that is easy and smooth to pull the kayak over.
 
I've been looking at the Martini 3-piece tandem kyaks. These are about 14' tandems that break down into 3 pieces with each weighing about 25lbs. The pieces would be easy to lift and stow but I'm not sure how easy it would be to assemble on the water or across the cockpit in the boat. The latter might be quite challenging. However, it's quick and easy to assemble on flat ground or a dock and I think I could manage putting one together from the swim step/bracket on the Tomcat.
 
the easiest way to get them rascals on the roof, but it hasn't ever worked for me, is have the spousal unit load them. I went with two light kayaks but have always though a pot puller would be an easy, cost effective way to at least hoist the yaks up into the cockpit
 
I've just been looking at the Garhauer Marine lifts - they look like they might work (Thanks Jim....)

As I mentioned, we LOVE the Hobie Tandem. Yes, it's awkward to load/unload, but we can DO it, but it's not as efficient and streamlined as I'd like, but we realized that before we bought it.

The "Mirage Drive" units are fantastic. On a recent trip on the "Dora Canal" (about twenty miles south of The Villages) we decided to check our GPS speed on a short run. With both of us pedaling full-out we hit 5.7mph! Granted, we didn't sustain that very long, but when we 'relaxed it was easy to cruise along at 3.5 to 4mph for sustained periods. We take at least one paddle (for making shorter radius turns when necessary) but use the pedal-drive 98% of the time.

Back to the lift idea....

I'm thinking that a Garhauer Marine lift (possibly with a longer vertical pole) mounted on the gunnel and secured to the eave of the roof might just be the Answer. I'll have to play with measurements, etc ...but it might allow the kayak to lifted and pivoted into place.

...thanks All!

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
Update: The Garhauer lift is installed. Pictures are available in our album.

Installation of the Garhauer lift went very well. We have done several launch and retrieval exercises from the boat (in the driveway) and all seems to work as well (or better) than we expected.

The only real issue during installation was fabricating a backing plate to support the "stand off" arm that Garhauer supplied. But even that step wasn't too bad, just required a bit of creativity.

With this installation we hope to be able to keep both seats and "Mirage drive" pedal assemblies installed in the boat. This should make kayak launching and retrieval both easier and faster.

We were both impressed with the Quality of the Garhauer materials and constructions.

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
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!
 
Looks good, Casey & Mary! :thup 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
 
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
 
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
 
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