Finally Getting A Hobie, Transportation Q?

Hello, after working my way through three different fishing kayaks and not being satisfied I have decided I need to get a hobie with Mirage Drive. Most likely a Compass. If I can afford it an Outback. This will be a bit heavier than the other kayaks I have owned and I have a simple car topping question. I have several different styles of cradle for different kayak sizes and shapes in the garage. Most of the time I’m just transporting under an hour of drive time. Has anyone had any issues with just using the thick foam pads that run the length of the roof rack bars? Seems like this would be way easier than trying to find the perfect saddle fit. Obviously would be strapped down carefully...

I did this with one of my Wilderness System kayaks and it worked great.

Has anyone had any issue for example with the Hobie Roof Rack pads?

This would be hull down as it appears the Hobie models have a flat bottom in the center.

Thank you for the input.

Even the Compass is close to 80 lbs so I'd not recommend using the foam pads.  I car topped an Outback on top of a BMW 3 series for a couple years using the OEM roof rack and some Yakima Sweetroll pads and a PVC & suction cup loader that I would put on the trunk to help me get it up top, worked quite well.

I've not got a Subaru Outback which is much taller than the BMW and am putting a Pro Angler 12 on top.  For that one I don't need the cradles since the bottom of the boat is much flatter than my 2108 Outback.  I use a Rhino Rack T-Load to help me get it up top now, made a video of how I do it here: .

I loved my Outback so much I got a job selling them at Outdoor Emporium in Seattle so if you are in the market for a new Hobie come on up and I can show you what we've got and talk in more detail around loading options.  If you do decide to go this route, call the store first to make sure I'm working as I'm only doing this part time so I still have time to fish!

Kevin

Kevin puts an Outback on an Outback  I put a big tuna on one with a Malone sea wing. Had to put slats on it but it rode right side up. A load assist bar out the passenger side of the front rack works well also. Trailers are nice if you can pull them and got room for one. Kayaks can ride on flat bars without pool noodles on there gunwales so put up flip it and tie it down.

Nobody is using a Hobie these days. All the cool kids have moved to the Predator PDL.

Not ME, but the COOL kids...

Perhaps, but the COOLEST kids use paddles.   

 

Perhaps, but the COOLEST kids use paddles.   

.....on SUPs   

Where have you been?  SUP's ain't cool anymore, they're, like, so 2010's...

Hula hoops are making a comeback as exercise equipment, and so, too, will paddled kayaks. 

 

Where have you been?  SUP's ain't cool anymore, they're, like, so 2010's...

Hula hoops are making a comeback as exercise equipment, and so, too, will paddled kayaks. 

Excuse me what the hello is exercise!

The coolest kid used everything, Paddle, pedal and trolling motor. I have all three of these stuffs on my kayak. 

Perhaps, but the COOLEST kids use paddles.   

Because friends don't let friends peddle when they could paddle!

The coolest kid used everything, Paddle, pedal and trolling motor. I have all three of these stuffs on my kayak. 

What? No Magnetohydrodynamic drive?

You know, if you look at our cousin forum in Northern California, the Stealth kayaks - like Squidder_K's - are the new must-have's, and they're all paddle kayaks.  Pedal drives are soo-oo 2000's...   

I kind of hijacked this thread, and I apologize, sincerely and profusely; and kayakingken, I hope you found an answer for how to transport your Hobie before I butted-in.  Sorry, sorry, sorry. 

You know, if you look at our cousin forum in Northern California, the Stealth kayaks - like Squidder_K's - are the new must-have's, and they're all paddle kayaks.  Pedal drives are soo-oo 2000's...   

I kind of hijacked this thread, and I apologize, sincerely and profusely; and kayakingken, I hope you found an answer for how to transport your Hobie before I butted-in.  Sorry, sorry, sorry. 

Love it!

As for what to use, I have great luck with the Thule with the felt pads (can't recall the name), I use those in the rear and then a set  Thule regular pads up front.  You have to spend a few minutes adjusting the mounts to the width of the kayak. I use one tie down strap up front and another strap to the rear. Holds the yak just fine. No bow or stern lines used.  I have caught huge side winds when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and the yak didn't budge.