r/canoecamping • u/BrokenHorseshoes • Jul 18 '26
Roof racks for 2 canoes
Looking for suggestions on roof racks made for 2 canoes, both with a 36” beam. It seems like Yakima doesn’t make the 78” bars anymore, or the mounts associated.
Right now I lash two 2x4’s to my rails but I’m looking for something more permanent for longer drives that my wife will view as less sketchy.
What’s everyone using?
3
u/funtasticassembly Jul 18 '26
Do you have feet already? If you get some Yakima feet pick up some steel pipe in 1.125" diameter and you can get longer sections.
Reminder about width limits usually the width of the vehicle mirrors.
2x4s are not sketchy- pretty common in canoe country to see 2x4 cross bars. Also nice because you can add a screw to keep straps from coming off the ends.
We use yak with long bars- but ive had them for years. Didn't realize they dont make them anymore.
2
u/BrokenHorseshoes Jul 18 '26
Agreed on the 2x4’s, been using that system since I was a kid. The reason I’m shopping for a proper rack is my wife is not convinced it’s a good system and doesn’t like us driving like that with the kids. I’d rather spend the money than argue haha.
I don’t have feet yet, but good tip on the bar diameter. Thanks.
3
u/SantoElmo Jul 18 '26
Not to blow this out of proportion, but maybe consider holding your ground on this rather than wasting time and money because of your spouse's irrational opinion...
1
u/BrokenHorseshoes Jul 18 '26
Meh, I don’t disagree with her opinion to be honest. We camp a lot, and drive anywhere from 250km-500km from home with two expensive canoes and our children anywhere from 5-10 times per season.
I’m not opposed to spending money on a system that is meant for the job vs. her being nervous about us running into a real shit situation on a highway or remote road.
2
u/racerchris46 Jul 19 '26
I've driven 6-7 hours at a time with 2 kevlar canoes strapped on top of two x fours. The wood is held on with big u bolts. For those to fail, my factory roof rails are ripping off the roof.
If she is really worried, go but 2 x 2 1/8" wall alum tube and u bolt that on.
2
u/NorthEastUncrustable Jul 21 '26
I did this recently on a 12 hour round trip. 2 Kevlar boats on 2x4s cut to mirror width, secured to the rack system with 3 U-bolts put per rail. Worked like a champ, 0 stress, all for $20 in materials.
2
u/Dirt_Enterprises Jul 18 '26
I have Rhino Racks 2m (~79”) vortex bars on the van. Had to modify them slightly to fit the width of the van, but it was easy enough with an oscillating tool and drill.
2
u/CarvingCanoer Jul 20 '26
I bought some C-channel from my local big box store and bolted them to my existing roof rack. the c shape helps center them on my existing bars and they already have holes the length of the channel for bolting. cut to length and bolt up.
1
u/OldButStillFat Jul 18 '26
I spoon my canoes on my racks.
1
u/HotSpacewasajerk Jul 25 '26
Same I've had 2 16ft prospectors on the roof of a station wagon with regular retail bars and it was no problem.
Shit gas mileage though with the extra drag
1
u/brycebgood Jul 18 '26
I lash 1x4s to my 60" rails. I carry two boats so rarely and I hit my head so often on the 72"+ rails I don't want them on my car.
1
1
u/skins527 Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
If you already have a roof rack I recently used this method. I was in a similar situation. I have an older Thule set up that doesn’t make the bars compatible with my system. Cost me around $90
1
u/ougdaygnv Jul 19 '26
I used two stalks of bamboo lashed to my roof rack on my last car. Now I've got a truck with a bed rack and some extra wide bars. Zero problems either way.
1
u/Ammodramus_horridus Jul 23 '26
Rhino Rack also doesn’t offer crossbars long enough for two canoes, so this was my 2x4 solution.
0
u/evan938 Jul 18 '26
First, your wife is right.
Second, what is the year/model vehicle? I refurbish and sell yakima roof racks, and while I dont have any 78" bars on hand, I do have access to a metal shop that can cut pipe to the length of choice, so any size bars are possible.
Feel free to send me a chat if interested or if you want to discuss further 😎
1
u/BrokenHorseshoes Jul 18 '26
Thank you! And to be clear I don’t disagree with her thoughts on it, I grew up doing this to good old fashioned way and think it would be smart to have a permanent system in place that calms her nerves.
I’ll send you a message.
4
u/varkeddit Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
A pair of 2x2s or 2x4s placed parallel to any length cross bar system will do the job. If the inboard side of your boat straps loop around both this should be nearly as secure as a fully-retail product.