Which Roof Rack and Carrier Would Work Well for a 2007 Mazda 6 Sedan and a 14 Foot Tandem Kayak

Question:

I have a 2007 mazda 6 4 door sedan i have two black strips going down the top of the roof so i do not know if you consider that a naked roof or not i would like to know how much for roof rack and kayak holder

asked by: Erin H

Expert Reply:

I should be able to put together a list of parts for a roof rack and kayak carrier for you. Just a couple of quick questions would help narrow things down.

Do you have a preference as far as Yakima or Thule for the roof rack or carrier? And second, what is the size of the kayak? Lenght, width and weight?

expert reply by: Patrick B

Question:

No preference, but let me be honest the less exspensive the better it is a 14ft 80lbs tandem... I would like the type of rack u can take on and off I do not want to hard mount it thanks

asked by: Erin H

Expert Reply:

I think we can put together a pretty good solution for you. The new Thule Traverse feet are pretty easy to take on and off. That way you can pull the rack off on the off season.

To complete the roof rack for your Mazda, you will need the Thule Fit Kit, part # THKIT1302. These are the vehicle specific brackets that fit the car. Then the Thule Traverse feet, part # TH480, will lock onto the fit brackets and these provide the anchor points for the Thule Load Bars, part # THLB50. With these 3 components you will be able to put together a full Thule roof rack.

Once you have the roof rack, it would be time to choose a carrier for the kayak. Below I have added a link to all the kayak carriers we have that will fit the square Thule load bars. If you will always have someone to help you load, a set of kayak saddles should work very well, like the Thule Top Deck system with Tie Downs, part # TH881.

If you might be by yourself kayaking, you might like a system that is easier for one person to load and unload. The Yakima HullyRollers are a pretty slick way to let you roll your kayak onto the roof carrier. You would couple the Rollers, part Y04035, with a 1/2 set of saddles, like part # Y04037. That way you can have the rollers on one end and solid saddles on the other end. It will be secure and solid once you strap the kayak down.

expert reply by: Patrick B