What Load Assist Can I Use to Load a 120lb Inflatable Fishing Boat onto a Roof Rack?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Brian,

I had to get creative to figure out to load a fishing boat up onto crossbars, but I think I have solution!

We have something called the Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist part # MAL48FR that is essentially two suction cups connected to a bar with a V-shaped roller in the middle. The suction cups can be attached to the glass on the vehicles rear wind shield or the painted metal and you can lean the boat up against it to help roll it up onto the crossbars. Side note, these suction cups should never be attached to the Mach-e's panoramic glass roof or plastic spoiler. I've included a picture of the channel loader on an SUV so you can see what I'm talking about. The Malone Channel Loaders are only rated for 75lbs of weight, so you will need two of them to handle the weight of your fishing boat.

Once it's up on the roof however, I don't have any rolling kayak mounts that are able to handle the weight of the boat. The highest rated system is for 80lbs and adding more of the rollers doesn't increase their ability to handle the weight, so they'll likely break. So, you can use the Malone Channel Loaders to help get it onto the roof rack, but you'll have to push/pull it from there to get it where you need it. From the research I did, they do suggest slightly deflating the boat about 2-2.5psi so it'll better fit over the crossbars (and keep pressure from building up from the heat/sun). It should also be loaded upside down with the bow pointing down toward the Mach-e's hood to act like a spoiler and push the wind over the boat instead of under it.

You'll of course need straps as well to secure it to the bars; we have the Malone Cam Buckle Load Straps with Buckle Protectors part # MPG307-15 that are 15' long and part # MPG307-18 that are 18' long. Both are rated for 1,200lbs of pull which is enough to hold down the fishing boat and buckle protectors to keep the cam buckles from scratching or damaging the boat. I suggest using front and rear tie downs as well, if you need hood and stern loops we have the Malone QuickLash T-style loops part # MPG308. The anchor will fit under the hood or rear hatch and give you a loop to run your front/stern tie downs through to secure the boat.

Where are you planning on taking your boat fishing?

expert reply by: Claire H

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Malone Channel Loader on SUV
(click to enlarge)