Saving money and time by purchasing a kayak for your car can be neat as long as you are aware of the risks and other consequences. There is also a difference between kayaks that can fit in vehicles and those that cannot.
A complete guide to finding the perfect car for your paddle board will help you decide which type is best.
Let’s start with what it takes to buy a vehicle with a carrying capacity of one or more kayaks; then, we’ll move on to some models of SUVs and cars recommended for this purpose.
Can a Kayak Fit in a Car?
The most common type of kayak is a sit-on-top, which means that its hull is above the water line. This kayak can fit most cars since it has no bulkheads or back walls. If the vehicle has a hatch that opens from the roof, you can fit the kayak in it.
In general, you need to ensure that there are no obstacles in the way and no steps, ramps, or anything else inside the car that might prevent your kayak from fitting correctly.
Kayaks are usually sold with a carry bag with handles on the sides and wheels to make moving from one place to another easier. Other kayaks come with a rail system that can be mounted to the car’s roof.
This system is designed for carrying two kayaks at one time. However, it isn’t straightforward and usually requires drilling holes in your car’s roof and installing bolts.
It would help if you also learned how this works to prevent damaging your car or the kayak. The great advantage of this system is that you can take off the kayaks very quickly when you need to park your vehicle in a public place.
Best Suv and Cars for Kayaks
The GQ SUV is ideal for kayaking since it has a roof rail system. It has a potent braking system that stops the vehicle from almost any angle, though you should keep in mind that it might be a bit too expensive. The seats are fully adjustable and offer plenty of room for paddlers.
The crossover SUV is another car that is perfect for the recreational use of kayaks and can be found at a reasonable price. You can swing the kayak in or out without any difficulty.
The SUV is also one of the lightest models. Its body is made of plastic, while the seats are made from leather. With the model, you will have to drill holes into your car’s roof, but this is not too complicated.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a car well suited for someone looking for a vehicle that offers both style and durability. It has a top speed of 85 mph and can go off-road in some conditions, which can help you get anywhere you want to go in your kayak. It has seating for up to six people and comes with “hitch mode.”
It allows it to hold two kayaks without draining the battery too much. The hatch opens so that you can carry two kayaks at once.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is available with a wheel system that allows it to carry three kayaks, which makes it one of the best SUV cars for this purpose. It has unique ride control systems that make it easy to control on any road.
It also comes with a sunroof and an infotainment system. However, this model is not recommended for long trips since its gas mileage could be better.
Toyota Raptor
The Toyota Raptors are some of the most popular SUVs today due to their versatility and affordability. It might be a perfect choice if you have tall passengers or like to take long trips.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is one of the most popular SUVs in the world today due to its versatility and affordable price.
It offers plenty of passenger space and can hold two large kayaks. Its door system makes it much easier to get in and out of the car with a kayak on top, plus it comes with a sunroof, making your trips even more comfortable.
Subaru
The Subaru Outback is one of the most versatile cars on the market, suitable for someone looking for an SUV that offers both style and durability.
In addition to being one of the best SUVs for kayakers, it is also one of the most durable cars you can buy today. Its hatch makes it easy to get kayaks in and out of the vehicle, and its seating capacity is also relatively high.
The Subaru Forester is a car well suited for someone looking for an SUV that offers both style and durability. It has unique features that make it ideal for those who like taking long trips.
For example, its hatch opens from the top, allowing you to load all your kayaks at once instead of one at a time, making loading them much easier and faster.
Lie Out Kayak
The Lie Out One kayak is a high-quality model with all the features you need to go out on the water and have a great time.
It is lightweight and comes with a sturdy aluminum frame and a waterproof hull, plus it can hold up to around 150 lbs.
It also has three different-sized hatches that allow you to carry your kayaks straightforwardly. One can adjust the seat on top of the kayak so you can get comfortable while paddling, which many people do not even consider when buying their first kayak.
It is also straightforward to transport because of its compact design, and it only weighs 20 lbs.
Toyota RAV4
When it comes to the best car for kayaking, the Toyota RAV4 AWD is an ideal choice. It’s one of the most spacious and safe SUVs on the market and has been designed with an impressive amount of features that you can take advantage of when you go out on the water.
There is plenty of space for everyone inside and outside your kayaks, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough storage space when you want to go out paddling.
The roof-mounted system is a very convenient option because you can simultaneously put two kayaks in your car without any trouble or effort.
