So...I have my new Looksha IV. I have a new Thule rack system with the
hull raiser attachments. However, I'm having some hull issues. I
thought by getting the hull raiser and having the kayaks wieght on
it's side (strongest point) I would solve my "oilcanning" issues with
the bottom of the hull. However, when I strap it down, the bars on the
hull raiser pull into the bottom of the hull, denting it in
considerably. This bothers me A LOT. Maybe I'm strapping it down too
tight - but I really believe I cannot safely strap it down any looser.
Is my hull too soft? Will it eventually damage the hull and it's
performance (the reason I bought the Looksha)? I'm afraid to leave the
boat strapped to the car, for fear of recking my $1200 dollar
investment.
Does anyone else have these issues racking their Poly Kayaks? It's
driving me NUTS.

I have no experience with the Looksha, but I do have a Santa Cruze also from
Necky. I use the Hullraiser with no problems. The kayak was secure when
strapped in and I also used bow and stern tie downs as well. Since you have
a Thule system, I assume you are actually using the hullaport, not
hullraiser, but I guess the setup is the same. The plastic on my Stana
Cruze was stiff enough, maybe the Looksha is thinner? Perhaps someone else
has a better answer, but you may be strapping it in too tight.

Robert

zak wrote:

So...I have my new Looksha IV. I have a new Thule rack system with the
hull raiser attachments. However, I'm having some hull issues. I
thought by getting the hull raiser and having the kayaks wieght on
it's side (strongest point) I would solve my "oilcanning" issues with
the bottom of the hull. However, when I strap it down, the bars on the
hull raiser pull into the bottom of the hull, denting it in
considerably. This bothers me A LOT. Maybe I'm strapping it down too
tight - but I really believe I cannot safely strap it down any looser.
Is my hull too soft? Will it eventually damage the hull and it's
performance (the reason I bought the Looksha)? I'm afraid to leave the
boat strapped to the car, for fear of recking my $1200 dollar
investment.
Does anyone else have these issues racking their Poly Kayaks? It's
driving me NUTS.

It's par for the course with most plastic boats. If it really bothers you,
get a pair of cradles instead.

--
Regards

Brian

I use the H2GO saddles with my Sealion. I have had issues of
deforming to the hull typically on hot days. My solution to this was
to place the boat deck down instead of up. This has solved the issue.
My suggestion to you would be to reverse the direction you are putting
the boat into the craddle. Aslo, do NOT use a ratchet type starp.
Use a compression style (typically what tule sells with there gear)
Ratchet straps pull far to tight for a ploy shell.

J

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On 6 Aug 2003 15:18:42 -0700, (zak) wrote:

It's par for the course with most plastic boats. If it really bothers you,
get a pair of cradles instead.

I appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks.
(Sorry - I have the Hull-A-Ports not hull raiser)
When transporting the boat home from the shop before I got the Thule
system, I used large foam cradles and that was worse than the
Hull-A-Ports now. I would think laying it directly on the bottom of
the hull would only amplify the denting...??? That's why I bought the
Hull-A-Ports...I don't know. I'm new to this.

in article , zak at
wrote on 8/6/03 5:18 PM:

It's par for the course with most plastic boats. If it really bothers you,
get a pair of cradles instead.

I appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks.
(Sorry - I have the Hull-A-Ports not hull raiser)
When transporting the boat home from the shop before I got the Thule
system, I used large foam cradles and that was worse than the
Hull-A-Ports now. I would think laying it directly on the bottom of
the hull would only amplify the denting...??? That's why I bought the
Hull-A-Ports...I don't know. I'm new to this.


I'm guessing that the cradles that were mentioned are in reference to what
are known as "J" cradles which are literally shaped like the letter J and
cradle the boat up on one edge rather than lying flat (so to speak) on the
hull. The edge being more articulated in form and stiffer and more
resistant to denting than the broader hull section.

When I leave plastic boats on the rack for extended periods, I always
loosten the straps. It's important to remember to tighten them before
travelling again. In order to remember, I always put the loose tail of one
of the straps in the drivers door so it falls in my face when I open the
door to get in the car.

DV