First post for me,Superfun.
hope I'm doing it right and putting it in right place.
I'm in the process of buying a 2006 SB/S MCS from Hemi Mini. Need to find the best way to transport 1 or 2 whitewater kayaks. Would love to hear how others are doing the same, Here are the options I've found...

1. Yakima roof racks (75 lb limit is a no starter)
2. Thule roof racks ( 110 pound limit will carry 2 boats)
3. Factory Mini rack ( 165 pound limit? but need to drill holes?)
4. Fini rack ( possible to combine the shelf and snowboard rack to hold kayaks? )
5. Fini trailer hitch and a small 2 boat trailer?
What works for others?...and please don't tell me to use the landcruiser...
Thanks up front!

 

MINI has an aluminum roof. I would recommend against putting any rack (thule or yakima) other than the factory rack. Even though it involves drilling holes, it will distribute the weight of your kayaks better and avoid dimples. Most MINIs I have seen with yakima or thules have either dimpled roofs or ripped off window trim. I do not think you could safely modify the mini fini to work with a boat. I would recommend the factory roof rack option and only carry one boat. Eventhough you will be under the weight limit, the boats act as a sail. On a windy enough day they can inflict enough force to damage that roof. My $.02

 

Really the only way to do this properly is with the factory rack. BilboBaggins has done this with his rack if memory serves.

 

Thanks Chilimac

 

Thanks Someguy,
How can I contact BilboBaggins ? And do tell me about your air horn?

 

Thanks for the advice, got the factory racks put on and they look great, still waitng to try a boat on it!

 

I have a yakima rack on my min and I put my 31 lbs wavesport on it. So far go problem. Guess I will have a convertible if the roof peels off!
Seriously though, if I were thinking about more weight, I would not go with this set up and sometimes I wish I had dropped the $500 to get the roof rack; maybe later. For now, all is well. Will report back if I get any sudden wind hits.

 

Mont Blanc 3000. I also have a MINI DoMore Hitch and Sports Rig trailer. My kayak is 16 1/2, 47lbs. Recently switched to the Malone Seawing saddles

 

Too cool! Looks like you have a factory rack? Good idea. I just have a little whitewater kayak but I love the pic!

 

Not factory, Mont Blanc 3000. Be sure to get an extra tow hook so you have a front and rear tie down.