So after searching every post on roof rack discussion over the last two years, I'm still having difficulty deciding on my roof rack option.

I plan on cartopping a small racing dinghy about 14' long with it's spars (mast about 21' long). Hull weight is on the range of 150lbs or so. I will probably use the rack for other purposes (kayaks, bikes, etc) on occasion, but primary use will be transporting the boat short distances (<35mi). I want something that is easily removable as this vehicle is my daily commuter, and with a 1:30 commute time, fuel efficiency is an issue. So here are the options...

1. Factory roof rack.
- The strongest by far, but I'm not drilling my roof. I don't like the look of the cover plates on a white roof. And, quite frankly, it's just too cost prohibitive to have dealer installed.

2. Thule/Yakima.
- I'm leaning towards this one since the ability to space out the feet and bars as far as possible would be a definite plus for cartopping the boat. Having the weight distributed as far as possible will make for more stability, and more peace of mind (and this is important for my sanity!). Another bonus is the aftermarket attachments if I ever decide to carry anything else. The downside is of course the cost. It's cheaper for me to get a hitch kit from minidomore and just trailer the boat. It's rougher on the boat, but for short distances, really not an issue. Another is of course the damage to the rain gutters. I've seen several installations that have bent the raingutters permanently. I don't like that idea.

3. Mont Blanc
- Certainly the cheapest option. But I wonder how quickly it can be taken on and off (boat will be cartopped anywhere from 1-5 times a week). The biggest disadvantage I see is the short fixed spacing between the front and rear support bars. I'm not sure this is going to be the most stable option for the boat. Even with a front and rear tiedown, I still worry that the hull weight distribution will lead to instability. I'm also unsure on this racks actual carrying capacity.


So, as you can see, I'm just plain unsure at this point. I need to make a decision soon.

Thanks for your help

 

Not cheap but the fastest would be a MINI Do More hitch and something like a Sports Rig or Rack and Roll trailer. I had the Mont Blanc and carried a 16' 6" kayak but it only weighed 47#. Once you figure out how to put it on I think you could get it on and off in 30 minutes or less. The spread between the front and rear bars is about 27" (I think).

 

Ah, there's the rub. If the hull weighs 150 what do the mast, spars and other parts weigh? It looks like you will far exceed the 75KG (165 lb) total weight for the roof with roof rack http://www.motoringfile.com/files/R5...f_rack_R56.PDF

Not only must you consider that exceeding the weight will damage the structure from weight alone, the stresses from the hull and mast as they torque when you trun and when they are buffeted by crosswinds may make the MINI unstable.

You also are voiding any warranty you have by exceeding maufacturers recomendations.

Possiby you should think of trailering the boat.

 

I have the thule rack, and it surely takes some time to install and remove because you have to tighten each of the 4 bolts just right so you don't clamp the feet too tight. Also, you cannot space it out too far because the back trim of the roof is not as sturdy as the front. I spread mine a couple of inches further than recommended but only so my sunroof wouldn't hit the tire holders when tilted.

I don't think I'd trust 150lbs up there either, maybe 100. If you don't want to drill, and want a quick removal, looks like there is no solution for you. I had a hard time finding information before I got my rack too, but I went with a used thule rack from craigslist and its fantastic for 2 bikes/kayaks(whitewater).

I'd second the idea for some form of mini trailer.

 

I've used my Thule to carry all kinds of stuff on the roof. I have found the weights not the biggest issue, it's the wind and with a boat that would be the key issue. Also keep the rack mounts on the rain gutters away from the leading and ending 6 inches of the roof edge. It's also easy to over tighten the rack to the roof, get it snug, load it up and then snug it again and check with each tank of gas on a long trip. Hope that helps.

 

I have the factory rack and it is very nice. I wouldn't pay to have that thing to be installed! plus the covers fall off while driving occasionally

 

You can fix that quite easily with a little silicone adhesive (got that tip from another thread on here). Keeps the covers in place, but isn't permanent for when you want to put the rack on. I have yet to find a speed that results in the covers coming off on their own anymore

That said, I agree with the original poster, unless you can get white covers (or paint them to match), not sure I'd want to have the black covers on a white roof

 

I have the Yakima. Very sturdy and on/off time is quick.
I prefer the look of the factory and thule aero bars, but the yakima round bars seem stronger. But mostly I went with it because I already have yakima bike trays.

I second, you can find yakima/thule deals on Craigslist if you are in the popular areas.

 

mini do more. Hitch. the way to go to get more out of the mini. i use a bike rack and pull a small pop up trailer. you can also get little flat racks