Miata Mailing List: June 1996, Message #227
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   From: "Hathaway, Malcolm" 
Subject: RE: trailer/hitch,kayaks, racks
   Date: Tue, 4 Jun 1996 12:42:55 -0400



Gus Harris wrote:
>
> Hope someone has some info for Robb....cause I'm thinking about adding a
> hitch.  In my case I just want to transport a 30 pound kayak.  It's 10 
feet
> 4 inches long.  I've looked over my Miata trying to figure out how I might
> transport it without a trailer, especially since the boat weighs so
> little.....but just can't figure anything out.  I've come to the 
conclusion
> that the only solution is a small trailer.  So anybody got any
> recommendations on hitch and trailer?  Or, even better....anyone got any
> idea on how to transport the kayak otherwise--on the Miata?
>


Hi, Gus,  Mackyboy  here.  I saw your note about hauling a kayak.  Another 
guy in Mass.  has mentioned the same thing.  I have built a rack for luggage 
which has plenty of capacity, and might avail you sufficient tie-down points 
to carry the kayak.  But it will depend on how you want to carry the 
kayak....

The easiest solution is to unzip the window and/or put the top down, and 
strap the kayak to the deck, more or less centered on the deck 
front-to-back.  This will require a small overhang on the back end (little 
red flag) and having the front of the kayak sticking up between the seats a 
little below head level.  This will look a bit odd, but it might be 
tolerable.

Another option, if the top must be up, (Rain, snow, spy-satellite paranoia) 
is to tie the front of the kayak at the front "tow clips?",  lay the kayak 
on some foam across the rear support for the top, and lash the back of the 
kayak to the rack.  Even sillier than the previous option, but the top will 
be up.

Last, you might try just laying some foam rubber, about two inches thick, on 
the top frame, front and back, and tie the kayak ends to the front and rear 
tow clips.

It seems heretical to load the Miata top, but I read hear before that 
someone rolled theirs with the top up, and the top supported the whole 
(partly, anyway) weight of the car.

If any kayakers want to check out the rack, send me a note.

Mackyboy
'90 MBRG
malcolm.hathaway@lamrc.com