Thule 854 Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat
$26.95
- Protects vehicle finish and boat keel while loading.
- Top ¿glide¿ layer is durable, non-fading and sun-resistant. Bottom ¿set¿ layer stays put without sticking to paint.
- Won¿t soak through or allow sand or dirt to penetrate through to paint.
- Pad dries quickly and sheds debris with a shake.
- Integrated, non-scratching straps anchor pad to load bar and secure rolled pad for storage when not in use.
Product Description
Technical mat protects vehicle while loading kayak. Slippery top allows bow to move onto rear saddles while tacky bottom clings to vehicle. Quick-drying and easy to stow, the Water Slide is the perfect complement to your Thule boat carrier…. More >>
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Thule 854 Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat
I have a Toyota Sienna Minivan with a Factory roof rack. The roof rack far enough away from the rear of the van that when I stand up the kayak on the back of the van and lean it at a 45 degree angle, the Kayak is a good 3 feet away from the rack. The only way to load my Kayak on to the roof rack is if I were to slide the kayak on the rear roof edge of the car and use that as a fulcrum.
The problem with sliding a 50 pound 12 foot long Kayak on the edge of the roof is that it will destroy the paint. So you will need to cover the paint with something so that there is not contact with the Car roof and the Kayak. It has to have a low coefficient of friction so that it will not scratch the underside of the kayak. It also must be able to stay in place as you slide the kayak. So the top part must be super smooth for the bottom of the kayak, and the underside must be extremely grippy that it will not slide off the roof, with the kayak. I tried the following:
1. Small Rug – I was going to use it, but I could see how, although it may help slide the Kayak, it will scratch the paint of my car.
2. Towel – A kayakers best friend. Towels have so many uses in roof loading kayaks. It will protect your paint, if it doesnt slide off. I have had an experience when it did slide off and my kayak came craching to the ground. It was a good thing I had rubber mats all over the ground in case it happened. That was when I decided to buy this Thule Water Slide.
This is all you need to do to use the Water Slide.
1. Attach or place the Water Slide on the back of your car as seen in the picture of the product.
2. Put a carpet or rubber mat on the ground behind your car.
3. Put your Kayak on the carpet or mat on the ground behind you car so that it is parallel to your car.
4. Lift up the nose of your kayak and lean it against the back of your car, reating on the Thule Water slide.
5. Go to the rear of your Kayak and just slide it onto your roof rack.
That is it. Very easy. I used to have my family help load my kayak, but now, I can do it myself. Another excellent product from the best Kayak racking system, Thule. Enjoy your life, GO KAYAKING! See you on the water.
Rating: 5 / 5
Does not slide off much as the towel I used to use, don’t know how it will perform long term, but right now it seems like the perfect answer.
Rating: 4 / 5