Roof racks

[Dances With Smallies]

I'm looking to buy a canoe sometime this spring if the right opportunity arises. I would be hauling it on a Nissan Rogue that doesn't have factory rails. It looks like a rack system runs around $400. Is this the best option available? I'd like to do something cheaper if possible, say $200. Any input would be appreciated.

[Gavin]

You will be allot happier with a rack system. Last thing you want is your boat flying through someone else's windshield. $400 is not bad for a Yakima or Thule that fits your vehicle. Get the key locks to secure to your vehicle if available. 

[Deadstream]

What Gavin said.  Plus you can buy accessories like kayak, bike and other carriers.  My canoes are expensive and my truck roof looks much better without canoe dents and slide marks.  I've Beverly Hillbillied boats all over the the NW Ark mountains and it's not worth the headaches.   Have fun.  Nothing better then the Buffalo or the Mulberry first week of April.

[Dances With Smallies]

Thanks guys. That's kind of what I figured.

[Flysmallie]

There are cheaper options out there. Thule and Yakima are the brands to have but there are cheaper options out there. For the past year I've been using racks that I spent a whopping $50 on. But I needed something that was removable. A dozen trips at highway speeds and it's never been a problem. 

[Dances With Smallies]

1 hour ago, Flysmallie said:

There are cheaper options out there. Thule and Yakima are the brands to have but there are cheaper options out there. For the past year I've been using racks that I spent a whopping $50 on. But I needed something that was removable. A dozen trips at highway speeds and it's never been a problem. 

Now that's what I'm talking about. What brand/where did you get it?  I looked at my local BPS and they have a Malone Versarail set up for $150, which is more in line with what I hoped something like that would cost.  Anyone have any experience with one of these?

For the record, I'll be using this set up for my local rivers within an hour and a half from home probably 95% of the time. 

 

[Deadstream]

1 hour ago, Flysmallie said:

 

There are cheaper options out there.

 

For sure. Check out the local aftermarket truck part place, they usually have half a dozen or so brands.

[Dances With Smallies]

On a similar note, what do you guys think about this, good deal?  (I was thinking more like $400-450) 

https://springfield.craigslist.org/boa/6001148607.html 

[Deadstream]

5 minutes ago, Dances With Smallies said:

$400-450) 

Test ride!   Some of those boats are tippy! 

[Gavin]

It looks like its been holed through the bottom, and its only 14'...I'd pass.