Z3 & Kayak?

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
Posts: 152

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

Ok, so I need to transport a light weight Kayak 3 miles to and from the coast occasionally.

My Z3 is my only mode of transport atm. I know its probably a ridiculous question, but is there some way of mounting it safely (and legally) on a Z3?
Z3 1.9 Facelift / Atlanta Blue
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TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

lol! Yeah, i bet thats cheap!

I was thinking maybe strapped to a suction luggage frame on boot lid with foam block attached to add height, and roof down with Kayak laying on foam pad on top of windscreen frame (passenger side), Held down with straps attached to both wing mirrors. I guess it would point up a bit, but technically it would be stable.

hmmm...... :lol:
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6 pot roadster
Joined: Thu 06 Aug, 2009 12:07
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Macclesfield

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by 6 pot roadster »

I'm seeing a frame front and rear to support the kaayak, resting on pads on the boot and bonnet. Lots of mither and nowhere to carry the paddle.

But for 3 miles I'm also seeing one of those dollies with a pair of wheels you fit to the end of a kayak for portage.
TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
Posts: 152

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

Well, I found these inflatable roof rack bars which loop through under the roof. The Zeds cross bars make the roof very ridgid, so Im hoping I can do something like this.

Just need to secure the rear (and possibly front). The kayak its self is very lite.

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Julie Z3
Joined: Mon 22 Nov, 2010 09:47
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bristol

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by Julie Z3 »

However you end up carrying the Kayak....................don't strap anything to the mirrors :joker:
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Robert T
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by Robert T »

How about an inflatable kayak? :D

Cheers R.
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TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
Posts: 152

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

Robert T wrote:How about an inflatable kayak? :D

Cheers R.
Well, I did look into those, but even the expensive ones aren't very good. When you are 6"1 and weigh 16.2st, they tend to bend in the middle, and tbh are rubbish. :lol:
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simiewimie
Joined: Tue 19 Oct, 2010 11:59
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  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by simiewimie »

Hi TAV,

I'm just about to purchase a kayak and have been wondering the same thing.
When possible I will use our Ford Kuga and roofbars, but did wonder if there was a way to somehow transport it (literally a mile) safely and securely down the road to the river if my wife happens to be out in the big car.
Did you find a solution?
TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

simiewimie wrote:Hi TAV,

I'm just about to purchase a kayak and have been wondering the same thing.
When possible I will use our Ford Kuga and roofbars, but did wonder if there was a way to somehow transport it (literally a mile) safely and securely down the road to the river if my wife happens to be out in the big car.
Did you find a solution?

Hi.

Yes, I did pretty much what is shown in the pic above. I bought an inflatable 'Handirack' roof rack system. (Can hold up to 80kg). It says not really suitable for convertables, but the Z3's roof is very strong. I attached the 2 racks, pumped them up, and was able to lay across the roof quite happily (i'm 16.2 stone). I made 2 adjustable cords at front and rear, which helped keep kayak from swaying at all.

I drove 3 miles to beach (no faster than 30mph). Even over pot holes and moderate wind, the Kayak felt very secure. A police car drove past me and didn't bat an eyelid. I think even if they did stop and test it, thwy would be happy it was secure.

My Kayak is 12ft long. I would think anything longer would start to get a little more worrying tbh.
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simiewimie
Joined: Tue 19 Oct, 2010 11:59
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  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by simiewimie »

Brilliant. I'll take a look in to that then.
I'd love to see some pics of the set up if you get a chance.
:)

Thanks again TAV.
6 pot roadster
Joined: Thu 06 Aug, 2009 12:07
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Macclesfield

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by 6 pot roadster »

OoH, OH, OH.....

I should have thought of this one earlier, Doh...

Get a feathercraft, they are a bit tippy out at sea, but are collapsible not inflatable.

I'm 6'2" and was 15st when I last used one

J
6 pot roadster
Joined: Thu 06 Aug, 2009 12:07
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Macclesfield

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by 6 pot roadster »

seasurfer
Joined: Sat 22 Aug, 2009 13:02
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: South Lakes, Cumbria

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by seasurfer »

Hi, I have the ocean frenzy but far too heavy for the zed, but i bought a sevylor canyon inflatable which is very strong and would fit in the passenger seat in its bag.
Have you any photos of your zed carrying the kayak :)
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TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

I have the Perception Carolina 12. It weighs approx 23kg. Roof is easily strong enough. As I said, I am 16.2 st and could quite happily lay across roof with inflatable rack on.

I will take a pic next time I take it out.
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TAV
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Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

Forgot, I never posted a pic.

Heres the 12ft Kayak on my Z using the inflatable Handyrack system. (Front and back Guide ropes not in pic)

Stable as a rock (Although you do get a few funny looks!)



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Davejue1
Joined: Sun 22 Sep, 2013 07:25
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Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by Davejue1 »

Brilliant, just shows how versatile these little cars are! :)

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Rocketbike
Joined: Thu 17 May, 2012 20:12
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by Rocketbike »

Brilliant
Theres usally a cheap and stylish way to get around something if you think about it. I bet a few people on here will be using these in the future :)
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David
Joined: Mon 16 Sep, 2013 18:33
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by David »

Rocketbike wrote:Brilliant
Theres usally a cheap and stylish way to get around something if you think about it. I bet a few people on here will be using these in the future :)
Are you referring to kayaks or inflatable roof racks? :D


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akirk
Joined: Fri 20 Apr, 2012 08:11
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by akirk »

It is the ultimate reversible car - hit floods and just flip! :)

I have the rack on the back of mine, so I suspect from rack to windscreen frame would work with the hood down (assuming no pasenger) - however plenty of 4x4s and estates here, so not needed to yet...
like the ingenuity...

Alasdair
RichP
Joined: Wed 20 Feb, 2013 00:47
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by RichP »

I've just been looking to solve this exact problem, and I find this thread from last week on none other but Z roadster. I'm off to do the lottery!

Anyway, thanks for posting pics, I was considering whether to buy inflatable racks to give it a go, and was highly doubtful of how it would work, but my question is answered. And i only have a little playboat kayak to worry about.

Does the rear strap inside the car interfere with where your head should be? I have my seat quite far back, and I'm normal height (5ft 11).
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TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

RichP wrote:Does the rear strap inside the car interfere with where your head should be? I have my seat quite far back, and I'm normal height (5ft 11).
Hi. Yes it does touch your head slighty, (Im 6"1), but I lowered the seat fully and it didn't really prove a problem if you aren't driving a long distance. Bear in mind you should use a guy rope at front and rear. (Not in picture).

My Kayak is now situated down in a garage near the beach, so I no longer use the Z3 to transport it, but the times I did, it was very secure and safe.
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RichP
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Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by RichP »

i was wondering if the strap could be threaded between the roll hoops behind the seats to get it out the way whilst still allowing it to be tightened?
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TAV
Joined: Fri 20 Mar, 2009 07:54
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Worthing

Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by TAV »

RichP wrote:i was wondering if the strap could be threaded between the roll hoops behind the seats to get it out the way whilst still allowing it to be tightened?
Tbh, I didn't think of that. It might work. Can't hurt to try I guess.
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RichP
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Re: Z3 & Kayak?

Post by RichP »

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know how i get on.

My kayak friends think i'm insane for just suggesting it. we shall see! :D
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