Is this legal?

[samsteele115]

I'm in the process of getting roof racks/haven't been bothered to get any yet .

My kayak actually fits in my hatchback :silly: and I have been taking it a few minutes down the road to the creeks but haven't ventured further than that.

I'm thinking of yakking the pine today and want to make sure if what I'm doing is legal or not.

I get some strange looks as you could imagine, but visibility is good haha. Can see out of all windows and mirrors except for the passenger seat mirror.

Thanks in advance!

[Luvit]

I think it would be a bit drafty with all the doors open.

[Jords]

Can't see why it wouldn't be, as long as you can get a decent look around the place. Invest in some soft food racks mate, only like $40!

[Jords]

PS Ant you still have mine!

[tavita86]

Hey Jords ive had some soft racks for awhile but im scared of scratching the car if any sand gets under there. have you had that problem?

[neal82]

is it secured in there? I'd worry what would happen if I had to hit the brakes hard or ran up the back of something.

[Jords]

Not that I've noticed mate, but I don't take super great care of my car haha

[Surfingant]

PS Ant you still have mine!

You know I'm old and forgetful, you need to remind me of these things

It's not just visibility you have to worry about Sam, where will the kayak go in case you have to stop suddenly or have an accident? Soft racks are by far a better option for little outlay, I think I have some here that I can sell actually :whistle:

[samsteele115]

Fair point. It only just fits and there is no room for it to move at all. However if I got t-boned and get thrown against it sideways I would probably do some serious shoulder/neck damage.

So yes I am now convinced I need roof racks for the longer trips .

[benno573]

PML at the reason for editing Ant...

[samsteele115]

Decided to stay local in the end

Lucky to land the 42cm fat boy

[fishingnut]

Soft roof racks WILL dent your roof. have seen it first hand

[Jords]

Soft roof racks WILL dent your roof. have seen it first hand

Hey mate what kind of kayak was that with? I carried my espri on them for days on end, and never had a problem. Never heard of a problem with kayaks under ~25kg

[fishingnut]

Not sure on brands, have replaced about 7 roofs on cars because of it

[motu]

nothing wrong with your yak in there bud gezz I have seen cows and a Shetland pony and sheep in cars even if you had to stop quick just chuck the anchor out

[neal82]

nothing wrong with your yak in there bud gezz I have seen cows and a Shetland pony and sheep in cars even if you had to stop quick just chuck the anchor out

Of course you've seen sheep in cars, you Kiwis wouldn't make your Mrs ride in the back of the Ute :whistle:

[Binder]

Honestly dont know, Mate used to get pinged by the coppers when I was a kid for having the back window up on a station wagon, but that could have just been the usual harassment of kids that went on back in those days.

You would definitely need to tie down the hatch, and make sure there nothing else in there that could be classed as "unrestrained"

[WayneD]

I used soft roof racks for my first 3 years of kayaking. In this time I had an Espri, Outback, Revo and a Superlite X. Never had any dramas with a denting the roof on my little Hyundai Accent and most of them weighed over 25kgs.

Personally I can't see any dramas with having the yak in the car, but then again I am not big on safety as I don't go through life thinking what's the worst thing that could happen to me every time I drive my car…otherwise I would wear a bike helmet while driving.

Maybe that's what you could do???

[samsteele115]

You would definitely need to tie down the hatch, and make sure there nothing else in there that could be classed as "unrestrained"

No need to tie down hatch, all doors and the boot close .

[Angus]

I dont think it is illegal.

But just make sure you wedge it somehow so it doesn't:

a: slide over and hit you.

b: go through the windscreen!

Legal doesn't always mean safe

Angus

[Bommie]

get Max power to put a dark tint on your windows

[samsteele115]

I dont think it is illegal.

But just make sure you wedge it somehow so it doesn't:

a: slide over and hit you.

b: go through the windscreen!

Legal doesn't always mean safe

Angus

Yep I make sure it's all secure before I drive off. There is no room for it to move sideways or forward, it wedges in pretty nicely

[Uthrax]

There should be a luggage restraint point or child seat tie down point in the boot that you could use to tie the yak to. Also the missus might get angry if you get too much water and mud in the car... :whistle:

[rayke1938]

Do not think you would have a problem with the wallopers if it was secured and did not impede your vision to your mirrors or to the left.

Cheers

Ray