They were at CanoeCopia, and I've been really thinking about getting one.

HandiRack

Thanks,

Geo

Looks pricey. Why not use foam blocks?

quote jeroldharter: "Looks pricey. Why not use foam blocks?"

the whole system actually HOOKS to your car via a buckle that straps through the door. So you can tie down the canoe to the "rack" and then use front/back ropes to secure the canoe.

It is very similar to other racks were you're security to the car and then tying down the front and rear.

I've not been too happy with the foam blocks....

Later,

Geo

I have been using one for the last couple of years.

I have foam blocks too but the Handirack is a bit more secure. In addition, it can be used to carry other kinds of things.

I have run straps through the interior before and was extremely annoyed by the whistling wind for the duration of the trip. I would also be concerned about water making its way in if one were driving in the rain.

Also (excuse for second post), as I posted a couple of days ago on another thread, I have a Thule Rack which I use on our trekking car, a newer Subaru Outback. I use the Handirack locally on my other two cars.
I did use the Handirack on an 800 mile round trip once.

I have driven in the rain and I had no problems. Nor have I had wind noise to deal with.

Does it automatically maintain the proper air pressure? Driving from hot to cold temps will shrink the air bags and make the rack soft allowing the canoe to wiggle.

Might work if they have hooks to hold the canoe laterally.

I don't think anyone should be thinking of using a Handirack to replace a dedicated (Thule, Yakima) rack. It does however, work better than foam blocks and can be used to transport objects other than canoes.

I sold something similar at Galyans, but it was a solid tube, did not inflate. Worked good for kayaks, but didn't have enough height for canoes with portage pads (carried upside down). The portage pads would rub or even dent into the roof.

Hi Geo,

I used a Handirack for two years when I had a Saturn wagon. It can be put on and removed pretty quickly, and some saran wrap underneath it will protect the car's finish. It's also possible to rig a couple of 2x4s to carry two boats. Let me know if you'd like more detail on the 2x4 setup.

Hey.....thanks for all the responses.

I really wanted to make my Yak rack more "moveable" but damn changing the qclips to put on another car is a PAIN in the butt.

I have a Yak rack on my Windstar, and have qclips for the star, my daughters cavalier, and for my TRUCK. After moving the rack a few times I figured SKREW it......that is way too much freakin work.

This blowup rack might be JUST what the dr ordered. I can use that for most of my stuff around locally, and then put my YAK rack on a vehicle and LEAVE it......or at least LEAVE it setup for that particular vehicle.

Later,

Geo

Koda,

I'm curious about the 2x4 setup as I may have the problem of carrying two boats around on a rental car (don't tell Hertz!).

Cheers,
Andy

quote andym: "Koda,
I'm curious about the 2x4 setup as I may have the problem of carrying two boats around on a rental car (don't tell Hertz!).
Cheers,
Andy"

Hi Andy,

The Handirack has D-rings - 4, I believe, two halfway to the ends, and another two at the ends. I took a pair of 6-foot 2x4s and drilled holes at the D-ring locations. Then I lashed the 2x4s tightly to the Handirack. For the tie-down ropes I put in three eye bolts on each 2x4 - one in the center and one at each end. Finally, I put in a few 1/2" dowels toward the middle so the gunwales would fit snugly.

Thanks, Koda. Drilling holes through the 2x4s for lashing is a good idea.