Overlanding with a kayak- Security

ashleyroscoe

ashleyroscoe

Rank I
Launch Member

Traveler I

233
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Member #

8664

Hi-- Newer member here.

I have read a couple threads on here on overloading with kayaks and such, but my question is for longer term use.

My roof rack is (or will be.. haven't gotten/installed yet) the Smittybilt 76713 SRC Roof Rack. My rig is a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, Sahara. My kayak is a Sun Dolphin Journey 10-foot Sit-on-top fishing kayak.

How does one secure their kayak for long term use? Meaning, my kayak would sometimes be on top of my rack while I am not present, sometimes for hours/nights at a time.

Reasoning: I want to keep my kayak with me, but I live in a dorm/apartment, where I have no enclosed parking. I park in an open lot. I may store it at my friends cabin for when I know I won't be able to use it for a week or two. But, there is going to be nights where I am going out kayaking early that next morning, and don't want to drive 30+ minutes out of the way to pick up the kayak.

So, how would you guys go about this? I am a novice- so please be aware I may ask a lot of (sometimes super obvious) questions. Thanks in advance!!


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Steve said:
I have these: https://suspenz.com/collections/accessories/products/universal-kayak-locking-system-large-13-19

I wrap them around the kayaks and through the rack. Of course someone with a cable cutter could get them, but they could cut a lock, too. Mostly for the casual theft prevention.

(Moving to Overland Related Recreation forum with the other kayak threads.)
Click to expand...


Thanks-- I will for sure look more into these.

Thanks for moving this to the correct spot- My bad!! Still learning how to navigate this forum


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Find a small storage unit that is 10 ft tall.

Cable locks through scupper holes is the easiest option.

I also live in a place where I have to worry about sticky fingers so I built a kayak trailer. It later evolved into a full camping utility trailer.
 
I had the same concerns as you, checkout my find.... Folds up into a little bag too!
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I have the DS Series which is a bit more pricey for the higher PSI, but I'm very happy with it.
 
I use a variety of locks to secure stuff on the roof rack:
Python Locks - several can be joined together if you need it to reach further.
Lock alarm cable - believe me, it's painfully loud.
Combination of both used to secure just about anything on the roof (kayaks, tents, bikes, wolf boxes etc... etc...) - all only as a reasonable deterrent, if the thieves want your kit, they'll get it, but at least it keeps the opportunist at bay.
 
I’m a kayak fisherman and I leave mine on my truck the night prior to going on a fishing trip. It saves me time and it’s less of a chance of waking up the family when I leave at 4-5am. I like to use a bicycle U-lock and an ABUS chain lock. I use the chain to go around the scuppers and lock it to the rack. I then use the U-Lock On a handle also locked to the rack. The handle has square drive screws. If somebody really wants the kayak, they’ll find a way to do it but they’re gonna leave with a pretty messed up kayak if they do. I wouldn’t bother with cable locks, they can be cut way to easy. Bike locks or a strong chain will be harder for someone to break. I’ll post some pics next time I go out.
 
Not super useful here but i have an inflatable kayak that i keep in my car when i need to lock it up. I have a large enough container to store it in while wet so my forester doesn't get water damaged and holds the accessories i need for it (pumps, paddles, pfds, etc).
 
With my whitewater kayak I have always run a bike lock through the carry handle and around the roof rack. In the area I use to live kayak theft was frequent in the WW community where boats easily run up into the $1000s.
 
A cable lock is the most reliable for kayak owners. It’s inserted through scupper holes or made as a loop around a kayak. You can lock your kayak through a number combination or simply a key.
 
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Steve said:
I have these: Universal Kayak & Canoe Locking Cables

I wrap them around the kayaks and through the rack. Of course someone with a cable cutter could get them, but they could cut a lock, too. Mostly for the casual theft prevention.

(Moving to Overland Related Recreation forum with the other kayak threads.)
Click to expand...
I manage to lock up 2 kayaks at the same time with this on my roof rack...
 
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