Kayak transportation can get complicated. Anglers moving large, heavy fishing kayaks need a system that is reliable and simple. Malone’s Saddle Up Pro combined with either roof or trailer crossbars provide a solid base to hold boats and boards.
After years of car-topping my kayak, and turning two cars into rusty convertibles, I picked up a Malone Micro Sport XT trailer. The trailer makes it easy to load and unload heavy kayaks and I feel confident looking in the rear view mirror and seeing my boats and boards safe and secured. Carrying kayaks on a trailer is more aerodynamic than piling them on the roof, and that saves fuel. Keeping the ‘yaks on the trailer also keeps saltwater off the car, and that saves the car.
I even store the kayaks on the trailer between trips. With the trailer, I can keep the kayaks supported so they don’t warp or bend. I can roll the kayaks around to the back of the house or into the garage. The trailer makes a great work rack, too.
During the offseason, I collapse the telescoping trailer tongue and the trailer stands up against a wall in the garage.
A kayak transport system is only as strong as its parts. I added a pair of Malone Saddle Up Pro carriers to hold my boats and boards on the trailer. The Saddle Up Pro combines felt-padded carriers in the rear with non-slip carriers in the front. This allows me to slide the kayak onto the rack, then hold it tight.
The saddles are easy to install. A single JAWZ metal strap holds the saddle in place with two wingnuts and stainless steel bolts. The system fits round, square or oval crossbars. This makes them easy to move and adjust, too. Loosen the wing nut and I can slide the saddles in or out on the rail to fit different-sized boats or standup paddleboards.
The saddle pads rotate in and out to cradle the boat at the gunnels, so it fits almost any hull shape. The saddles are built out of tough nylon and stainless steel so they are corrosion resistant for years of abuse.
Loading the saddles is easy. Place the bow of the kayak on the rear, felt coated saddles. Then lift the stern of the kayak and slide it on the front rubber-coated saddles. The system comes with two 12-foot cam straps and two 12-foot bow and stern tie-down straps.
I run the cam straps over the kayak, under the far side of the rails, back over the kayak, under the inside of the outside rail and then cinch down. I always grab the boat and shake and push to make sure it is secure.
The best thing about Saddle Up Pro is the versatility. The Saddle Up Pro will carry large standup paddleboards and surfboards. It’s great with canoes and sit-inside kayaks, too.
In addition to being versatile, the carriers are quick and easy to use. When I cinch the JAWZ straps down, the carriers stay in place. They don’t slide or twist on the bars. When I strap down my boat or board, I know it is going to stay in one place. And piece of mind is the product of a reliable and easy to use kayak transport system.
