single-handed car-topping device...anyone interested?

Sunray

New Member
This is PERHAPS a bit premature, but a freind of mine (70-something and an inventor from England) who also tested some of the earliest Lasers, has had an idea, for some time, about a device that one can use to pop a Laser (or similar-sized boat) on a car/SUV top without straining the boat OR the person.

He called me today and said he has about 4 people interested (one woman is elderly but has a heavy Kayak)...and he asked if I was interested still (he mentioned it to me several months ago).

He has the idea "in his head", and we are SERIOUSLY going to talk about making a prototype. He has all kinds of inventions, and is almost finished a couple of specialized bicycles--He's already been to Switzerland to arrange prototypes for those.

During the next few weeks I'll see exactly what his ideas are--see if I can come up with any modifications--if needed-- and present them to this forum first to get some important feedback from the people who would get the most out of his device.

I will keep you all updated, as this device directly impacts my purchasing of a Laser ( not allowed to store a trailer on my property, and storing it at a yacht club, just too darn expensive). I'm trying to come up with alternatives, but no luck yet.

When I can I will include pictures and/or drawings as the project progresses, and I look forward to all of your suggestions/input.

Thanks all,

Ray
miami Beach
 
Well, you'd solve a lot of problems if you could load a Laser onto a car top easily. This could be an interesting idea, but baring any magic, there is just going to be a purchase system or some other type of managable mechanical advantage right?

Keep us posted Ray, if one person could do it *EASILY* it could be an option instead of getting a trailer.
 
Definitely something interesting. I have an Honda Civic Sedan and doesn't have a trailer. Not a problem if there is people around but alone... It is kind of a chore.Keep us informed...Annie
 
Keep us posted. Definitely interested.

He wouldn't be the first to invent something like this. In my early Lasering days I did buy such a device. It was basically a frame that slid sideways off the roof rack and then down to the ground at the side of the car. You manhandled the Laser on its side on to this frame and then lifted it up and slid it back on to the roof rack. It was certainly practical for one person though a bit clumsy.

I've also seen home-made systems with rollers that slide the Laser on to the roof from the rear of the car.

And of course there's the system of ropes and pulleys marketed by Harken that lifts the boat up into the roof of your garage.

Will be interested to see what your inventor friend comes up with. Who knows, he could be the next Mr. Seitech.
 
Interesting about that frame you speak of. There is a system available now for kayaks that works in a similar way. The only difference is that this one is $400 and is hydraulic--making it a bit easier ( Thule makes it, I think ). The only thing that really put me off ( apart from the fact the Laser weighs a good 60 pounds more than a large kayak) WAS the fact you had to man-handle the thing to about the 2-foot level.

I don't know what format my friend has in mind. He DID briefly mumble ( as inventors often do ) that it would incorporate a sort of ( I think I have this correct) 2-part-roof-rack. One is permanently affixed to the vehicle, and the other is a sort of 'collapseable -guerney-type thing' that would slide onto the other and snap in place...Please don't quote me...I WILL have more details at a later date

Thanks for your interest.....
 
Ninie said:
Definitely something interesting. I have an Honda Civic Sedan and doesn't have a trailer. Not a problem if there is people around but alone... It is kind of a chore.Keep us informed...Annie

Wondering what the maximum weight allowance is on a Honda Civic Sedan?? Mine is a Honda Element SUV and the roof rack guys say 150 pounds--I'm also wondering..is that just for the roofrack or is that the max allowed before the whole roof comes tumbling down!!???
 
I think price and ease of use is key to making that product work. I have been loading Laser's for years by myself onto roof racks just need to use a blanket, PFD or other soft object drapped over the back of the car, flip the boat over deck down, place bow on said soft object and lift and push the stern until its on the rack....btw the 150 pound max on roof racks is for the racks not the roof. Just make sure you tie the boat directly to front and back of the car after strapping it to the racks in case they rip off the boat will generally stay put...
 
I was wondering the same thing about the capacity of the roof of my car. Bought the car before the Laser, silly me. Civics are not designed to have trailers (this can void the warranty) and I was not ready to change cars as it is brand new and I really like it. Anyway, I ended up writing to Honda and was given a figure of 150 lbs providing I used the proper authorized roof rack (which put the pads to location on the safety cage thus transfering the weight, they told me). So I did bought this roof rack, (Yakima ??? Not sure I'll check). Cost me as much as the damn Laser for heaven sake...(about $400 Cdn) But it's very solid and I've been carrying my Laser quite a bit this summer. No sign of any damage.Annie
 
So do you have help putting it on the car?? I am thinking of buying the Thule hydraulic ( gas-assisted) kayak rack and modifying it. Maybe even the factory could install heavier gas pistons and supports....just a thought...
 
Loading / unloading at the Yacht club / marina is relatively easy. There is always somebody around to help.

At home is a different matter, got ask the neighbour, a friend or something. Definitely can't do it alone contrarly to what you see in book. My car is not a station wagon so the trunk is in the way to do a rear load. Even if I did, I have the upgraded cleats for the Outhaul, etc. The big cleats are in the way to simply push it over the back. Only pratical way is by the side. My roof rack has an extention (about 4 ft). Made for kayaks, but in theory you're suppose to put the bow on the extention, then lift the stern and push everything sideways on the roof rack. Needless to say that this flimsy kayak thingy is really straining under the weight of a laser. I don't use it.

This hydraulic system you are talking about looks interesting. Is it bulky ? complicated ?

Annie
:D
 
Whatever system he comes up with, I really hope that it works on taller vehicles like minivans and SUVs. Especially minivans. Especially my minivan. Lifting a boat up to a roof rack that is nearly six feet off the ground is pretty much impossible for one person, such a device could come in really handy.
 
Ninie said:
This hydraulic system you are talking about looks interesting. Is it bulky ? complicated ?

Annie
:D

Actually, you can go to thule.com and check out their 'haulevator'...that's the thing I mentioned. It is only for about 75 pounds max, so they would have to alter it with heavier-capacity gas-assisted piston-thingys. I would also rig up some kind of strap-ratchet system for the laser. Using this device means you have to get the kayak to about the 2 foot level and the machine does the rest. For the Laser, I would lay some long straps on the ground and place the Laser on them. Then I would slowly ratchet the boat up to that level and then activate the machine.

This all sounds like too much work for me. I'm really determined to simply find a place to store it. A friend is checking out the Miami Yacht Club for a discount price for membership. He has been a member there for a long time...maybe he can pull some weight....
 
Say, if you are really determined, you could store the boat on top of your car and just get help getting it off and on at the sailing venue. People really will help you move the boat. Is there any ordinance in your neighborhood about boats on top of vehicles? :D

Merrily
 
Well, no ordinance that I am aware of, but who wants to car-top indefinately?? I am wanting to partake of the 2006 Master calendar in SOME way, so whatever way I choose, I better get my butt in gear....
 

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