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I just picked up a 13' Beavertail Ambush for quick/casual morning and evening fishing. One of my requirements for this boat was no trailer - I wanted to be able to load and unload without dragging it around all the time.
The only issue is that the vehicle it's going in is a big high roof transit van, around 9' tall. Even a super light kayak would be a challenge to get on top of a roof like that.
One thought was an electric winch and bow roller mounted permanently to the vehicle. The boat has fold down wheels, so you could theoretically hook up to the bow eye and winch/roll it to the rack.
I imagine this will put a decent amount of stress on the hull, but does anyone know if it is enough to cause actual damage? The boat is fiberglass and seems impressively well laid up, there is zero flex anywhere.
Open to other suggestions as well... unless it is get a trailer, which is plan C or D!
AA
The only issue is that the vehicle it's going in is a big high roof transit van, around 9' tall. Even a super light kayak would be a challenge to get on top of a roof like that.
One thought was an electric winch and bow roller mounted permanently to the vehicle. The boat has fold down wheels, so you could theoretically hook up to the bow eye and winch/roll it to the rack.
I imagine this will put a decent amount of stress on the hull, but does anyone know if it is enough to cause actual damage? The boat is fiberglass and seems impressively well laid up, there is zero flex anywhere.
Open to other suggestions as well... unless it is get a trailer, which is plan C or D!
AA