I have 2 kayaks – an18’ Heritage fiberglass and a 12’ Ocean Scrambler (both sit-on-tops). I am planning to buy a Honda Fit (2013 – 2017) or a Toyota Prius V (2013-2017). Will I have any problem with either of these cars with kayak racks – especially with one boat 18’ long?

 

Not as long as you use bow and stern tie-downs and good cam straps on the racks. Attach a red flag to the stern on the 18-footer.

 

Kind of confusing. Is there a kayak rack in that mish-mash?

 

Not a kayak but a 16ft aluminum canoe. I carried the canoe 300+km with no concerns.

I purchased the Yakima Baseline 48 Round bar system. Thule does not warrant against using a canoe on a fit. According to Rack Attack, Thule does expansive safety testing and a canoe on a Fit did not pass the basic city driving safety. Yakima does not do the same testing so they warrant anything "reasonable".

I used the hood loops on the front, and the tow hook on the rear with paracord and 16ft - 1500lb cinch straps across the hull.

For the rack system and straps I have about $800CAD into the system.

Driving took a little getting use to. On the highway it felt like I had a giant sail on the roof. Only complaint is how easy the Yakima system marks up from carrying the canoe.

https://i.imgur.com/ZaJZra0.jpg
(My posts never make it when I attach an image)