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z4 and kayaking

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Paulr
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z4 and kayaking

Post by Paulr » Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:50 pm

I have now sold my caravan, and plan on selling my Santa Fe as well as I don't need a tow car anymore.

That leaves the Z4 as my everyday car, my only problem is that I white water kayak and need a car to carry the boat on. It is about 6 Ft long and weighs 14kg. I have thought about bike racks, boot racks, towbar mounted racks, but thought I would ask here first in case anyone has already found a solution. Hope there is, I really want to justify using a juicy two seated sports car to my wife! Any ideas very welcome!
If you try and take a cat apart the first thing you have is a non working cat.

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z4 and kayaking

Post by csquire4 » Sun Apr 30, 2017 2:49 pm

Google Z4 and Kayak there are some precarious looking pictures of people who have tried it.
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z4 and kayaking

Post by csquire4 » Sun Apr 30, 2017 2:50 pm

Google Z4 and Kayak there are some precarious looking pictures of people who have tried it.
Last edited by csquire4 on Sun Apr 30, 2017 8:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2004 3.0i, manual, toledo blue

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Paulr
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Post by Paulr » Sun Apr 30, 2017 3:21 pm

Did that and came to the same conclusion as you! Want something a whole lot less precarious. May even look at gettin a smalller boat, but still need to transport it though.
If you try and take a cat apart the first thing you have is a non working cat.

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paddy wright
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z4 and kayaking

Post by paddy wright » Mon May 01, 2017 10:06 am

Looks like this guy found a good solution for his z3
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =5&t=35037
Z4 2.2 sterling grey,Msport seats,retrofit cupholders,cruise,footwell lights,sound gen and mfsw,18"ellipsoids,xenons+light washers,ZHPknob,folding mirrors,3"stubby,update wheel caps,gateway300 ipod, wind deflector to keep the wife happy!

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Ewazix
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z4 and kayaking

Post by Ewazix » Mon May 01, 2017 11:25 am

On a Z3 this was very ingenious, except when it's raining :)

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/1999-bmw- ... -762385808
r_rack.jpg
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2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
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Ewazix
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z4 and kayaking

Post by Ewazix » Mon May 01, 2017 11:31 am

Umm not so sure about the rear overhang :)
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2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
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z4 and kayaking

Post by Hindy500 » Tue May 02, 2017 5:32 pm

Paulr wrote: Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:50 pm I have now sold my caravan, and plan on selling my Santa Fe as well as I don't need a tow car anymore.

That leaves the Z4 as my everyday car, my only problem is that I white water kayak and need a car to carry the boat on. It is about 6 Ft long and weighs 14kg. I have thought about bike racks, boot racks, towbar mounted racks, but thought I would ask here first in case anyone has already found a solution. Hope there is, I really want to justify using a juicy two seated sports car to my wife! Any ideas very welcome!
Here's my approach to the problem. Easy to store at home too!
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buzyg
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z4 and kayaking

Post by buzyg » Tue May 02, 2017 7:37 pm

I have this knocking about some where.

https://www.surfdome.com/ocean_and_eart ... lsrc=aw.ds

Used to use it on my Fiat Coupe to carry Surf Boards and the occasional small rigid Kyak. We also have these. K1 Challenger.

You can fit several in a hatch back.
Canoe3.jpg
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They are Lot's of fun.
Canoe1.jpg
Canoe1.jpg (85.17 KiB) Viewed 749 times
Very Tough.
Canoe2.jpg
Canoe2.jpg (96.72 KiB) Viewed 749 times
And you can take them just about any where.
Canoe04.jpg
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:D :thumbsup:
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z4 and kayaking

Post by Rob_benton » Tue May 02, 2017 9:07 pm

There can't be a way to put a boat on top surely.
I used to slalom canoe, best bet is to get someone to to take your boat up for you and you can cruise in the z4 !
Don't take any risks. I was in the back of a transit mini bus and 6 plastic boat came off the roof on to the M1. It's amazing seeing drivers faces as they try and avoid bouncing kayaks at motorway speeds. That was 23 years ago and I'll never forget.
No one was hurt by the way.
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Post by Paulr » Tue May 02, 2017 10:54 pm

Some good points there, thanks. Inflatables have their place, but don't really cut it at Lee Valley White Water centre I am afraid.

I don't take risks with roof mounted stuff, I know the fines and have seen the carnage. Plus, I don't want to damage my car! It may be I buy an old clunker just to transport my boats, or rely on someone else's good nature!
If you try and take a cat apart the first thing you have is a non working cat.

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Paulr
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Post by Paulr » Tue May 02, 2017 10:57 pm

Paulr wrote: Tue May 02, 2017 10:54 pm Some good points there, thanks. Inflatables have their place, but don't really cut it at Lee Valley White Water centre I am afraid.

I don't take risks with roof mounted stuff, I know the fines and have seen the carnage. Plus, I don't want to damage my car! It may be I buy an old clunker just to transport my boats, or rely on someone else's good nature!
If you try and take a cat apart the first thing you have is a non working cat.

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Post by Newbers » Wed May 03, 2017 9:31 am

The proper way would probably be to get a tow bar fitted and a small trailer. Not sure if BMW would still stock the kit and it may cost more than the car is worth tho...... :(
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Post by Paulr » Wed May 03, 2017 10:18 am

May be cheaper & safer just to get a small runabout for £1000 with £30 road tax. Seems a radical way of doing it, but I would not be happy with the overhang on that MX5 with that open boat!

Inflatable rack on a soft top, with 15kg on it just not strike me as a good idea either. But a removable towbar may be the answer. Need to look into costs & insurance implications.
If you try and take a cat apart the first thing you have is a non working cat.

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