z4 and kayaking

P

Paulr

Active member
 Tunbridge Wells
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!
 
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.
 
Looks like this guy found a good solution for his z3
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35037
 
On a Z3 this was very ingenious, except when it's raining :)

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/1999-bmw-z3-roadster-will-it-kayak-762385808

r_rack.jpg
 
Paulr said:
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!
Click to expand...

Here's my approach to the problem. Easy to store at home too!
 

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I have this knocking about some where.

https://www.surfdome.com/ocean_and_earth_roof_racks_-_ocean_and_earth_quick_rax_roof_rack_-_black-165483?_$ja=tsid:%7ccid:416683272%7cagid:30163864632%7ctid:pla-272951406673%7ccrid:98190283752%7cnw:g%7crnd:12681299485957357298%7cdvc:c%7cadp:1o1&gclid=CP6G4o_n0dMCFYG87QodulgIeg&gclsrc=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

They are Lot's of fun.

Canoe1.jpg

Very Tough.

Canoe2.jpg

And you can take them just about any where.

Canoe04.jpg
:D :thumbsup:
 
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.
 
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!
 
Paulr said:
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!
Click to expand...
 
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...... :(
 
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.
 
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