Junkers88

I'm tring to figure out if I can haul a small boat or canoe on top of my 1st gen 4runner. I know I've seen folks do this but it's always been on later models with the integrated (spelling?) roof rack.

Any one hauling a boat on a 1st gen? If so what kind of boat, and how much it weighs if you know it, how long/wide and if it causes any "top heavy" issues.

I looked at a folding boat but it was too pricey for me. I also looked at some alluminum boats but again they are expensive. It might be that I'll do better with a little 10' long canoe or something.

Thank you.

Elton

what about one of those inflatable rafts ?

Tofer

offroad boat trailer?

Junkers88

I really dislike inflatables. There is a certain amount of fear that settles in the pit of my tummy when I'm in one of those things.


I hadn't thought of that........ I'll do some looking.

gilby4runner

a small jon boat should be fine strapped to the top of the 4runner.

Lumpy

I'm sure you would not have an issue with a canoe on the roof. I think it would be easier to get on and off as well.

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/spo/1282900007.html

These Old Towns are nice little pricey but they do quite well...http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/boa/1260401079.html

Junkers88

Well that didn't take long. I shot the guy an email on the first one. If it turns out to be the Bayou model then I'll own it this week. Then all I need to do is get a support system built for the hard top on the runner and I'm set.

Thanks!!

Lumpy

Not a problem I'm glad it worked out for ya.
Also look into getting a few of those foam noodle things that they have for pools.



Get the ones that have the hole going through them. Cut them to about 12" sections and slice 1 side. Then place them on the rails of the canoe so it does not scratch the paint too much.


...

refried

You have to stop shopping for boats at Walmart.

Where are you planning on boating? rivers, lakes?
I have 3 inflatables and all have different uses
the biggest is for whitewater only
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...85&deptid=1128
it is cartoppable but a little big for what you will be doing with it.
My 11' Sotar kayak gets more use than the others but is a whitewater boat also.
http://www.sotar.com/index2.htmL
My Aire Lynx II is a great all around boat, It's big enough for 2 people, can be paddled solo, and will haul a bunch of gear if needed. It gets most of it's use around the house as a sea kayak.
http://www.aire.com/aire/products/default.aspx?id=196
Aire has a great warranty too,10 years, no matter what I do to it it will be repaired for free.

Lumpy

Ya those are nice...but I'd have to sell my Toyota's to get one...

desertcamper67

Great idea with the noodles. Gotta save that one for future ref.

Lumpy

Let me tell ya, those goofy things really do come in handy sometimes!!! Almost as handy as electrical tape and drapery cord!!!

Junkers88

Those are really nice but I can't afford them.

refried

Aire also has a line of boats about half the price made in China with a 5 year warranty called Tributary. the boats are very similar but materials aren't as heavy but they're still very tough, a friend drove his 1 ton ford over his with no damage other than tire marks.
http://www.aire.com/aire/products/default.aspx?id=212
the Sawtooth looks like a nice do everything boat too
http://www.aire.com/aire/products/default.aspx?id=224

Junkers88

Those are nice also but again the price makes me pause. I know you "get what you pay for" but I'm looking to spend about 300$ and so far that limits me to regular canoes (spelling?). I called about a Pelican here in town that they want 250$ for but I need to go look at it to see what model it is. At 15' long it should ride on the top of the runner pretty well and be usable for the remote lakes that I head out towards.


I had to laugh at the "you need to stop buying boats at Walmart" comment since that's the place that sold me the last inflatable I owned. That dang thing made one trip to a little lake and I'll be damned if I didn't drive a hook into the side of it. I can tell you that I was an olympic caliber paddler for about 4 minutes getting back to shallow water.

Lumpy

That's good stuff!!! I can imagine!!!

dport

Find a "Lowe" jon boat dealer, or check Sam's website. I bought a 12ft light weight Lowe brand at Sam's about 4 yrs ago for $299. I haven't seen them there since, but one may be available at a larger store or online. I can lean it against my back, reach across it and walk a little ways with it o my back. I have loaded it several time by myself with no problems. Good luck in your search.

Beefed Taco

This is a 12 ft. bass boat and definitely NOT as light as I wish. My wife and I load it easy, but it's definitely heavier than an aluminum one of it's size. What I did here is drilled 2 holes in each factory rack, and then used 2 pieces of tubing with holes where the ones in the rack were, and added eye bolts to the ends of the tubing. Then use ratchet straps and it works great! Sure there was slight flex in the stock racks, but they did hold up, even on the freeway.

oldscool

I carry a 17 foot smokercraft aluminum canoe on top of my 85 4runner with no problem. Weight is about 70 lbs. It sets on Thule roof bars. The front bar is mounted to the gutters above the windows. The back mounts to Yakima Bronco mounts between the windows. I think Yakima is still making those mounts. Two things to be aware of, If you have a sun roof don;t hit it putting the canoe up. If you don't have help you will scratch your top. 17 feet of canoe will be almost 3 feet longer than the runner, makes a nice visor in the sun. Doesn't hang out the back enough to interfere with towing my scamp trailer. I picked up the roof bars at a Goodwill for $10 and the canoe was $200 on Craigslist. I always look for used. I would have preffered a PvC canoe, but I buffed the aluminum. So I pretty much carry a large solar reflector on top. Keeps the interior a lot cooler. Be aware that the rope attachments on canoes are meant to tie them to docks. I pulled them off my canoe using ratchet tie downs. They were held on with pop rivets. Strengthen these up if they need it before you haul it or you may have a ground to air missile on the roof.

STEVE_R

hey junkers88, i guide in my spare time in backcountry locations, a majority of the time i run float tubes or belly boats as some call, these are extremely light wieght and take up little room, plus it's a great cardio workout! if you dont feel safe in one of those i also use inflatable pontoons, these sit a little higher in the water and tend to keep you dry and are extremely stable, also both float tubes and inflatable ponttons are made tough, i've hooked the sides numerous times and never have had a problem with getting a leak, on the down side, these do take up a little more room(pontoon boats). if your looking at a more hard sided hull construction, then a square stern canoe would be the ticket if you dont want to paddle all day long, just pack a small outbaord or electric trolling motor and battery, downside to this option is your now dealing with gas or hauling a batttery around. i also run a 14 ft jon boat with 15 hp 4stroke mercury, i upgraded the trailer bunks to a full roller system, i can launch this boat anywhere! a small 10 foot or 12 foot jon is a lighter alternative, and could easly be handled by a couple people, there light and stable. hope this helps.
-steve