MaloneSeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Bow and Stern Lines

I brought these after looking for an alternative to the J style Kayak rack I was using with my 36" wide tandem. The J style rack was a nightmare every time I used it because it turned the Kayak into a huge sale on the top of my van. Riding vertically on edge is not a stable design when one is driving at freeway speeds and with crosswinds. Each time I took my Kayak with the J design, I would have to pull over several times to readjust the kayak, and on one occasion, I had to stop as the drag had actually started to peel the Kayak away from the rack. Not only that, but loading on the J rack was a time consuming and physically demanding task that would take at least 20 minutes to get right and secure. Not fun! I bought the Malone SeaWing looking for a less expensive design that would allow the tandem to sit flat on the rack and thus be more aerodynamic. When I received the shipment, I was impressed with the robust design of the SeaWing set and the simplicity of the mounting hardware. The universal mounting system matched up perfectly with my factory oval crossbar and it was installed in a matter of minutes. I was ecstatic at how easy the Kayak was to load as it slid effortlessly from behind and found it's own seating. The wings are sprung enough so that the Kayak is held up in the V, but, once the tie downs are cinched down, the wings embrace the Kayak and it is clear that it is firmly supported. I took the Kayak on a 600 mile round trip and had not one problem. Each time I checked the security of the tie downs and positioning of the load, it was clear that there was absolutely no movement or shifting. There was no annoying noise and I got the sense that I could have done this same trip with now bow or stern lines connected to the front and back of the van. I would absolutely recommend the SeaWing to anyone looking for a well built, easy to use and very secure Kayak rack. The only modification would be to go to Home Depot and spend $15.00 on a set of ratcheting tie down straps which would allow you to cinch down the Kayak much more firmly than the tie down system provided.

Terrific product; well-built; sturdy. Very easy to install on top of my Tacoma. MUCH easier to slide my 14 ft Delta into than a J-cradle… whew!! Kayak is MUCH more secure on top of vehicle roof than with a J-cradle. Design allows for 2 saddles/ kayaks to be mounted side-by-side on roof. Bought a 2nd one after testing the first one. Highly recommended!(Slight “why’d ya do this” : there are 2 rubber plugs that close the bolt holes for the bolts that hold the saddle to the rack… but they pop out just about every time you mount/ unmount the saddle cause the bolts push them out - not really a problem cause IMHO the plugs aren’t necessary.)

I love these. This is my second set to haul a second kayak for my visiting daughter, and have used my originals for years. 99%of the time I kayak solo and therefore load my kayaks solo. These cradles make self loading SO much easier. Lift the kayak nose up onto rear wings, then pick up the back end and slide forward into place. I have had issues self loading kayaks into J-style racks. These are so much better. Kayaks strap down securely and easily. Rides down the road aerodynamically. Super easy to attach to rails. Works on all different widths of varying kayaks.

This kayak cradle attaches by running a bolt through the cradle and then a metal plate, where you are supposed to secure it with large winged nuts. As easy as it is to install, it is just as easy for someone to reach up, unscrew one bolt from each cradle and away they go. I know, I know that if a thief really wants them they will be gone. But lets not invite people to steal them by making it so simple. I replaced the 2" metric bolts with 2.5" bolts and tightened a regular nut first, then the provided winged bolts. Also, in addition to the provided straps, which are attached only to the cradles, I use heavy-duty bungee cords run around the roof bars. Takes another minute but adds another measure of security. My Necky kayak slides onto the cradles easily and rests securely. Add $3 in longer bolts, add regular nuts, and it is a good deal.

J'avais des supports en J sur ma Caravan. J'étais incapable d'installer mon kayak toute seule. Maintenant, je suis capable d'installer mon kayak avec les supports Malone et un rouleau à ventouses. Je passe par l'arrière du véhicule.

one of the best options for the money