Kayak owners--yakima roof racks. Can you fit 2 of them side by side?

OK, first lets get out the tape measure. Because YES, two sets of saddles will fit on a roof, but you gotta have the bar width.

Measure the beams (width) of both boats, now with inches to spare, will both boats fit on the bars in theory?

Yes, then check the positions of the saddles and make sure where you want them still works with the towers and the existing bars.

If you would like to stretch your bars, sell the shorter ones, and go to longer ones to ensure you have room for two boats on saddles.

No, then one easy option is to put one boat on Makos (saddles) and put the second boat on J-bars (hull raisers). Now it won't match, but both boats will be on the rack.

My recommendation to customers is to always buy wider bars then you think you will need. I personally run 78"s, but I am in the business and many times need to carry two big, wide boats.

You don't need any of those pricey mounting options for the short trips you are describing with such small kayaks. Just get the $20 foam blocks that straddle the bars and use straps around the hulls. I have hauled much longer and heavier sea kayaks 1,000's of highspeed highway miles just using those (with bow and stern lines to the bumpers -- you hardly need those with a short fat yak). In fact, even though I have a couple of sets of expensive Thule padded upright L and J racks, I find I've gone back to using the foam blocks just because they are simpler to set up and seem more aerodynamic than the stand-up racks. Theft of Yakima and Thule components has become a factor in some parts of the country and it's a pain to have to remove the rack fittings and store them in the car. Takes a second to toss the foam blocks in the back seat -- simple solutions work.

Trial and error! Measure your cars roof width. Measure the saddle width. Measure the kayak width. Do not allow the rack ends to protrude over the roof edge. Any length trip needs absolute security. Do not use rubber bungees. Use bow and stern tie downs as well as cross ropes. Fred Young has carried a dozen canoes and kayaks at a time on a roof rack.

Ask your neighbor, best friend etc or Do-it-yourself & smile how awesome you are when your finish =) I Think it not that hard just follow the direction but be safe. I believe their no drilling involve so it kinda like Plug & Play. Good Luck & Google Yakima Roof Rack Fit to get an idea how it looks .

I'm certain that either choice would fit. The Hyundai Santa Fe is an SUV and not some tiny compact car. Another very popular choice for **plastic** boats are "stacker bars." These allow the boats to stand on edge and can allow a large number of boats to be carried.

http://www.rei.com/product/767991