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I plan to put my sit in kayak on top of my Subaru Outback with a set of Thule J hooks. Is it necessary to put a skirt across the opening to reduce the drag or will it simply reduce my gas mileage a bit. I will probably travel less than 10 miles at a max speed of 45mph. Thanks to the knowledge base.
I have never worried about it. I have car topped Kayaks for over 40 years now. My first Kayak was a Folbot kit I built in 1974.
As I pointed out in another thread the only thing that I see people do that I don't like is fail to attach the Kayak to a fixed point on the car body. I know with modern cars that it is a pain to find something to tie to but I still think it is a good idea. I use a minimum of six ropes and sometimes 7. Never trust an addon car top rack and check the factory ones regularly. I will for short distances trust the factor racks and not tie to the car body itself but I always assume that they may fail and check them thoroughly before each use.
I don’t know that I would worry about that. Doesn’t sound like your going very far or fast. I doubt you’ll even notice. I would make sure it is strapped down good though.
No need for the cover. However, I do like them when traveling long distances. Not for mpg, but when I make a pitstop. It's nice to be able to keep gear stored inside the kayak (wet pfd or even full length rods). The cover keeps prying eyes from seeing what is inside while I enjoy a cheeseburger.
Thanks for the replies. I tie the boat to the factory carrier and the j-hooks. I also run a line from the bow and one from the stern to points under the hood and to a trailer hitch. Don't want anyone hitting my kayak if it takes a dive off the roof. Tight lines to all.