Best roof rack for 2011 Pro Angler on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

I have made the decision to purchase a new 2011 Pro Angler but am debating how best to transport it. I have a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a factory installed rack and crossbars. Rated capacity is 150 Lbs. I am 6'2" 240 and in good shape. In the future i may purchase a second PA at which time I would get a trailer but for now would like to know what has worked out best for the PA community. Specific make and model for rack would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

Here is a post about the Yakima rig I've been using on my Toyota Highlander for the last year. It works perfectly for my application and the easy loading makes all the difference in how often I get on the water. It's not a cheap setup, but, in my opinion, it was definitely a worthwhile investment.

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=22283

_________________
Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

Thanks for the response TDK. So you use the Yakima, 1 set of Makos a set of Hullyrollers and the Showboat? Did you use the additional crossbars Yakima recommends for 50-80 Lbs. ?

You know if anybody has had any luck with Thule products like the Slipstream ?

I use a set of Mako Aero saddles, Hulley Rollers, the Showboat, and the 66 inch Yakima bars to mount the Showboat. I mounted the Saddles, Rollers and Showboat guides directly to the factory crossbars. The Rollers require the appropriate Yakima Mighty Mounts to mount on the factory bars. The Mako Aero saddles come with the ability to mount to factory bars. I don't think you can do that with the regular Mako saddles - I believe they require an adapter if you don't have round bars.

I suspect others have reported on the Thule products -- just run a search for Thule and they should show up.

Here's my setup with some measurements I provided for another PA owner.

_________________
Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

First, Welcome and congratulations on becoming a fellow PA owner!
I was intending to put my PA on a roof rack but my dealer talked me into trailering instead and I'm so glad he did. Trailering has so many more advantages than putting the PA on a roof rack. If it's something you were considering anyway, I definitely recommend it.

You will save having to load/unload gear at the start/end of your trip.
You won't have to hoist any weight above your head
You will keep mud/salt/stones, fish slime, etc. off of your vehicle
If you return late you can just unhitch and go
Won't have any whistling noise from the rack
You will get better gas mileage.

Disadvantages:
Parking a little tougher
Can be more expensive
Storage space for trailer when not in use
More maintenance required

I'm sure there are others for both sides, but those were what came to mind right away. I know you were only asking about roof racks but just thought I would share what worked best for me. Good luck and enjoy

_________________
MrGreen

A trailer certainly could be a good option, but it didn't really work for me. I figure it mostly depends on how much you want to spend, availability of storage, and the types of places you want to do. MrGreen makes some good points -- I added some thoughts.

You will save having to load/unload gear at the start/end of your trip.
This is very true. I do take out my seat and offload most gear before and after trips. I try to keep the boat as light as possible on the rack.
You won't have to hoist any weight above your head
You do have to lift the boat, but you never really lift more than half the weight.
You will keep mud/salt/stones, fish slime, etc. off of your vehicle
I've never encountered a problem with this.
If you return late you can just unhitch and go
True enough.
Won't have any whistling noise from the rack
Whistling is less a problem than strap vibration, but I attribute that more to how I'm twisting the straps, or not.
You will get better gas mileage.
Probably right, but I have not taken my PA on any long trips where I'd notice.

Disadvantages:
Parking a little tougher
This would be a real issue for some of the places I fish. There really isn't room to maneuver a trailer.
Can be more expensive
Likely true. Yakima rack system was less than $500.
Storage space for trailer when not in use
This was a big issue for me. I have no room to keep a trailer.
More maintenance required
I just wash the rack system when I wash the car and occasionally check everything for tightness.

_________________
Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

I use the same setup for mine. Hully rollers and areos up front. Unloaded is not heavy.

Thanks for all the info. I ended up ordering the Yakima setup EZrider and TDK use. Should be here Tuesday.....now to get the PA

Thanks Guys, it works like a charm Out 4 times so far it is an outstanding fishing platform.

I just orderd the Yakima setup likeTDK. Hopefully picking my my PA in one week. Thanks for these posts, they are a huge help.

_________________
It's not the heat it's the humility!!!
Hobie Pro Angler