Tie Down Points for Kayak

[Conrad283]

I'm getting a kayak soon and while I know that the primary tie down is to the roof rack itself, I am adding tie down spots in the front and rear as an extra security measure.

 

For the front I am looking to use a spot where the fender attaches to the body and in the rear I am looking to use a spot where the trunk lid attaches to the body as well.

 

Has anyone used these spots? If not, can anyone recommend a different tie down spot?

[Conrad283]

This is the front spot I'm looking at

[gulzeb]

You do definitely need tie-down points fromt and rear. On the rack is not enough. I’m new to legacies, so not sure of tie-down points yet.

[ammcinnis]

... I know that the primary tie down is to the roof rack itself ...

What roof rack? Isn't this a 2015 Legacy we're talking about?

[Conrad283]

Thule with aero blades

[ronemus]

Whether you need front and rear tie-downs depends on hull length. I have 9' and 12' sit-in kayaks, and they're well secured with Thule Hull-A-Port folding J cradles. I relocated the rear crossbar to the alternate rear-most position, and that helps, as does using cockpit covers to minimize turbulence. I would want tie-downs with 14' or longer hulls. I initally used tie-downs and the rears were hooked to the safety chain slots on my hitch. The point you show is rather high. If you don't have a hitch, you might want to try a loop attached to the hatch catch plate - that will give you a more useful angle.