Carrying a kayak on the Prius C?

Rent a truck.

 

I want to say a 9-ft can fit inside ...but you're talking "c" here.
>> This week, I just put Yakima Whispbar on my minivan....believe another member just put WhispBar on a "c"

The equivalent Thule is Aerobar on Traverse foot I believe.
The reason I went with WhispBar was it was available on EBay for deep discount (open box) for about $320.
EBay seems to have a lot of them but I don't know if the c version is on there.
In addition I ordered a kayak rack thru Amazon ...waiting for that.

For the 2006 Prius I have Saris rack which is no longer made, but they are good.

Up to now, I put my 10-foot Tarpon 100 kayak inside the minivan, but there would not be room for my wife.
So I am breaking down and getting another roof rack. I could put the kayak on the Prius, but I am deciding to baby the Prius since it has been doing all the heavy work (135k miles) the minivan only has 35k miles.


PS- If c underneath is like Gen2 you got four big eyelets for hooking lines: one on each corner

 

I carry 17' kayaks on my car. Don't use soft racks. They sell clamps specifically for the C. Aero bars, and fold-down cradles/bar, and you won't know it's all up there when there's no kayak.

Buy all my rack stuff from here: ORS Racks Direct | Yakima-Thule Roof Rack, Truck Racks for Bike-Kayak-Skis etc.

 

I'm in the same boat (ha!) as you right now. The guy at my local rack store told me Whispbar and Inno make racks for the C, but the Inno load capacity is only 80lbs. Also, there are custom installs available that are permanent and give you more options on brands (his store has 4 options for custom on C). I'm looking to carry a 12' Liquid Logic Versa board (kayak/SUP hybrid) and an 11' SUP on my C; the guy at the rack store and the guy at the kayak store assured me this is possible with tying down the tip and tail, but I am still nervous about carrying boards that are as long as the car. Let me know how it turns out on your C!

 

We're thinking about going with the blocks and these quick loops. You shut them in the hood.

Amazon.com : Sherpak Quick Loops (Pair) : Boat Trailer Tie Downs : Sports & Outdoors

 

I would not transport one on my car. I would rent one and if I could not rent one I would find something else to do. Just my outlook.

 

Hi! I just tried out a kayak rack that is just the foam blocks and straps from Dicks Sporting Goods on my C3. The 35 dollar one works, the only down side is you have to get the straps just right and wrap up the one strap buckle in the front because it hits a painted area. Also the straps are really hard to get tight, so they vibrate as you drive, but they hold everything down pretty well that it isn't super concerning. My kayak is only a 9 footer though. Either way, it got the job done and I got to have fun!

 

My solution was simple, I went to a folding sea kayak. I also use a folding bike. Neither perform as well as normal Kayaks or bikes, but, at 70 I don't notice the difference. So far this is the only advantage of being old that I have discovered. My C, however, performs without fault.

 

I dont't recommend the foam blocks, however if you must use them, clean the roof of any grit so you dont scratch it up

 

I think this is one of those rare cases where a tow-behind trailer would work well for a C-type.

I can't remember what the MTOW is off hand, but the one thing about Kayaks is that they're light.

As long as you're up to the towing task, I'm thinking that a hidden hitch and a LIGHTED AND REGISTERED trailer would be fine.

Maybe $1000---all in.

Spendy......but worth it when you go to sell.

Good Luck!

 

Did you ever find your rack? I picked a very nice rack up from Rhino, the only one I could find for this model and have hauled kayaks and canoes.
Roof Racks and Roof Rack Accessories for TOYOTA Prius C | Rhino-Rack