Hi - I'm a Prius newbie. Has anyone every tried this type of get up for carrying a kayak? NRS Universal Kayak Block at nrs.com They are just foam blocks. Without use of a rack. Thanks.
I have not tried this on a Prius, but I have used a similar method for carrying a canoe on a car roof, without a rack. I 're-purposed' a few chunks of dense open-cell foam, and it works like a charm. Just be sure to position them correctly, and keep them free of dirt and sand so that you don't scratch the paint.
We use similar but smaller foam blocks for the canoe and a SUP board on our '07s. They work well, and the cost and aerodynamic perks of not having a rack are great. We run straps through the door openings that might be a little hard on the door seals over time, but don't seem to be a problem for 'once in a while' use. The blocks have to be a little closer together on the curved Pri roof, but they work, even with long canoes. It's not as bad as loading boats on a classic Beetle. The radio antenna threads off easily for easier boat loading. Even with the antenna off, the radio still picks up the stations okay. Paddle on!
