Transporting multiple kayaks, SUPs, or canoes no longer requires a complex and expensive setup. The right 9-in-1 style carrier can simplify your life, offering the versatility to securely haul a small fleet of watercraft on a single vehicle. These multi-functional systems are designed for adventurers who own different types of boats or frequently travel with friends and family.
Choosing the perfect carrier involves considering your vehicle, the types of boats you own, and your preferred loading style. From space-saving J-cradles to heavy-duty trailer packages, there is a solution for every need. This roundup highlights the top options on the market to help you find a reliable and efficient way to get your gear to the water.
Our Top Picks for Multi-Kayak Carriers
- Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak Carrier
- XGeek Kayak Roof Rack 4-in-1 Bilateral J-Style Rack
- Aluminum Kayak Carrier Folding J-Style Universal 4-in-1
- ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks, 4-in-1 Multifunction
- Kayak Roof Rack 2-in-1 Aluminum Folding J Bar Roof Carrier
- Malone Auto Racks MicroSport 2-Boat FoldAway-J Trailer
- PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack 2 Pairs J-Bar Carrier Holder
- Rhino-Rack T-Load 3 Kayak Carrier
- Yakima BigStack 3 Kayak Stacker
Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak Carrier
The Malone Foldaway-5 stands out for its incredible versatility and space-saving design. Its quick-release, fold-down frames are a major benefit for drivers concerned about low clearance in garages or parking structures. This feature allows the entire setup to lie flat when not in use, making it a practical choice for daily drivers.
This system is highly modular, with universal mounting adapters that fit most load bar designs. You can start with a basic kayak carrier and expand its capabilities with MultiRack extension modules to accommodate stand-up paddleboards and canoes. The included SUP insert pads are specifically designed to cushion and protect the hull of your boards during transport, ensuring they arrive at your destination in perfect condition.
XGeek Kayak Roof Rack 4-in-1 Bilateral J-Style Rack
XGeek offers a robust and user-friendly J-style rack designed for a straightforward installation process. The product comes with detailed instructions, and the company emphasizes 24-hour customer service to assist with any setup challenges, providing significant peace of mind for the buyer.
Constructed from sturdy 2.2mm thick alloy steel tubing, this rack is built to handle heavy loads, supporting kayaks up to 158 pounds. The durable foam rubber protective pads shield your watercraft from scratches and damage. Its resistant-to-rust and wear construction ensures it will be a reliable partner for many outdoor adventures to come.
Aluminum Kayak Carrier Folding J-Style Universal 4-in-1
This carrier prioritizes the protection of your valuable kayaks and paddleboards. It features Best-in-Class TopGuard padding, which includes oversized, thick, and all-weather rubber saddles along with a padded upright. This comprehensive cushioning system effectively stops rubbing and prevents damage to the hull during transit.
Made from high-quality anodized aviation grade aluminum alloys, this rack is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. Its universal mounting design fits square and most oval-shaped factory cross rails quickly and easily. The inclusion of four heavy-duty straps with a 750-pound break strength adds to the overall security, making this a long-term, reusable solution for your transport needs.
ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks, 4-in-1 Multifunction
ARTIPOLY’s rack is engineered for superior stability and value. Its unique horizontal bar design provides a more secure foundation than many competing roof racks, reducing sway and movement while driving. Crafted from high-quality aviation grade aluminum alloys, it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and weather.
The installation process is designed to be effortless, featuring a quick raise and fold-down mechanism. The J-bar rack has a 180-degree adjustable angle to meet the requirements of various kayak sizes. A single-handed lock-down design allows you to secure your kayaks firmly without the need for extra tools, making loading and unloading a simple one-person job.
Kayak Roof Rack 2-in-1 Aluminum Folding J Bar Roof Carrier
This 2-pack J-style rack system offers a universal and easy mounting solution for a wide range of vehicles. It fits round, square, and most oval-shaped factory cross rails, ensuring compatibility with many SUV, car, and truck setups. The quick fold-down design is a convenient feature for when the rack is not in use, improving aerodynamics and garage clearance.
The rack is built with a thickened 2.0mm aluminum alloy construction, making it both lightweight and strong enough to carry your kayaks and canoes firmly. All surfaces feature a rust-resistant coating, and the hardware is selected for a long product life. The ultra-high density foam padding protects your kayak’s hull finish from scratches during transport.
Malone Auto Racks MicroSport 2-Boat FoldAway-J Trailer
For those who need to transport more than just kayaks, the Malone MicroSport trailer package is an ideal solution. This complete system includes a marine-grade pre-galvanized steel frame and two Malone FoldAway-J kayak carriers. The 78-inch wide by 159-inch long trailer offers ample space for two kayaks with additional room for bikes or other gear.
The package is built for durability and longevity, coming with a five-year warranty for added confidence. Its 2-inch hitch is a standard size, ensuring compatibility with many vehicles. This trailer is perfect for families or groups of friends who have extensive gear that cannot be accommodated on a roof rack alone.
PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack 2 Pairs J-Bar Carrier Holder
This set from PIRIPARA includes two pairs (four pieces) of J-bar carriers, providing everything you need to transport two kayaks simultaneously. The wide-mouth J-bar design offers easier loading and unloading compared to narrower cradles. This optimally sized J-style carrier also helps create more useful space on your roof.
The racks are made from sturdy, high-quality alloy steel with a total load capacity of 150 pounds. The adjustable padding is designed for both carrying strength and kayak protection, ensuring no damage occurs during transport. Like other quality options, it features a rust-resistant coating on all surfaces to extend the product’s life through various weather conditions.
Rhino-Rack T-Load 3 Kayak Carrier
The Rhino-Rack T-Load system offers a unique and efficient method for carrying up to three kayaks. Instead of traditional J-cradles, this carrier uses a T-shaped design that allows kayaks to be loaded on their sides and strapped together. This can be a more aerodynamic and compact solution for transporting multiple boats.
This design is particularly useful for saving space on the roof, potentially leaving room for other gear. It is engineered for secure transport and is built with Rhino-Rack’s reputation for quality and durability. The T-Load system is an excellent choice for kayakers who need maximum capacity without the bulk of multiple J-racks.
Yakima BigStack 3 Kayak Stacker
The Yakima BigStack is another innovative solution for carrying multiple kayaks, with a capacity for up to three boats. Its stacker design holds kayaks on their sides, which can be a more straightforward loading process for some users. This vertical approach minimizes the rack’s footprint on your roof crossbars.
Built by Yakima, a trusted name in cargo management, the BigStack is designed for reliability and ease of use. The padded bars protect your kayaks and keep them securely in place. This system is ideal for kayakers who prefer a vertical storage method and want the assurance that comes with a well-known brand.
What to Look For in a 9 in 1 Kayak Carrier for Multiple Boats
When you’re looking to transport more than just your own kayak, a standard rack just won’t cut it. That’s where a versatile 9 in 1 kayak carrier comes in. I’ve found that these multi-boat systems are game-changers for families, outfitters, or anyone who likes to bring friends along. But not all are created equal, and picking the right one saves you a lot of hassle on the road.
The first thing I always check is the weight capacity. This is a two-part number: the capacity of the crossbars on your vehicle and the capacity of the carrier itself. You need to make sure your roof can handle the combined weight of the carrier and all the boats you’re loading. A good 9 in 1 kayak carrier will have a clear rating, often around 100 to 150 pounds. Remember to add up the weight of your kayaks; two heavy fishing kayaks can easily push that limit.
Next, consider the construction and padding. The frame should be made from a sturdy, corrosion-resistant material like powder-coated steel or aluminum. The cradles and straps are what touch your boats, so look for thick, high-density foam padding. This prevents scratches and dings without being so soft that it compresses completely under the tie-down straps. I also look for straps that are wide, have robust buckles, and are long enough to secure various boat sizes comfortably.
Ease of assembly and storage is a huge factor for me. A 9 in 1 system has more parts than a simple J-hook, so you want something that isn’t a puzzle to put together. Many modern carriers feature tool-free installation with simple knobs or clamps. Also, think about where you’ll store this thing when you’re not using it. Does it break down into manageable pieces? Is it something you can easily stash in a garage or shed?
Finally, think about the specific types of boats you’ll be carrying. While a 9 in 1 kayak carrier is designed for versatility, some handle certain shapes better than others. If you’re mainly carrying recreational kayaks with flat hulls, most cradles will work fine. But if you have kayaks with pronounced V-hulls or even stand-up paddleboards, you’ll want to ensure the cradle design and strap system can accommodate them securely without putting pressure on a single point. Taking the time to match the carrier to your actual fleet makes all the difference for a safe and scratch-free journey.
FAQ
How many kayaks can I actually carry with a 9 in 1 carrier?
The “9 in 1” name can be a bit misleading, and I thought the same thing at first. It doesn’t mean you can carry nine kayaks at once. Instead, it refers to the number of different configurations the carrier supports. Typically, this means you can carry two kayaks upright in the included cradles, two more kayaks stacked on their sides using the provided J-hooks or stacker attachments, and often other combinations involving canoes, surfboards, or paddleboards. In practice, most people use it to carry two to four boats simultaneously, which is still a massive upgrade from a standard setup.
Will this carrier fit on my vehicle’s roof rack?
Most 9 in 1 kayak carriers are designed to be universal and will fit on standard factory crossbars or aftermarket roof racks from brands like Thule or Yakima. The key thing to check is the diameter of your crossbars. The mounting clamps on the carrier are usually adjustable to fit a range of bar shapes (round, square, aerodynamic) and sizes. Before you buy, just double-check the product specifications for the clamp size range and measure your vehicle’s crossbars to be sure.
Is it difficult to load kayaks by myself?
Loading any kayak onto a roof rack solo can be a challenge, and a 9 in 1 system is no exception. Because it sits higher than your car’s roof, it can be tricky. I highly recommend using a loading assist tool. A simple roller that attaches to the rear of your crossbar can make a world of difference, allowing you to slide the kayak up from the ground. Some carriers also have a low-profile design that makes the initial lift a bit easier. Practice in your driveway before you head out on a trip.
Are these carriers safe for long-distance travel on the highway?
Yes, a high-quality and properly installed carrier is perfectly safe for highway speeds. The safety comes down to two things: the build quality of the carrier and your installation. Ensure all knobs are tightened securely and that there is no wobble. The most critical step is securing the boats correctly. Use the provided straps to tie the kayaks down to the carrier’s frame, and always use separate bow and stern lines attached to the front and rear of your vehicle. These backup lines prevent the entire rack and kayak assembly from shifting forward or backward in case of sudden braking.
How do I prevent my kayaks from getting scratched?
This was a major concern of mine. The good news is that these carriers are specifically designed to prevent damage. The cradles are lined with thick, soft foam that cushions the hull. The straps are also typically nylon with a soft coating. To be extra safe, I always give my kayaks a quick rinse before loading to remove any grit that could act like sandpaper. Also, make sure the straps are tight enough to prevent shifting but not so tight that they deform the hull. The foam padding does most of the work, so as long as you’re not overtightening, your boats should be fine.