About to buy a Stellar SR, 19.5 ft. long. I have seen prior discussion on roof mounts, and am wondering about the stability/safety of having only ca. 3 ft. between the bars, even with front and rear have tie down lines. Previously on a boat this long, my supports on a trailer were ca. 6 ft. apart.
On the actual cradles I am a big fan of the Oak Orchard Kayak's "wings" which are shallow V shaped and 12" long in the support direction. Use of a 1/2" closed cell foam on the contact area has worked very well for me on some very "fragile" kayak/skis.
Finally, a couple of tricks on taking a long trip; I run a 3" wide strip of blue painters tape around the hull and support wing, followed by duct tape. This really keeps the boat from moving. Then I use the regular strap, which now does not have to be really snug as the tape is holding the fort and the strap is insurance. Finally, I take the loose end of the strap with a wrap of duct tape a few inches away from the buckle to keep it from loosening. I've driven over 1000 miles with this and never had anything loosen up.
On the actual cradles I am a big fan of the Oak Orchard Kayak's "wings" which are shallow V shaped and 12" long in the support direction. Use of a 1/2" closed cell foam on the contact area has worked very well for me on some very "fragile" kayak/skis.
Finally, a couple of tricks on taking a long trip; I run a 3" wide strip of blue painters tape around the hull and support wing, followed by duct tape. This really keeps the boat from moving. Then I use the regular strap, which now does not have to be really snug as the tape is holding the fort and the strap is insurance. Finally, I take the loose end of the strap with a wrap of duct tape a few inches away from the buckle to keep it from loosening. I've driven over 1000 miles with this and never had anything loosen up.