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Does Anyone own a 14ft sailboat?
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 5:16 am
by midnighthunder89
Hello all,I am thinking about buying a really cheap sunfish sailboat. I love sailing and will be living on the water next year during school. I was wondering if anyone has a similar boat that they have transported on top of the vibe. I think I should be ok It is around 13 to 14 ft which is about the same as the vibe. If anyone has pictures I would like to see them. I am kinda worried about the boat limiting sight and wondering if I can fit my two bikes on the roof too.Thanks
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 7:16 am
by lovemyraffe
A boat and 2 bikes? The Thule and Yakima load bars are only rated to hold 150 lbs. It also depends on how wide the boat is. The load bars are only so wide as well. 78" from Thule and 86" from Yakima.
Re: Does Anyone own a 14ft sailboat? (midnighthunder89)
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 9:16 am
by jimincalif
Sailing is great, I've been sailing for 40 years and have a 38' boat that weighs about 22,000 pounds, it definitely won't fit on the top of the vibe.I don't think 14' would be too long for short trips, real issue is the weight, and how it positions on the top of the car. IIRC a Sunfish is pretty narrow, so should be able to tie it down well. You will need to remove the radio antenna. Also tie lines from the bow to the hooks under the front bumper and same at the back, don't just tie it to the roof rack.Won't be able to carry the boat and the bikes on top together, but could get a rack that mounds on the hatch. Good luck.
Re: Does Anyone own a 14ft sailboat? (midnighthunder89)
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 9:22 am
by vibolista
A Sunfish hull weighs about 120 lbs. That and a couple of bicycles would really put a strain on whatever rack system you used. Not only that, you'd still have to get the mast and two booms up there on the rack as well, and also find space for a rudder and centerboard. The 75 sq. foot sail takes up a little room too, even folded neatly in a sail bag. I sailed Sunfish competetively a million years ago. Most sailors used a small trailer to lug 'em around. Fun boat, but I don't think I would attempt to put that much weight up on the Vibe's roof.
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 11:00 am
by midnighthunder89
Ya i am not a big fan of putting my bikes on the back of the hatch. I may just throw them inside. I thought the roof racks were rated to 165 and that is just the max that the manufacturers can legally post. If i get it I will post some pics and decide if it will make the 500 mile trip with me