kayak-which way up?

I think you will find that right way up will create uplift & vice versa.

Not a whole lot of difference as far as aerodynamics are concerned.

We transport all of ours upside down. This way, there is no hull deformation, and if it rains, and the kayak is a sit-inside, it wont collect water.

Please make sure of one thing.

As well as tying onto the racks, which is a no-brainer, please also tie the front, and the rear, down onto the vehicle proper, so if a rack lets go, the kayak stays with the vehicle. Don't over tighten the fore & aft lines, you WILL bend the craft, just firm will be enough.

Enjoy.

Wolfie

Hi,
I have two 4.5m plastics and have carried them from Perth to Shark Bay and return on a purpose built trailer, right side up, with little effect on the hull. A little bit of bowing across the hull supports when left in the sun but this soon levels out. Maker recommends carrying them upside down. More strength on the deck. Much easier to load onto a roof rack right side up.
Rosco

The physics of airflow would suggest that with the kyak upside down and the slightly curved surface facing up a low pressure would be created a the air speeds up and over the curved surface - this is the force known as 'lift' in the lift, drag, weight, thrust forces used to understandthe theory of flight. Would you create enough lift to take off....not bloody likely but then again if you had a really big kyak with just the right angle of attack......hey who knows :-))

If they're sit inside types (eg: Penguin etc) go right side up and get cockpit covers. keeps rain out and helps aerodynamics.

Either way up, they present the same profile to the air.... so shouldn't make any difference. Pointy bit a the front!.... The only difference I can see is the space between the yak and the top of the vehicle. If there is turbulence between the the roof and the kayak, then this can add to drag. If you can minimize the flow of air between the roof and the kayak... better aero dynamics.

Cheers

thanks for all the advice, its good to get a different view on the matter.. think ill stick to upside down on the racks. headind down albany way and denmark with a stroll up bluff knoll on the way.. at least when my legs are buggered from bluff knoll ill have enough left in my arms to do some exploring by water!

once again thanks for the input.