Has anyone ever transported their Pond Prowler, Bass Raider, Bass Hunter, Sun Dolphin type boats on top of their roof racks or in the cargo area of their mini van (tied down of course) . I know a trailer would be a lot easier, but I don't want to store it and wife doesn't to see it (both boat and trailer). I have a Highlander with a factory roof rack (Toyota said they believe it was rated for 100 lbs, but I think that is just for legality purposes as I am sure 30 more pounds won't do any damage? Also maybe a truck bed extender to balance the weight load and extend the roof rack?). Also I have a Honda Odyssey mini van and if my measurements are correct, I think it can slide into the cargo area and then stick out some. Does anyone have any experience with this type of transportation. Any photos? 

 

I know kayak, canoe and other folding boats, a small boats are options but this a case of paralysis by analysis.

 

Thanks for your time. This site has been extremely helpful. 

As a person who in olden times car topped a pond boat on top of a Nissan 200 SX = you can do it but you will skiff the paint from time to time, probably every time.  Getting it up on top of the roof by yourself is a challenge.  I couldn't do it now.  Later on, I got a Chevy van and folding down the back seat and sliding the boat in was pretty simple.    I had a smaller pond boat (8' long by 4' something wide) and it fit in with the doors locked.

I have a bass hunter 4 x 8 that's been loaded on the roofs of various vehicles over twenty years now with no problems.

Currently I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Thule rack( just two bars across). I secure it with two ratchet straps, it's very secure.

Loading and unloading this 90 lb boat by myself, to this day is still pretty easy for me. I'm 48 years old and 6 ft tall. I just lift it like a sheet of plywood and hoist it over the side of my jeep.

I know that boat is heavier than mine so it will be more difficult, but if your in decent shape it should still be possible to do yourself.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Thank you, It was nice to hear comments that it is possible.