I am planning on getting a Kaku Zulu kayak in the near future. Likely with the paddle drive system and maybe get a GPS trolling motor down the road. This is the first Kayak I will own outright.

I have a 2020 Ford Escape that has the factory side rails on it. Issue is I have a sunroof and from what I see every crossbar system says that wont work. Does the sunroof change the strength and support of the roof? If its a matter of just not using the sunroof I am ok with that.

Other issue is with the paddle drive on the Zulu it weights 100+ pounds. I have seen a few mounts that will work with that weight but any suggestions from people that have a heavy kayak would be appreciated.

I do have the tow package on the escape. I would like to avoid this if possible because trailers seem really out of stock and very expensive. I am still open to the idea so if anyone has a good trailer option that is able to handle speed and is road safe let me know.

Thanks! Looking forward to the Kayak but just want to get this stuff squared away first.

You remove the pedal drive when you put it on the roof rack. That would take care of a little weight. I think the yak is 85 pounds?

 

My parents told me not to stand on chairs when I was a kid!

 

 

I imagine that with any significant weight up top that shearing and torsion forces come into play and you risk shattering your sunroof. You might be driving home and it could just pop and shatter.

 

As mentioned above, you are going to remove your drive unit when you load. You will also remove your seat and really anything else that you can.

It looks like on the Escape, the roof rack is purely cosmetic with a sunroof.  Maybe you could put some skis up there, but probably not much else.  

 

Not all vehicles are like this.  My Forester has a sunroof, and it doesn't effect the max load of the roof rack.  And it's weight limit is 176lbs.  I'm guessing they reinforced it, as pretty much ever model past the base trim, comes with a sunroof.  

100 lbs is going to be tough to get on the roof no matter how much the rack will hold.  For the kayak saddles, I have the Yakima Big Catch for fishing kayaks.  https://yakima.com/products/bigcatch.  Like everything, they've gone up significantly; I think I gave $150 for them when I bought mine.

 

The trailer might be your best option.  What kind of storage do you have?

Save your body. Buy a used jetski trailer

Wife and I loaded a 14ft mad river canoe and a 12ft wilderness systems kayak on top of an Avalanche with sunroof for many years while camping.

The Yakima roof rack kept all weight above the doors, the rack worked flawlessly.

100 pounds is pretty easy to get on a roof rack barring any major physical issues. One end at a time. I have a sketchy back and I do it. Another method would be nicer though.

 

What if you drive with the sunroof open? No stress on it!

 

I just took a look at your vehicle, hmmm. I dunno about roofin it. My mini-van is long and easy to secure.

 

I'd use a trailer if I could store on and had a hitch on my van.