surf racks? photos?

[lowpro]

I need to figure out the best surf rack set up. My plan is to put on D rings where you see the racks in the photo instead of the jerryrig you can see in the photos. These are just soft racks for the top of a car. Anyone have pics of how their rig is set up?

[ncp]

For something that small, I think that's the best option. Before I opened the thread, I was picturing a t-top with room for 2 boards wide stacked 4 tall.

I've seen gunnel racks on 15' Whalers but that won't work on an inflatable.

[office888]

I think I'd prefer to make a system to strap it parallel down the side of the tube.

Perpendicular at the bow could be kinda awkward.

[Gwozhog]

Where are you surfing that you need a boat to get too?

[ncp]

Originally Posted by Gwozhog

Where are you surfing that you need a boat to get too?

No one gives out the location of secret surf spots!

[lowpro]

Way back in the day I made dodger of aluminum tubing and had a canvas fabricated on my 13 Caribe hard bottom that had racks on the side. Could put 2 or 3 boards on each side. Worked unreal, wish I could find some pics but that was back in the 90s. I am thinking about how to set it up again but big diff between the 11 and 13. Gotta spend some time on it first, maybe get an umbrella and some good bungees.

Gwozhog and ncp, seems like everybody gives out "secret spots" these days with social media and all. Very few secrets left, very few...

[Gwozhog]

Originally Posted by ncp

No one gives out the location of secret surf spots!

Well you do realize you are on a forum with a bunch of grown men who ride around blow up rubber boats. I think you location will be safe amongst us.

[Gwozhog]

I might copy your setup though. Im looking to rig up my next inflatable for tanker surfing in the galveston ship channel.

[kelson]

I have done the cross bow board strap thing. It works okay. If the water isn't smooth the boards get pitched around a bit. It isn't a good idea with a long board! We go out and over some big waves, I have to angle up the face to avoid launching at the top. Depending on board length that can be an issue.

Didn't want to strap a longer board directly along a side tube. Even with an AL floor there is quite a bit of flex lengthwise in the tube. We did run for a while with an ethafoam "bone" between the boards and the tube top. Thick enough to give some flex between the boards and tube. It was hard to deal with strapping down everything, particularly after a surf session.

So I made a rigid side mount that keeps the boards up above the tube. Made out of SpeedRail pieces and aluminum tube. Here is a photo.Works nicely and provides a nice bar across the bench top to strap anything loose down. Still haven't gotten over run by a big wave, but have snagged the kelp and frantically cleared the prop to get out of the way of the overhead whitewater rolling my way! Have fun out there.

[hindsight]

Most likely Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara

[surfergirl]

I see this is an old thread. Anyone else have success with transporting longboards on a small inflatable? Would love to see any other photos. Thanks!!

[Windsurfer]

We used to take the fins out the boards and just strap them together running along the tubes, still had to hang on to them though and take it easy.
It’s a nightmare now we’re all surfing on foils , loads of sharp awkward objects on the boat!