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Kayak carrier for a 2023 XLE

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by 2023priuspete, Sep 16, 2023.

  1. 2023priuspete

    2023priuspete New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Wake Forest NC
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    I’m looking for a safe kayak carrier for a 2023 XLE, preferably one that can carry 2 kayaks. Has anyone found one that is safe and will cause no damage to the car? I love to kayak, but I really love my new blue XLE with glass roof. I’m looking for a quality carrier but money does matter.
    All help greatly appreciated!
     
  2. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

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    Depending on the weight (small whitewater - Med sized yaks () vs decked out fishing rig = prob no go) Sea sucker is the way to go for the glass roof.

    1 - You will need the Seasucker Monkey bars (very versatile base rack system and you can add many different accessories later).

    https://www.seasucker.com/products/monkey-bars-2020-edition

    2 - You will also need the Seasucker Folding J Style Kayak Carrier that attach to the monkey bars. For some reason this is not on the Seasucker website anymore but see attached link and it’s actually on sale and in stock right now. You could prob also go with whatever kayak carrier you want that can attach to the base Seasucker bars.

    https://www.automotivestuff.com/seasucker-sa1300-kayak-j-hooks.html
     
    2023priuspete likes this.
  3. 2023priuspete

    2023priuspete New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2023
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    Location:
    Wake Forest NC
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    I not sure how I feel about the weight actually residing on the glass. Both my yaks are sit in (10’ and 12’). I’ve seen some clamp on systems from Omac and others that might work and don’t touch the glass
     
  4. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
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    XSE
    Understood. Currently the Seasucker is the only viable option for bikes/racks/kayaks or storage containers on the roof. It is kind of a shame because you can’t “fully” lock them down in a traditional sense either on long road trips. Apparently there is some type of locking device, but probably would be safer to pop them off and throw them in the hatch out of sight out of mind when not in use.

    I have a heavy (55lb) E-Mtb and would have already bought the Seasucker Mini Bomber if I didn’t have the glass roof. Like you though, I am hesitant to put that much weight on glass.

    Apparently there is no rack system or hitch system currently being produced made specifically for our 2023 Prius / Prime so if you do find one, please let us all know.