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This is a follow up to my review of the HandiRack from last year. The product still works well... but I recently noticed some small, relatively subtle indentations to the roof of my 2009 Accord. I just ordered hard racks. I would avoid the regular use this product if you have a soft, sheet metal roof (unless you have an old car and don't care.)

I bought the Malone Inflatable HandiRack roof rack earlier this year. I traded in my old car, which had roof racks, for a brand new one that does not. I didn't want to put hard racks on my new car and decided to give this product a try. I had my doubts at first, but it works really well. Easy to put on and take off. Just a few minutes. Holds my kayak securely. I travel at freeway speed with no problem. On the negative side, the pump that comes with it is kind of rinky dink and makes it a bit of a hassle to inflate. I just keep mine inflated in the garage when not in use. It has also left a few, very fine scratches on my roof.

I have been paddling sit on tops for several years. I've owned and/or paddled a wide variety of kayaks over this time. I have finally concluded that there are 3 things I want with a kayak. The first is stability. I kayak alone, frequently in the open ocean and enjoy going through swells and chop. The second factor is weight. I car top and don't like to struggle getting a boat on the roof. Finally, I like a roomy cockpit, although I am not that large at 5'10 and 180 lbs.

I recently bought a Caper and am very happy with it. Its light, easy to lift and easy to get on my car roof. It is also very stable and handles swells and chop very well. Finally, for a small boat, it has a large cockpit and is a comfortable ride. It tracks OK and is fast enough for me.

My only complaint is that the hatch is not completely waterproof, but this is a relatively minor problem. All and all, a very good and solid boat.

I bought a used Phoenix 120 that was in very good condition over the internet without ever trying one out. I thought that it would be great to have a 12' boat that only weighs 38 lbs. When it arrived, it just looked small, both in length and volume. I measured it from bow to stern and discovered that it was only 11' 3", not the 12' as advertised on Hurricane's website, and this one. The cockpit was too small for me. I'm 5'10" and 180 lbs. Before ordering the boat I spoke with the people at Hurricane and was told that it would easily accommodate someone of my size. Not true. This is a small boat that should only be considered by kids and women. Hurricane should change its name to the Phoenix 113 and advertise it for what it is. I'm selling it.