Malone Stinger Kayak Load Assist Module for Malone SeaWing Saddles

So easy! As a single woman, loading up my 12 ft kayak is a challenge, even though it is only about 36 lbs. This has made it so much easier. I still use the rollers I attach to the back window of my Outback, but the load assist makes it MUCH easier to guide into the Sea Wing carrier.

After seeing a friend manage a large sea kayak on her own using the Stinger, I ordered one. Very easy to assemble and mount on Sea Wing. However - mine arrived without the felt pads that should line the V-block that the hull rides through. I didn't realize this - until I loaded and unloaded my boat, and had black streaks along each side of the hull (difficult and time-consuming to remove). I looked at the picture of the product, which DOES show the felt pads, and complained to the seller (Outdoor Play). They were VERY responsive and apologetic, said it absolutely should have included the felt pads, and that they were trying to source them from Malone and would get them to me (incidentally, they are still shipping without pads - a friend just got hers). It's been almost a week with no updates and no pads*, so we'll see. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, I bought these, just in case: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0886BJCPP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1* edited to add - heard back from Outdoor Play, the seller - the missing pads are on their way to me direct from Malone. Excellent customer service from Outdoor Play.

So so so much easier to put the kayak on my car! (F,60+). With this assist and flat rack, I could almost do myself! My only difficulty was retracting the Assist piece while kayak loaded, but I just snugged up to kayak, tightened, and was ready for when I unloaded. Expensive, but priceless at same time. Make sure to always check bolts. No issues, just I worry about vibrations. Happy paddling

I returned this product.If you're looking to scratch up the roof of you kayak transport vehicle, then you can do that for free... Without the effort of installing this.The funny thing is, the Malone kayak racks are great. I have two sets installed on my Yukon, no fuss, no muss.But this load assist unit, is no assist at all.Take a look at the Thule 854 Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat.Not perfect, but you're less likely to tear up the roof of you ride.

This load assist device has some serious issues. Even though it was advertised as having felt padding to protect the hull, it is actually hard plastic that has no padding. When I spoke with the head of customer assistance at Malone, he glibly stated that they stopped using the felt lining two years ago. He said it "probably" would not scratch or scuff the hull of a kayak, even fiberglass, carbon fiber or ABS molded kayaks.The other problem with this load assist is that when installed and it is pulled out, pressure applied to the Malone Load Assist twists the factory Thule crossbar a lot.We like the Malone Sea Wing cradles, but we find this device is unusable.

I got this for loading kayak on the full sized SUV. The Saddle has to be ordered separately in order to attach the loader to the car rack. However instead of using the saddle to attach the loader I bought a small thick metal plate from Home depot which had pre-drilled holes. I had to cut the plate with the sabre saw (metal cutting blade) and it worked perfect to attach the loader to the car rack. Instead of saddles I use the foam blocks on both ends which are much cheaper. So I use the loader to load the kayak and then move it to the foam blocks and tie it. It is fairly easy for one person to load and unload the kayak with this loader.

I am 5'2 and have a Chrysler mini van. My surf ski is lightweight, but 19 feet long. My taller friends with shorter cars, just lift their boats to the roof racks from the side. Me....no way could I do that. With this system, I can get my boat safely on the car with confidence. I just put the nose of the boat into the loader and guide it through the saddles. Super easy and my boat is safe. I love it when something works like it is supposed to.

Had to buy longer screws than provided but overall it wasn’t too hard to install and it works for what it was purchased…I was concerned when I first loaded…as it flexed and I thought it might break …but I think it’s part of the design to be flexible.