[Tarpon guy]

I don't know where I first heard about this type of thing, but it has saved my SUV paint job a couple of times.

When I need to load a 'yak or two solo, it is ok as long as the wind doesn't gust. I have to extend my arms all the way, up and out, to put the 'yak in position to drop it on the rack. Once while I was doing this, a gust of wind caught the boat and I lost my grip on it. It started to fall down, scratching the SUV paint. I stopped it, but not until it had left a few nasty scratches.

Now I hang the noodles from the rack before I start lifting. They make a nice cushion and have prevented any more damage.

To make them I cut one long pool noodle in half. I ran poly rope through the hole that was already running down the center of the noodle. I attached a hook on one end and knotted the rope at the other end, inside the noodle. I finished by pouring a little Marine Goop around the knot to secure it in the noodle. Even if the noodle did not have a hole in the center, it would be possible to slice the noodle lengthwise, lay the rope in place, apply Marine Goop and secure for drying with several rubber bands.

Hope this helps!

Bob