A hoist mechanism for loading an object onto a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include an affixed roof rack having at least two transverse bars. The hoist mechanism includes: a horizontal bar and a vertical lift mechanism. The horizontal bar is affixable to a transverse bar, is hollow, and has an open end. The vertical lift mechanism is removably mate-able with the horizontal bar and includes: a vertical mast; a boom joined to the upper end; an insert bar fits into the open end, located away from the boom, and is releasably affixed in the horizontal bar; and a lift wire with a grapnel at a distal end, the lift wire running between the end of the boom and down the vertical mast. Wherein after the horizontal bar and insert bar are is affixed to the vehicle, the object is attached to the grapnel and hoisted onto the vehicle.

A watercraft carrier includes a base, a hub, an upright, and an actuator. The base includes an outboard end, a distal end, and an upper surface. The hub is disposed at the distal end of the base. The upright is coupled to the hub and configured to rotate with respect to the base. The actuator is configured to release the upright from a locked configuration such that the upright can rotate from a first position to a second position. Displacing the actuator in an outboard direction releases the upright from the locked configuration.

A load carrier for a vehicle comprising a vehicle roof supports adapted to carry a load thereon in a consistent vertical orientation; a lifting apparatus for lifting the load from a lower position in the consistent vertical orientation to a raised position at or above the vehicle roof supports; wherein the load is able to be lifted in the consistent vertical orientation and supported in the same consistent vertical orientation.

An arrangement of five supporting elements together with appropriate T-connectors and a four-way connector are employed to provide a device for loading one or more watercraft onto the top of a vehicle. The device is employable with conventional roof rack and kayak cradling structures. The arrangement includes a rotatable mast and boom which may be swung from one side of the vehicle to the other so that hoisting capabilities are available on either side of the vehicle so that multiple watercraft may be easily loaded onto the vehicle with minimal effort by one person.

A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a pair of longitudinal support assemblies. Each support assembly is configured for mounting on a crossbar secured across the roof of a vehicle, and includes a stationary base and an extendable rail. Each rail is moveable between a first position in which the rail is substantially coextensive with the base, a second position in which the rail extends significantly beyond the end of the base, and a third position in which the rail pivots downward adjacent a side of the vehicle. Each rail also has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a loading arm pivotably connected to the distal end portion. The loading arm is moveable between a collapsed position parallel the rail and an extended loading position.

An arrangement of five supporting elements together with appropriate T-connectors and a four-way connector are employed to provide a device for loading one or more watercraft onto the top of a vehicle. The device is employable with conventional roof rack and kayak cradling structures. The arrangement includes a rotatable mast and boom which may be swung from one side of the vehicle to the other so that hoisting capabilities are available on either side of the vehicle so that multiple watercraft may be easily loaded onto the vehicle with minimal effort by one person.

A removable apparatus being configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle which enables an individual to load and unload a canoe atop a vehicle. The apparatus includes a base which is adapted to rotate 360-degrees perpendicular of horizontal of the vehicle and includes a tube which is adapted to lock upright or pivot downwardly 30-degrees away from vertical of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a mechanism to position a receiving device configured to mate to a device mounted to the canoe.

A watercraft carrier, for example, for carrying a kayak, includes a base having an outboard end, a distal end, and an upper surface. The watercraft carrier includes a hub disposed at the distal end of the base and an upright coupled to the hub and configured to rotate with respect to the base. The watercraft carrier includes a handle disposed at the outboard end of the base configured to release the upright from a locked configuration such that the upright can rotate from a first position to a second position. Displacing the handle in an outboard direction releases the upright from the locked configuration.

A device for loading a kayak onto a vehicle comprises four connected supporting arms. The first and third arms are connected at substantially right angles. A second arm is connected via a fourth arm to the third arm. The connections are made at right angles through T-shaped connectors which provide rotatably and slidability.

A device for loading a kayak onto a vehicle comprises four connected supporting arms. The first and third arms are connected at substantially right angles. A second arm is connected via a fourth arm to the third arm. The connections are made at right angles through T-shaped connectors which provide rotatably and slidability.