I want to bring a 4.8m kayak to the lake... is it as simple as strapping it to the kayak roof carrier, hanging a high vis vest to the rear (as it'll protrude ~1m) and off I go?
Does anyone know what the requirements in CH are for roof loads protruding from the car?
Here’s the law (in French): https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1959/679_705_685/fr
Article 30.2 says any load that protrudes needs to be “particularly visible”, the German text sounds better with “marked conspicuously”.
Other readers might have experience about what counts for marking, visibility etc.
Google gives me this:
https://www.zeltwelt.ch/tipps/wie-lade-ich-mein-auto/
Thats' really helpful.... only question, is wtf does this mean? (google translate)
FIXATION
With more than 3 poles, it is advisable to first tie the poles together at several points. Once in the back third and in the front third. Note that the poles nest neatly inside each other and leave no voids between them. Each rod must be fixed and must no longer be able to detach from an intermediate space. Check whether you have complied with the distance of the excess length for your vehicle. Now fix the rods in the middle, on the rear and front carrier with separate clamping sets. Mark the overhang with a marker.
If the goods are loaded correctly, the journey should not be greatly impaired. The rods always move with you and do not swing out like with a trailer. Drive carefully and watch out for cyclists, especially when the vehicle height is low!
It means you can't figure out on that site what's relevant to your situation and what isn't.
Or you can do it like we do in Eastern Europe :
Grab a piece of coloured cloth / reflexive band , tie it to the end of you kayak so that the guy driving in you back can see it and stop accordingly
Good luck and have fun
Yes, it's that simple.
Though you need to make sure the kayak doesn't turn into an oversized javelin in case of an emergency brake or accident.
PS: the various clubs are always looking for new members. Rapperswil-Jona's is the 800-pound gorilla but there are many more apes in the trees.