Danny,
The kayak racks are made by Garhauer. I've had a pair for the past 3-4 years, and they work great. Most owners attach them to the first and second stanchions aft of the bow pulpit. You hit the nail on the head with your concern about big seas and a kayak on the leward side. The bow wave can slap up against the kayak, and isn't good for the kayak, racks, or stanchions. If the seas are big, I simply move the kayak inboard at the same spot. Unless you completely burry your bow, it should be fine there. I've had no problems with the kayak or racks snagging a jib sheet. Highly recommend them.

Tom,

how does kayak secure to rack?

Blair,
The kayak sits in the racks, and then a light line is tied from the top of each rack to the stanchion. The spacing of the stanchions and most kayaks puts the racks at roughly 30% and 70% of the kayak's length. It sits very snugly in the racks. I also take the bow line of the kayak and attach it to the bow pulpit for peace of mind. I've been through some pretty nasty stuff, and asided from bouncing up an inch or so, the kayak hasn't moved. I've attached a photo of the racks in use. Hope this helps.

Awright Tom, now you've done it. Posted a picture of your 400 on the forum. That'll get my wife going when she sees that, she absolutely covets a 400. So now I need to come up 100 reasons why we only need a 36. Help a bro out here and tell her how you really hate that great aft cabin she lusts after!!

Bud,
I hate the boat....it's terrible....the C36 is a MUCH better boat. Does this help? :)

Tom,

Nice set up, and boat.

My brackets already arrived.

Tom, it helps immensely. Still covet that aft though. Awesome.

Tom,

What made you decide to mount kayak at the bow, versus mid ship?

Blair,
Mounting the kayak between the first and second stanchion puts it "out of the way" for just about every task. Both the bow and midship cleats are still very accessible, and you can still come up to a dock on the side of the kayak without it getting in the way. If it were mounted midship (amidship?), it would obstruct the midship cleat, and hang out over the dock, broadening the beam by 18-20". I've seen lots of kayaks on boats, but I've never seen one mounted midship or aft. But then again, your boat, your choice! :)

tom,

sounds good to me.
thanks.
i'm going to mount them this weekend.

Out of curiosity, do they easily fold in when not in use? I'd prefer not to have them sticking out when not in use.

No, it does not appear they fold in when they are not being used.
You could probably loosen them up, and move them though.

Blair, maybe once they're installed you could append a photo??

Phil,
Each bracket is attached to the stanchion, just above the base, with (4) 1/4-20 bolts and nyloc nuts. With a pair of wrenches, it would be a quick and easy task to swing them in.