How to Transport a Kayak on a Car

Sure, with many of today’s lightweight kayaks, it may be tempting to try to transport them without any special equipment. Bad idea. That’s a surefire way to injure yourself, other drivers and your boat. While there are a couple of different types of rack systems, the best way to transport a kayak is to invest in roof-mounted rack system and appropriate tie-downs. Towers (vertical supports that hold the rack on the car and keep the kayak from touching the roof) are held in place by clamps or directly attached to the roof itself. The kayak is supported on horizontal poles that lie between the towers. Curved brace-like attachments then cradle the side of the kayak to hold it in place.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Roof-mounted rack system
• Spring-loaded buckles

1. Solicit the help of a friend to assist you with loading and unloading the kayak onto the car. Have your friend grab one end of the kayak, while you grab the other. Together, lift the kayak into the curved attachments that sit atop the rack system on the roof of your car.

2. Secure the kayak on the car using a sturdy strap with spring-loaded buckles. These are more efficient than simple rope as it provides positive closure over a wider hull area and can reduce the damage on your kayak. You don’t want to over-tighten the straps, but you do want to make sure it’s a secure as possible. As a general rule of thumb, the hull should not lift off the car when you lift the bow from the front, and the boat should not shift from side to side when you wiggle it.

3. Place some cushioning between the buckle and the kayak, just for safe measure. It will lessen hull damage during the actual transport of your kayak.

4. Tie off the extra strap directly above the buckle once it has been fastened tight, just in case the buckle releases while you’re driving. Now your kayak should be safely fastened to the hood of your car.

5. Stop periodically along the way to make sure the kayak has not shifted during your trip. Buckles and knots can both come undone due to wind friction, a sudden halt in the car or improper tying.

Tips & Warnings

• For extra security, consider tying a “keeper” line in the shape of an inverted V from both ends of the kayak to the car’s hood hinge.
• Covering your kayak with a cockpit cover will protect it from hail, UV rays and rainwater.