Kayak and Canoe Transport

Before you can start paddling, you'll have to negotiate the trip from the garage to the water's edge safely and securely.

Positioning

Canoes should be placed upside down. This minimizes the risk of distortion and also stops rainwater from accumulating inside.

Touring kayaks can be positioned right side up to avoid damaging their decks, or you can place them on their sides. We recommend using curved cradles – either inexpensive foam ones or more elaborate models made by roof rack manufacturers – to properly secure and protect your boat. Take extra care with plastic boats to avoid denting them and cover the cockpit if the boat is right side up.

Whitewater kayaks have stronger decks and can be positioned upside down, right side up, or on their sides depending on their shape and the roof rack system you are using. In rainy weather, seal the cockpits of an upright kayak with a cockpit cover. Even a small amount of water in the kayak greatly increases the stress on tie lines and roof racks as you accelerate, brake or turn.

Securing

• If you are not using cradles or saddles with built-in straps, secure your boat by running straps or ropes under a roof rack crossbar on one side of the boat, over the top of the hull, and under the same crossbar on the other side. Repeat the process with the other crossbar. Run the straps or ropes inside the roof rack towers (vertical supports) so that they cannot slip off the ends of the crossbars. Be sure to pad buckles or knots so they don't damage the hull of the boat.
• You can also run ropes or straps from the front and back ends of the boat down to the car bumpers. These lines, front lines in particular, prevent boats from being twisted sideways by the car's slipstream. However, these end lines should not replace the over-the-hull lines.
• Ensure your boat is securely attached to the car by grasping the bow and the stern in turn, and gently but firmly moving them side to side and up and down – you should be able to rock the car this way without having the boat slip or wiggle. However, make sure your tie straps aren't too tight – you don't want to bend your boat.

Use a Red Flag

Many jurisdictions require that a red flag is attached to the end of any load that hangs over the back of a vehicle by more than four feet (check your local laws). If you use a flag that is visible from the driver's seat when the car is moving slowly, it will provide a useful guide for backing up the car without tapping objects or buildings with the back of your boat.