How To Mount Kayak To Roof Rack

Lay the straps over the roof rack bars.

How to mount kayak to roof rack.

The first step in tying your canoe or kayak down to your car is laying the straps over each bar. Assuming your roof rack and kayak carrier are already installed lift your kayak onto your vehicle roof. The methods of transporting kayaks which we ve provided are some of the easiest you ll ever find. The best way to make your life easier when loading kayaks onto a roof rack is to set up the kayak in an advantageous position on the ground before lifting it.

This allows you to lift the kayak straight up and onto your car without having to flip it. Of course you will want to make sure the buckles on the end of the straps don t scratch your car door. The front of the kayak should be facing forward. Unless you are carrying two kayaks or other gear side by side on the roof your kayak should be centered on your vehicle roof.

The easiest way most secure way to haul your kayak around is to purchase a universal soft roof rack system. For example those securing a kayak to crossbars should always start by flipping the kayak over so that it s face down. We see people attach kayaks all the time the wrong way using these systems on. In as much as you ve known how to transport a kayak without a roof rack yet it s safer to install roof racks on your vehicle.

Flip your kayak over so the cockpit is facing down and with one person on each end lift the kayak onto your vehicle s roof so that the center of the kayak is resting on the central pool noodle. Another option would to use pool noodles and a couple of tie straps. The pool noodles will stop the kayak from damaging your vehicle while also keeping it in place. There are several ways to transport a kayak when you don t have a roof rack on your car or suv.

Tie down kayak with straps. This is a simple step that s often overlooked by new kayakers. This video will show you how to secure your kayak to a j bar roof rack carrier. Cam straps quickly and securely hold your kayak down.

Read our article on how to choose a cartop boat mount. Specific kayak rack systems that attach to the crossbars and cradle the boat in j or v shaped forms are most secure. In this article i m going to give you a few ideas on how to transport a kayak without a roof rack including my number one recommended soft roof rack system as well as how to use pool noodles in a pinch.