How to carry a kayak on a car

Secure kayak on roof rack, ensuring stability and safety during transit.

Choosing the Right Kayak Carrier

Selecting the appropriate kayak carrier is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient transportation of your kayak. The choice largely depends on your vehicle type, the kayak’s specifications, and personal preferences.

Types of Kayak Carriers

Kayak carriers come in various designs, each tailored to specific needs and vehicle types. Roof racks are the most common, suitable for most vehicles and ideal for long-distance travel. Foam blocks offer a budget-friendly solution, though they require more effort to secure. Saddle-style carriers provide excellent stability, particularly for larger kayaks. For compact cars, inflatable roof racks are a convenient, temporary option.

Each carrier type has its unique installation process and compatibility requirements. It’s essential to match the carrier to the kayak’s size and weight to ensure safety. For example, heavy fishing kayaks might need a more robust system like a saddle-style carrier.

Compatibility with Vehicle Types

Vehicle compatibility is a key factor in choosing a kayak carrier. Roof racks require a vehicle with either a factory-installed roof rack or the ability to install one. For vehicles without these features, foam blocks or inflatable racks are a viable alternative. These options rest directly on the vehicle’s roof and secure the kayak through straps that run inside the car, bypassing the need for a permanent rack system.

Check the vehicle’s roof weight capacity to avoid overloading. Overloading can lead to damage to both the vehicle and the kayak. Manufacturers typically provide this information in the vehicle’s manual or on their website.

Pros and Cons of Different Carriers

Roof Racks:

• Pros: Versatile, secure, suitable for long trips.
• Cons: Can be expensive, requires installation, may reduce fuel efficiency due to increased drag.

Foam Blocks:

• Pros: Affordable, portable, easy to store when not in use.
• Cons: Less secure, can shift during transit, frequent checking required.

Saddle-Style Carriers:

• Pros: Excellent stability, reduced risk of kayak shifting.
• Cons: Generally higher cost, specific to certain kayak models.

Inflatable Roof Racks:

• Pros: Easy installation, suitable for compact cars.
• Cons: Lower weight capacity, less stable at high speeds.

Preparation for Loading the Kayak

Preparing to load a kayak onto a vehicle involves a series of important steps to ensure safety and efficiency. This preparation is critical for preventing damage to both the kayak and the vehicle.

Inspecting the Kayak and Carrier for Safety

Start by thoroughly inspecting the kayak for any signs of damage, such as cracks or loose fittings, which could affect its stability during transport. It’s also essential to check the carrier system. Make sure all components, like straps and pads, are in good condition and free from wear or tear.

Inspecting the carrier’s load capacity is crucial. Most standard roof racks can hold up to 165 pounds (75 kg), but always verify with the manufacturer’s specifications. Ensure the kayak’s weight is within this limit to avoid overloading.

Gathering Necessary Equipment

The right equipment makes the loading process smoother and safer. Gather items like cam straps, bow and stern lines, and a protective mat or towel. Cam straps, usually about 12 to 15 feet long, are ideal for securing the kayak. For tying down the bow and stern, ropes or specialized tie-downs are necessary.

A protective mat or towel helps prevent scratches on the vehicle when sliding the kayak onto the roof. This simple measure can save potential repair costs and maintain the vehicle’s aesthetic condition.

Positioning the Vehicle

Position the vehicle on a flat, stable surface to ensure safety during loading. Avoid slopes or uneven ground, which can cause instability. Ensure there’s ample space around the vehicle to maneuver the kayak.

If using foam blocks or a temporary rack system, position them evenly on the roof, aligning them with the kayak’s bulkheads for optimal support. For vehicles with a factory roof rack, adjust the crossbars to evenly distribute the kayak’s weight.

Loading the Kayak onto the Car

Properly loading a kayak onto a car is crucial for safe transportation. It involves correct lifting techniques, secure fastening, and stability checks to ensure a safe journey.

Techniques for Lifting the Kayak

Loading a kayak requires strength and technique to avoid injury or damage to the kayak and car.

• Solo Lifting:
  • Stand at the kayak’s center, bend your knees, and lift using your legs, not your back.
  • Lift the kayak onto your thigh, then shoulder, before moving it to the roof rack.
• Assisted Lifting:
  • With a partner, stand on opposite sides of the kayak.
  • Lift together, keeping the kayak balanced, and place it gently on the rack.

Using a kayak load assist can simplify this process, especially for heavier models. This tool attaches to the roof rack and provides a sliding mechanism to ease the kayak onto the car.

Securing the Kayak on the Carrier

Once the kayak is on the roof rack, it’s crucial to secure it properly.

• Strap Placement:
  • Place cam straps over the kayak’s widest points.
  • Run the straps through the roof rack bars, not just around the kayak.
• Tightening Straps:
  • Tighten the straps evenly, ensuring the kayak is snug but not overly compressed.
  • Check that the straps are not twisted, as this reduces their strength.
• Bow and Stern Lines:
  • Attach lines to the kayak’s front and rear, securing them to the vehicle’s towing hooks or another sturdy point.
  • This prevents the kayak from shifting forwards or backwards during transit.

Checking for Stability

After securing the kayak, conduct a thorough stability check.

• Stability Tests:
  • Gently rock the kayak to test its movement.
  • Ensure there is no side-to-side or forward-backward sliding.
• Visual Inspection:
  • Double-check that all straps and lines are properly fastened.
  • Ensure there’s no obstruction to the vehicle’s doors or driver’s visibility.

Driving with a Kayak on the Car

Transporting a kayak on a car requires adjustments in driving style, continuous monitoring for stability, and special considerations for different weather and road conditions. Attention to these details ensures both the safety of the driver and the integrity of the kayak.

Adjusting Driving Style

• Reduced Speeds:
  • Travel at lower speeds to minimize wind resistance and reduce the risk of the kayak shifting.
  • A good rule of thumb is to reduce your usual driving speed by 10-15%.
• Smooth Maneuvers:
  • Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns. Gradual braking and turning help maintain the kayak’s stability.
  • Increased following distance from other vehicles is essential to allow ample space for safe stopping.
• Wind Awareness:
  • Be aware of the increased wind resistance caused by the kayak.
  • Crosswinds can be particularly challenging, requiring more attention and slower speeds.

Monitoring Kayak Stability During Transit

• Frequent Checks:
  • Periodically stop to check the kayak’s straps and lines, especially during long trips.
  • Ensure that the kayak hasn’t shifted and that all securing equipment remains tight and properly positioned.
• Rear-View Mirror Adjustments:
  • Adjust your rear-view mirrors to keep a constant eye on the kayak.
  • Quick glances can help you monitor any changes in the kayak’s position.

Handling Weather and Road Conditions

• Rain and Wet Conditions:
  • Increase your following distance as wet roads reduce tire traction, necessitating longer stopping distances.
  • Be mindful that the kayak can collect water, adding extra weight.
• Sunny and Hot Conditions:
  • High temperatures can affect the kayak’s material, especially if it’s plastic.
  • Use a kayak cover to protect it from direct sunlight and reduce potential warping.
• Snow and Ice:
  • In snowy or icy conditions, drive slower than usual and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
  • Ensure the kayak is free of snow or ice before starting your journey to prevent it from sliding off.

Unloading and Storing the Kayak

After reaching your destination, unloading and storing the kayak correctly is as important as loading it. Proper techniques ensure the longevity and safety of the kayak.

Safe Unloading Techniques

• Gradual Unloading:
  • Carefully loosen and remove straps or ties without letting them snap back, which can damage the kayak or vehicle.
  • Gently slide the kayak off the vehicle, preferably with assistance, to avoid dropping or dragging it.
• Use of Assistive Devices:
  • If available, use a kayak cart for transporting the kayak from the car to the storage area. This reduces the strain on your body and the risk of dropping the kayak.
• Proper Lifting:
  • When lifting the kayak off the ground, use your legs, not your back, to avoid personal injury.

Inspection After Transport

• Check for Damages:
  • Inspect the kayak for any scratches, dents, or deformities that might have occurred during transport.
  • Pay special attention to the hull and areas that were in contact with the straps or carrier.
• Cleaning:
  • Clean the kayak with fresh water, especially if it has been in saltwater, to prevent corrosion or material degradation.

Tips for Storing the Kayak

• Appropriate Storage Area:
  • Choose a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent material warping or fading. Indoor storage is ideal.
• Support and Suspension:
  • Store the kayak either upright, on its side, or hanging from wide straps to distribute weight evenly and avoid deformation.
  • Avoid storing the kayak on its hull for prolonged periods, as this can lead to warping.
• Cover and Protect:
  • Use a kayak cover to protect against dust, debris, and pests.
  • Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup which can lead to mold.