How To Tie A Kayak To Your Roof Rack

Tighten the straps by securing the buckles on each strap and wrapping and securing each loose end.

How to tie a kayak to your roof rack. Choose your carrier to carry your canoe on a roof rack you ll need a carrier designed for this use. Then make sure the kayak is centered between the two sides of your car. The first step in tying your canoe or kayak down to your car is laying the straps over each bar. Center your kayak on the roof rack.

All you need is two bars that go across the car and a pair of cam straps when you. Make sure your kayak is still in the same position on your roof rack and that your straps are straight and in line with your roof rack. Lay the straps over the roof rack bars. Specific kayak rack systems that attach to the crossbars and cradle the boat in j or v shaped forms are most secure.

Inflatable racks inflatable roof racks require a slightly different tie down procedure than hard and soft racks as they do not have fastening points to loop the straps through. A roof rack is ideal as it provides the most secure tie down. Once your car s doors and or windows are closed your straps should be secure through the inside of your car. Read our article on how to choose a cartop boat mount.

If you don t have a roof rack there are still other options out there for you. You don t want your kayak to be closer to one side of the car than the other. Kayak roof rack step 1. Follow the steps.

Once your kayak is in place on the roof of your vehicle open all the doors of your car. How to tie down a canoe to a roof rack. Most include the necessary tie downs as well. Foam blocks and crossbar pads are economical options that protect your canoe.

Move the kayak forward or back on the roof rack as needed until the middle of the kayak is centered between the two roof rack bars. You ll need two straps that are about 12 feet long or longer. If your vehicle has a roof rack you have one of the best situations for tying down a canoe. It also reduces the risk of damaging your vehicle.

Cam straps quickly and securely hold your kayak down. Soft kayak racks will have fastening points for you to loop tie down straps through.