Transporting a canoe can be difficult, but with the right technique you will have an easier time. It is important to keep in mind that transporting a canoe on your car’s roof rack is not recommended because it could damage the vehicle or lead to other issues.
The following steps are how to transport a canoe without damaging your car or making things more complicated for yourself:
- Load it onto roof rack, make sure it doesn’t stick out too far from the back of vehicle so as not to scratch other cars when moving around them; tie ropes tightly on each end just in case they slip from their position. Attach cargo net if available and desired – then put away any straps that may be dangling down like seat belts or extra rope)
- Place any padding on top of canoe, then cover with tarp or plastic
- If the vehicle is parked outside, use a rubber mat and place it in front of tire to protect floor from scratches
- Make sure to check the straps every so often to make sure they are still tight
- Turn up the radio while driving, and enjoy your ride home with a new canoe!
Some other important tips are to avoid driving over bumps and potholes, as this could cause damage to the vehicle.
When transporting a canoe on top of your car or truck, make sure that you have all necessary equipment handy before loading up:
- Tarp for covering the boat while it is being transported;
- Straps to help secure the canoe during transport;
- Rubber mat (or other appropriate padding) in front of tire to protect floor from scratches if parked outside;
- An extra person nearby who can help load/unload and strap down canoe securely when at destination. This will also reserve driver’s hands and arms free so they are safe to operate vehicle.
When unloading, do not open hatchback to the boat unsecured.
It is also a good idea to tie canoe down if transporting on top of vehicle for long distances, as this will help protect and secure it from being damaged by wind or other elements during travel.
If you are carrying your canoe in the back of an SUV:
- Place straps across rear hatch lid so that they overlap (a few inches on each end) along one side;
- Thread strap around roof rail with heads facing outwards towards both ends of trailer hitch/hitch mount point; * Attach loose end onto itself before attaching tightly over curved lip at inside edge of seal surface (inside);
If using two straps, place them next to each other;
Place straps across rear hatch lid so that they overlap (a few inches on each end) along one side. Thread strap around roof rail with heads facing outwards towards both ends of trailer hitch/hitch mount point.;
If using two straps;
place them next to each other and make sure the length is not too long for your vehicle or it will be difficult to attach securely. Attach loose end onto itself before attaching tightly over curved lip at inside edge of seal surface (inside).