To carry your kayaks without a roof rack, you’ll need the following tools:
Contents
Tools
- Pool Noodles
These soft, padded polyurethane tubes are great for this function, despite the fact that it seems stupid. Make sure the pool noodles you buy have a hole in the middle and are sturdy and thick. Make sure they’re long enough to stretch across the entire width of your car’s roof.
- Straps with ratchets
These are nylon belts with adjustable buckles that are lengthy, sturdy, and hard-wearing. They let you to ratchet an object into place tightly. Ratchet straps are available in automotive and hardware stores.
- Poles made of stainless steel
To offer support and stability, you’ll need three square stainless steel rods that can slot through the middle of the pool noodles. Make sure they don’t stick out past your vehicle’s side mirrors.
Without a roof rack, how do you transport two kayaks?
- Get the Pool Noodles Ready
Thread the ratchet straps and poles through the middle of the pool noodles. Make sure the straps are even and that the noodle covers the pole where it will rest on your vehicle.
- Attach the noodles to the roof of your car
The pool noodles will provide a sturdy, flexible base for your kayaks to rest on, protecting both your automobile and your boats. Place your pool noodles about 3 feet apart on your roof. Make sure you have one in the middle, one in the rear, and one in the front. Bring the two sides of each ratchet strap together and ratchet it tightly to fasten each pool noodle with the doors open.
- Position your kayaks on the pool noodles
Place your kayaks on top of the pool noodles once the noodles have been secured. Place them flat and top side down if you have a wide automobile. Turn the kayaks on their sides and push them together with the bottoms of one on the top of the other if they protrude too much. Make sure the center of each kayak rests on the pool noodle in the middle.
- Ratchet Straps are used to secure the kayaks
You’ll need to fasten the kayaks to your car now that they’re in place. Pass ratchet straps over your kayaks in the same position as the noodles with your doors open. Inside the vehicle, connect the ratchet straps and ratchet them securely in place – be careful not to over tighten them, as this could damage the hull of your boats. To avoid a high-pitched screeching sound when driving, twist the straps before joining them.
- Secure the bow and stern of the kayaks
Your kayaks can’t move from side to side because of the ratchet straps that hold them in place. You must now prevent them from moving backwards or forwards while you drive; you do not want your kayak to fly off your roof if you quickly brake. Thread a ratchet strap through each of the carry handles and secure them to your car’s tow locations to secure the bow and stern. Don’t over tighten the straps; instead, make sure there’s absolutely no movement in any direction.
FAQs:
Is it possible to lift a kayak with just one person?
You might be able to carry your kayak on your own if it’s a smaller, lighter model. This will be accomplished by hoisting it onto one shoulder.
Should kayaks be facing inward or outward?
Always flip your kayak over and lay it on its side on your crossbars.
Do kayaks have an easy time flipping?
Many people believe kayaks are easily flipped over, yet they are much more solid than they appear.