If you have a kayak, you’ll probably want to know how to haul it. After all, you don’t want to have to spend hours at the gas station to get a new one. But you need a way to transport your kayak safely and securely. Luckily, this guide will help you do just that. First, get your kayak ready for hauling. Make sure you have tie-downs attached to the sides. Those will help keep your kayak secure during the trip. best fishing kayaks
Next, determine how to strap your kayak to the car. This is particularly important if you own a composite kayak. The gelcoat can be easily cracked if you’re not careful. To prevent this, invest in scuff pads and straps. Also, if you have a truck, a rack that is designed for hauling can make hauling your kayak a lot easier. To get the best fit, you need to make sure that you’ve backed the vehicle with enough space to load your kayak.
Next, make sure you’re sure your truck’s bed is clear of any other objects. If you’re hauling your kayak by truck, you’ll need to put a rubber mat on the bed. It’s best to use rubber mats, but blankets and towels will work, too. You’ll also need tie-downs to secure the kayak in place. If you’re not comfortable doing this, hire a friend to do it for you.
Another option is a pickup truck. If you’re hauling kayaks from one place to another, you can strap them securely in the truck bed. A pickup truck has an open bed that can accommodate four kayaks, but a small truck may only fit two. Remember to put a red flag on the kayak before you load it in the truck. Alternatively, you can also use a specially built kayak trailer. And once you’re at home, you can loosen the straps and unload your kayak.
To tie down your kayak, use a strap with a buckle on one end. Loop the other end underneath the crossbar. Make sure the straps are secured against the vehicle’s paint and not hanging out. Finally, make sure the kayak won’t move when you’re hauling it. Ideally, it should be tied down against the bars. But don’t over-tighten them, because they’re likely to get tangled.
Another option is a roof rack. This way, you don’t have to worry about your kayak rubbing against the roof. Likewise, you can place a flag on the back of your kayak. This helps keep it secure when loading. Make sure to get help to hold it in place. You can even use someone to help you with this. If you’re hauling a touring kayak, be sure to use a roof rack.
Roof racks are an option, too. There are roof racks for just about any vehicle. The Thule Rack system, for example, is inexpensive and available for virtually any vehicle. Besides, Thule Racks make the racks sturdy and convenient. You can also attach a ratchet strap to the roof rack. Make sure to buy a good-quality cam strap. Cam straps work better than ratchet straps. Make sure to get a good cam strap.