How to Secure Kayaks to Roof Rack

If you own a car with a roof rack, you may be wondering how to secure kayaks to it. Here are some tips. Tie the stern and bow lines together to ensure that they are tightly tied on the roof rack. If not, the kayak can slide off while being transported. You can also check if the straps are secure by stopping at a rest area for a bathroom break or to get some food. fishing kayaks with motors

Depending on the model of your car, you can use a cam strap to fasten your kayak to the roof rack. Place the buckle on one side of the crossbar and loop the other end underneath it. Make sure the strap is tight enough to avoid warping the shape of your kayak. If you have difficulty reaching the crossbar, use a small step-stool or stand on the footwell of your vehicle.

Before you start to load your kayak, tie the bow and stern straps to your car’s roof rack. Make sure that the bow strap is coiled around the closest crossbar. Then, wrap the stern strap around the metal tow hook and thread it through the carry handle. This way, the boat will not fly off in case of an accident. You can use this same technique for roof racks without tie-downs.

Most vehicles come with roof racks. Even if your vehicle does not come with roof racks, most SUVs will have a luggage rack installed on the roof. It is recommended to check the roof rack for damage before loading kayaks. You can also take your car to a dealership to have it inspected for damage. If you have any doubts, they can repair or replace your vehicle’s roof rack.

Another way to secure kayaks to your roof rack is to replace the rear saddle with rollers. If you’re worried about noise, consider buying a felt-lined saddle. Rollers may cause some noise on the freeway and can also bind up with sand. Felt-lined saddles are softer and allow your kayak to slide easily. You can also use a towel to secure your kayak to your car.

To secure your kayak to the roof rack, you can use foam blocks or crossbars. A foam block will do, but they can be finicky. Kayak roof racks come in different styles and prices. There are J-shaped racks that cradle your kayak while high-tech racks that lower to the ground for loading. To ensure secure mounting, check the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you don’t understand something, ask the company about customer reviews.