Strapping Kayak To Roof Without Rack

Cam straps quickly and securely hold your kayak down.

Strapping kayak to roof without rack.

Transporting your kayak safely. But after buying the best kayak for your needs and getting a compatible roof rack you ll need to know how to strap a kayak to a roof rack. If you don t haul your kayak frequently or if you don t have a roof rack a foam block carrier can be a great option. Using straps designed specifically for tying down kayaks on cars will make tying down your kayak easier and safer.

Specific kayak rack systems that attach to the crossbars and cradle the boat in j or v shaped forms are most secure. Straps with cam buckles will let you tighten your kayak to your roof rack without over tightening it and potentially damaging it. Look for kayak straps online or at your local sporting goods store. You ll pass the tie down strap through the grab handle of the kayak and secure it to the towing eyes below the bonnet.

The pool noodles will stop the kayak from damaging your vehicle while also keeping it in place. Get kayak straps with cam buckles. Thread the straps through the front and back carry handles or toggles and secure each one to a tie down spot underneath your car either with a carabiner or a hook. This will keep your kayak in place while you re driving.

Flip your kayak over so the cockpit is facing down and with one person on each end lift the kayak onto your vehicle s roof so that the center of the kayak is resting on the central pool noodle. They are much more secure than the pool noodle method and will allow you to transport a larger kayak. You should always tie down the bow and stern of your kayak especially if you are going to transport your kayak without a roof rack. Read our article on how to choose a cartop boat mount.

If you do have crossbars crossbar pads are another economical option. Do the same to secure the kayak at the back. Read more how to strap a kayak to a roof rack. You can do this with a variety of tie down straps.

These blocks are lightweight saving your roof s capacity for your kayak and cost effective. Luckily by simply using a few pool noodles metal poles and ratchet straps you can easily secure your kayaks to your vehicle without ever needing a roof rack. Not only is this method very simple it is also quick and cheap. You ll need two straps that are about 12 feet long or longer.

Always remember to tie down the bow and stern of the kayak since you ll be moving it without a roof rack. But knowing how to properly transport your kayaks without a roof rack is very important.