There are many ways for you to transport your kayak from one place to another. You can either use the roof of a vehicle or a separate kayak carrier. Most people wonder whether they can transport a kayak on top of their personal car.
The answer is that you can put kayaks on top of your car, but first, you need to make sure that your car is equipped with the proper roof rack system.
However, you can still put a kayak on a car even without a roof rack using the pool noodle system, but it’s not recommended for safety reasons.
Want to find out more about putting kayaks on top of cars?
Read this article to learn more about the reasons you might need to put a kayak on a car, steps to follow when putting a kayak on a car, and safety factors to consider. You will also learn about the legal aspect of putting kayaks on top of cars.
Why do You Need to Transport Your Kayak on Your Car Roof?
There are many reasons why you might need to transport your kayak on your car roof. Perhaps you’re going on a road trip and want to bring your kayak along so you can explore new waterways.
Maybe you live near a body of water but don’t have easy access to a boat launch, so transporting your kayak is the only way to get it in the water.
Whatever your reason for needing to transport your kayak, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure the process goes smoothly. In the next section, we will look at what you need to know when transporting your kayak on top of a car.
Putting a Kayak on Top of a Car
If you’re planning on hitting the water in your kayak, you’ll need to know how to transport it on top of your car. It’s actually not as difficult as it might seem, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it in no time.
Here are the key steps you need to focus on when putting a kayak on top of your car:
Loading The Kayak
The first step is to load the kayak onto the roof of your car. You can do this by yourself or with the help of a friend.
If you’re loading the kayak by yourself, make sure to lift one end first and keep it on the back of your vehicle, and then lift from the other end and push it forward until it’s in the desired position.
Also, when you do this on your own, first put a blanket on the back of your vehicle and then start loading. If you’re loading the kayak with the help of friends, have them lift it onto the car while you guide it into position.
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Placing The Kayak
After you’ve loaded the kayak, it’s time to place it in the desired position. For this, you need to make sure that the front of the kayak is facing the front of the car and that the back of the kayak is facing the back of the car.
There are two general ways you can place your kayak: placing it on a roof rack or placing it without a roof rack. When placing your kayak on a roof rack is what you usually do, placing it without a roof rack can be done with the help of a DIY pool noodles kayak roof rack.
Whatever the way, you need to make sure the kayak is firmly placed on top of your vehicle in order to start to tie it down.
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Tie Down The Kayak
After you have placed the kayak in the desired position, it’s time to start tying it down.
For this, you will need ropes or straps, and you can either use a ratchet system or a cam buckle system. When using a ratchet system, first feed the strap through the ratchet and then pull it tight. After that, flip the ratchet over to lock it in place.
If you’re using a cam buckle system, first feed the strap through the cam buckle and then pull it tight. Once the strap is tight, push the lever down to lock it in place.
It’s important to note that you should never use bungee cords to tie down your kayak, as they can snap and cause serious injuries.
After you’ve tied down the front of the kayak, it’s time to move to the back and do the same thing. Once you’ve tied down the kayak body, both the bow and the stern of the kayak, you’re ready to hit the road.
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Unloading The Kayak
When you’ve reached your destination, and it’s time to unload the kayak, the process is actually quite similar to loading it.
First of all, start by releasing all the tie downs, and then start lifting the kayak off the vehicle.
If you’re doing it by yourself, first lift one end of the kayak and then pull it towards you until it’s off the car. Then do the same thing with the other end.
If you’re unloading the kayak with the help of a friend, have them hold one end while you guide it off the car. Then do the same thing with the other end.
Once the kayak is off the car, you can put it in the water and start enjoying your paddling adventure.
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So there you have it, a complete guide on how to put a kayak on top of your car. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to do it like a pro in no time.
Factors You Should be Aware of When Putting a Kayak on Top of a Car
When putting a kayak on top of a car, it is important to be aware of various factors that can cause serious damage. Let’s go through some of the key points to keep in mind.
The Safety of Surrounding Vehicles & Pedestrians:
First and foremost, you need to be aware of the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians around you. Make sure that there is plenty of space for you to work without putting anyone in danger. Also, before you leave, make sure all the tie-downs are secure, and the kayak is not going to come loose and fall off the car.
The Safety of Your Windscreens And Rear Glass:
Second, if the kayak is not properly secured, it can easily smash your windscreen or rear glass. This is especially true if you hit a bump in the road. To avoid this, make sure that the kayak is well-padded and cannot move around too much on top of the car.
The Safety of Your Car Sunroof:
If you have a sunroof, it’s important to take precautions when loading a kayak onto your car. The last thing you want is for the kayak to come loose and crash through your sunroof. To avoid this, make sure the straps that secure the kayak are well secured and placed over the sunroof.
The Safety of Your Vehicle Paint:
You should be aware that the kayak will most likely rub against your car paint while you are driving. This can cause the paint to become dull and eventually chip off. You can avoid this by putting something soft between the kayak and the roof of your cars, such as a towel or a piece of cloth.
The Safety of Your Kayak:
Before thinking about how to put your kayak on top of your car, you need to consider the safety of your kayak. Here you especially need to consider the tie-downs. The tie-downs should be too tight or too loose because, whatever the way, it could damage your kayak.
Overall, when putting a kayak on top of your car, you need to consider various safety factors to avoid any mishaps. By taking the proper precautions, you can ensure that everyone stays safe and that your kayak arrives at its destination in one piece.
The Legal Aspect of Putting a Kayak on Top of a Car
Kayaks are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, but before you hit the water, it’s important to know the legalities of putting your kayak on top of your car. Depending on your state, there may be different regulations regarding how you can transport your kayak.
In general, it is legal to put a kayak on top of a car as long as it is properly secured. This means using straps or tie-downs to secure the kayak to the roof of the car. You’ll also want to make sure that the kayak is not blocking your view in any way.
If you’re planning on transporting more than one kayak, it’s important to check your state’s laws to see if there are any restrictions on how many kayaks you can have in your car. In some states, you may need a special permit to transport more than two kayaks.
So, before you load up your kayak and hit the road, be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state. By following the law, you can ensure that you and your kayak arrive at your destination safely.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Putting Kayaks on Top of a Car
1. Can you put two kayaks on a car roof?
It’s possible to put two kayaks on a car roof, but you’ll need to check the legal aspect in your area, as there may be restrictions on how much weight your car can safely carry.
You’ll also want to take into consideration the size and shape of your kayaks, as well as the size of your car. If your kayaks are too large or too wide for your car, they may not fit properly or could even fall off while driving.
2. Can you put a kayak on a car without a roof rack?
It is possible to put a kayak on a car without a roof rack, but it is not recommended. There are several ways to do it, but all of them involve tying the kayak to the car in some way.
One option is to use a strap made specifically for this purpose; another is to use ropes or bungee cords. If you choose this option, be sure to tie the kayak securely and make sure that it will not fly off while you are driving.
3. Where to buy kayak roof racks?
There are a few places you can buy kayak roof racks. You can buy them online, at a retailer specializing in outdoor gear, or at a sporting goods store. Each place has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Online retailers typically have the widest selection of kayak roof racks to choose from. They also tend to have the best prices.
However, they may not have much in the way of customer service, so if you have any questions about which rack is right for your car, you may be out of luck.
Outdoor gear retailers usually have good customer service and expert staff who can help you choose the right rack for your car. However, their selection may be limited, and they may be more expensive than other options.
