The best way to make your life easier when loading kayaks onto a roof rack is to set up the kayak in an advantageous position on the ground before lifting it.
Securing canoe to roof bars.
To tie down a kayak place it right side up on your roof rack and center it.
Secure the stern of the canoe to the rear bumper preferable as close to the corners as possible.
If your vehicle has a roof rack you have one of the best situations for tying down a canoe.
Best is if you have roof racks.
If you don t have a secure point such as a tow hook you can install a hood loop strap to create one.
Secure the other end of the canoe to the front bumper.
The proper way to load a canoe onto a vehicle with an existing roof rack using cam straps bow and stern ties and foams.
If there is a lot of noodle sticking out you ll need to trim it to fit.
Kayak roof rack step 3.
Find everything you need for loading.
They should sit across the roof without significantly protruding on either side.
Do use some pads between your kayak and bars not necessary if you have wingbars with rubber strips.
Place and secure the pool noodles on top of your car.
It also reduces the risk of damaging your vehicle.
Hook the end of the line with the ratchet to a secure point on the front of the kayak such as the grab handle.
The first step to securing your kayak is make sure the pool noodles are the correct shape for your vehicle.
Never attach the tie down straps to plastic parts on your car.
Once the boat is on the roof of the car and the straps are around the bars pull the straps over the canoe or kayak to the other side of the roof rack to avoid car damage or even a broken window.
Attach the other end of the line to a secure point on your vehicle.
How to tie down a canoe to a roof rack.
Tie the straps down with cam buckles to secure the kayak.
Run 2 boat straps over the top of the kayak and them under the roof rack bars then bring the straps to the other side of the kayak and loop them under the roof rack bars on that side.
Do check your roofrack is securely fitted.
This is a simple step that s often overlooked by new kayakers.
A roof rack is ideal as it provides the most secure tie down.
If you don t have a roof rack there are still other options out there for you.
Secure mid point of the canoe to the back of the roof.
Do use high quality straps to secure your canoe kayak to the roof rack.