HOW TO SELF TRANSPORT
We often hear people say, “My car’s too small to be able to take a boat myself!”, but we’re here to say “Nonsense!”. With these tips, we hope everyone will feel more comfortable taking kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on their own cars, regardless of size.
We provide foam blocks and straps free of charge for anyone who chooses to transport their rental via this method and are happy to assist with loading at the shop and providing additional instruction.
CANOES
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- Place four foam blocks on side rails of canoe.
- While lifting canoe, flip upside-down and rest gently on the roof of the car. Adjust blocks along rail so that they are as close to the frame as possible.
- Align entire canoe so that it is centered on vehicle, both front-to-back and side-to-side; the weight should rest squarely on the middle.
- Using strong straps, throw one end over canoe and vehicle. Take this end and run through the interior of the car via doorways.
- Secure straps tightly by running one end through the metal securing point and pulling down hard.
- Close doors over any loose strap ends.
SIDE BY SIDE
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- Place two foam blocks per kayak, “V”-shape up, on top of the vehicle, aligning the “V” so that the kayak bottoms will rest inside.
- Pick up and place each kayak right-side-up on each pair of foam blocks.
- Adjust blocks as necessary, keeping them as close to the car’s frame as possible, with each kayak touching the side of the other.
- Run a long strap up and over the kayaks, then back through the rear doors of the vehicle, as close to the center of the kayaks as possible. Strap tightly.
- Open hood and insert hood loops, then close firmly, keeping loop portion out of hood and secured portion inside.
- Run a strap through both front kayak handles, then down and through each hood loop, strapping tightly after
STACKED
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- Place two foam blocks, “V”-shape up, on top of the vehicle, aligning the “V” so that the first kayak bottom will rest inside.
- Pick up and place the first kayak right-side-up on the foam blocks.
- Adjust blocks as necessary, keeping them as close to the car’s frame as possible.
- Place second pair of blocks on top of first kayak with the “V”-shape up again.
- Lift and place second kayak on top of first, taking care to balance the two well before letting go.
- Run a long strap up and over the kayaks, then back through the rear doors of the vehicle, as close to the center of the kayaks as possible. Strap tightly.
- Run a second strap around the two kayaks, holding them together. Strap tightly.
- Open hood and insert hood loops, then close firmly, keeping loop portion out of hood and secured portion inside.
- Run a strap through both front kayak handles, then down and through each hood loop, strapping tightly after.