How To Secure A Kayak To A Soft Roof Rack

The front of the kayak should be facing forward.

How to secure a kayak to a soft roof rack.

Tie on to a rack in two places then secure the bow and or stern via the hood system see long boat short car above and securing the stern with a line tied to d rings in the bed. Tie the straps down with cam buckles to secure the kayak. The foam carrier consists of two foam blocks that are secured using ratchet straps that run through the inside of your car in both the front and the back. Once the kayak is in position on the roof rack and the straps are laying over the kayak it is time to strap it down.

Unless you are carrying two kayaks or other gear side by side on the roof your kayak should be centered on your vehicle roof. Ensure the straps are laying flat against the kayak and that they are not crossed. 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. The last thing you want is your kayak slipping off the roof if you need to brake suddenly.

Just be extra careful when backing up. The easiest way most secure way to haul your kayak around is to purchase a universal soft roof rack system. Another option would to use pool noodles and a couple of tie straps. If you have a short cab and you must you can lay you kayak flat in the bed using a tailgate extender to support the stern.

Assuming your roof rack and kayak carrier are already installed lift your kayak onto your vehicle roof. In this article i m going to give you a few ideas on how to transport a kayak without a roof rack including my number one recommended soft roof rack system as well as how to use pool noodles in a pinch. To completely secure your yak thread another set of ratchet straps through the front toggles or carry handles of the kayak and then secure them to the tie down spots underneath your vehicle using either a carabiner or securing hook. There are several ways to transport a kayak when you don t have a roof rack on your car or suv.

If you like the idea of carrying your kayak on the roof of your vehicle but are lacking the necessary side rails cross bars needed for a roof rack then a foam car top carrier is a great solution.