How to Carry Kayaks on Top of a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your kayak to the water often means transporting it on top of your car. While this allows easy mobility, properly securing kayaks on roof racks requires care to prevent accidents or damage.

In this comprehensive guide, we detail proven techniques for safely and effectively loading one or more kayaks onto a car roof rack. Whether you're a beginner looking to get the basics right or a seasoned paddler wanting a refresher, use this step-by-step tutorial for transporting your kayak without hassles.

Overview of Kayak Car Top Transportation

Placing kayaks onto roof racks offers important advantages:

Convenience of driving right to the launch point
Ability to transport multiple boats
Provides security versus trailers
No need to tie up interior cargo space

But the height and wind resistance of kayaks on cars also pose challenges:

Increased risk of accidents or collisions
Greater rollover hazard if not balanced
Wind buffeting can stress roof and racks
Risk of unsecured boats detaching at speed

Following proper procedures minimizes these dangers so you can safely bring your kayaks anywhere by car.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Ready your car or SUV by taking these preliminary steps:

Add roof racks - Install crossbar roof racks rated for weight of kayak(s).
Check rack mounts - Confirm all mounting feet and clips are tight.
Clean roof - Remove grit and debris that could scratch boat hulls.
Clear interior - Stow all loose objects to prevent projectiles in case of roof rack failure.
Measure clearance - Ensure adequate overhead room for garage doors, bridges, etc.

Prepping your vehicle before loading optimizes safety and prevents unnecessary wear or damage.

Loading Solo Kayaks Onto Roof Racks

Follow this process to securely attach a single kayak to your roof:

Step 1 - Position the Kayak

Place the kayak upside down with the cockpit facing toward the rear.
Center the kayak across the width of the car roof.
Position the bow and stern over the crossbars for support.

Step 2 - Attach Bow and Stern Lines

Run two sturdy tie-down straps over the kayak. Place one near the bow, the other near the stern.
Ensure straps run above the cockpit area to prevent sliding.
Attach straps to the front and rear roof rack crossbars.

Step 3 - Tighten and Secure Straps

Cinch the straps tight enough so the kayak has no room to shift side-to-side.
Tie off loose strap ends so they cannot flap or detach at speed.
For backup, attach the strap hooks to closed hood and hatch latches.

Step 4 - Attach Side Lines

Clip carabiners or cords to the carry handles near the cockpit.
Attach these to the side rails of the roof rack for extra lateral security.
Ensure lines are taut to minimize side-to-side movement.

With bow, stern, and side lines tightened securely, the kayak is ready for safe transport.

Loading Multiple Kayaks

Carrying two or more kayaks on a car roof expands your paddling possibilities but requires additional precautions:

Step 1 - Alternate Orientations

Position the kayaks facing alternating directions - one bow forward, the next stern forward.
This helps balance weight distribution on the roof.

Step 2 - Offset Boats

Avoid placing the kayaks directly on top of each other.
Offset them slightly side-to-side for easier tie down access.

Step 3 - Stack Heaviest on Bottom

If kayaks vary significantly in weight, load the heaviest on the bottom.
This provides a more stable base for lighter kayaks on top.

Step 4 - Tie Each Kayak Independently

Even stacked, each boat needs independent bow, stern, and side lines.
This prevents underlying slippage if a strap fails.
Offset tie downs to prevent lines rubbing together.

With each kayak fully secured, multiples can be transported as securely as solo boats.

Securing Folding Kayaks

Folding kayaks have special considerations:

Compress each folded kayak tightly before strapping to minimize wind resistance.
Avoid hanging folded boats vertically by their carrying handles, which risks deformation over time.
Place folded kayaks upside down to better distribute weight on racks.
Use wider straps spread across the entire fold versus narrow tie downs.
Add protective padding on crossbars and contact points to prevent abrasion damage to the hull fabric.

Securing properly is essential for the flexible materials used in folding kayaks.

Securing Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks also benefit from tailored techniques:

Position scupper holes backward so they don't catch wind and allow water to enter at speed.
Ensure adequate padding beneath securing straps to prevent hull cracks.
Consider using hood/hatch tie downs as added backups given the high wind resistance.
For tandem sit-on-tops, place rear passenger foot braces against stern crossbar to prevent rearward sliding.

Sit-on-top's self-bailing holes make protecting against water infiltration while driving especially important.

Adding Kayak Side Supports

For added lateral stability, install temporary side supports:

Pool noodles compressed between kayak hulls and roof edges.
Inflatable kayak side brackets.
Snap-on padding lined with protective vinyl or felt.
Carpeted 2x4 wood boards cut to fit roof width.
Install side cradles the full length of especially broad kayaks.

Proper side buffers minimize rocking and protect the kayak hulls and car roof from abrasion damage.

Reducing Wind Resistance

To help reduce drag and lift while driving:

Carry kayaks upside down so the smooth hull faces the wind.
Avoid using kayak rudders, skegs, or erect spray skirts that catch wind.
Tie down loose carrying handles flush to the deck rigging.
Consider using bar spreaders to widen roof rack stance if carrying multiple boats.

Maximizing aerodynamic efficiency reduces strain on the kayaks, racks, and your car's roof.

Driving Safely with Kayaks

When driving with roof-mounted kayaks:

Take extra care entering garages, passing under trees and bridges.
Brace kayaks when entering driveways at steep angles to prevent shifting.
Avoid speeds above 70mph, especially on highways. The kayaks create significant extra drag.
Tighten straps if any loosening occurs after the first few miles.
Periodically stop to check strap tightness and kayak positioning on long drives.
Use bow and stern lines as backups in case other straps loosen or fail.

Safe driving prevents issues en route to the water.

Unloading Kayaks at Destination

Once arrived, carefully unload kayaks by:

Having a partner stabilize boats as you loosen each strap.
Loosening straps incrementally rather than detaching one side fully.
Unclipping bow line last once weight is supported from below.
Using proper lifting technique from legs to remove kayaks.
Storing gear inside boats only after they are fully off the car.

Controlled unloading protects both your back and your kayaks.

Storing Kayaks on Roof Racks

Leaving kayaks attached to empty roof racks should only be temporary. For storage:

Ensure racks allow installing a lock to prevent theft.
Use frame ties or cords to prevent the boat from pivoting when unattended.
Keep drain plugs out so rainwater can escape rather than pool.
Avoid parking under trees or structures to prevent debris accumulation and abrasion.
Drape protective padding or mesh over the cockpit rim to reduce UV damage.

Leaving kayaks atop a car is never ideal. For long-term storage, remove boats and use proper racks.

Inspector Your Equipment After Each Trip

Upon returning home after a day of driving and paddling:

Check kayak hulls for any new scratches or cracks incurred in transport.
Inspect tie-down straps for wear and tear like UV damage or frayed edges.
Ensure roof rack mounts remain secure with no loosening.
Wash kayak hulls and your car roof to remove grit and grime.
Note any shifts in position that occurred so you can adjust placements.

Routine inspections prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems down the road.

Choosing Quality Car Rooftop Kayak Racks

When selecting roof rack systems, prioritize:

Weight rating well above your kayak setup's total load.
Straps long enough to allow tying bow, stern, and side lines.
Protective hull padding to prevent scratches.
Side cradles for especially broad kayaks.
Locking mechanisms for when racks will be unattended.
Compressive foam blocks for folding kayak frames.
Bars wide enough to accommodate your specific hull width with buffer room.

Robust racks designed for kayak transport provide peace of mind on the road.

DIY Friction-Based Roof Mounts

For one-off kayak carrying needs, low-cost tie-down options include:

Looping ropes through open doors or windows to secure stern lines.
Using adhesive foam friction pads beneath hulls to minimize sliding.
Placing crossbars inside rain gutters rather than permanent rack mounts.
Sandwiching hulls between sections of old conveyor belt belting.

While not optimal for frequent use, such DIY racks work in a pinch.

Special Considerations for Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks require adjusted approaches:

Carry spares of critical repair items like glue and patches.
Use wide custom inflatable kayak straps to avoid compression damage.
Add protection between contact points and any sharp rack components.
Ensure valves are fully tightened and sealed with covers.
Reduce air pressure slightly during transport as ambient temperatures will increase pressure while driving.

Properly securing delicate inflatable materials keeps your portable boat safe between paddling destinations.

Kayak Cart Options

Kayak carts allow rolling boats from the roof racks directly to the water's edge after unloading:

Cart Types

Two-wheel designs for balancing weight of kayak
One-wheel carts that attach to rear cargo mounts
Solid or pneumatic all-terrain tires
Folding carts that pack away in hulls

Benefits

Reduce carrying distance from car to water
Make portaging boats between lakes easier
Helps prevent back strain from awkward lifting

Whichever style fits your needs, a kayak cart expands transportation possibilities.

Following Watercraft Transportation Laws

When moving kayaks by car, be aware of regulations:

Tie-downs and roof rack mounts must withstand highway speeds.
Flags, reflectors or lights must mark overhangs exceeding 4 feet.
Overall height cannot exceed legal limits for roads and tunnels.
Boats 20 feet or longer may require direct road bed support.
Additional rearview mirrors may be needed to see around kayaks.

Check state laws before transporting unusually large kayaks or canoes.

Teaching Others Safe Kayak Loading

For those new to carrying kayaks by car:

Demonstrate proper lifting and carrying technique.
Explain the purpose and show the tightening of each tie-down location.
Emphasize taking extra care and driving slowly.
Have them participate in attaching lines and straps under your supervision.
Check their strap work before any actual driving.
Debrief after the first trip to address any issues encountered.

Hands-on learning helps build skills and confidence for newcomers to securely transport kayaks.

Key Takeaways

To recap the central tips for carrying kayaks by car:

Ready your car by adding quality roof racks and checking mounts.
Position kayaks upside down centered across the width of the roof.
Secure bow, stern, and side tie-down lines tightly.
Offset and stack multiple boats evenly and from heaviest to lightest.
Drive cautiously and check strap tension periodically en route.

With the right precautions, transporting your watercraft safely is smooth sailing!

FAQs

What is the best rope to tie down a kayak car roof rack?

Use nylon straps rated for a minimum of 150 lbs breaking strength. Static climbing rope also works well. Avoid elastic bungee cords that can loosen.

Should I transport my kayak upside down or right-side up?

Always carry upside down to improve stability and reduce wind resistance on the hull. The cockpit faces backwards to avoid catching air.

Is it ok to tie kayak lines to the car door?

Yes, tying stern lines to door or hatch latches provides effective redundancy. Just ensure doors remain shut.

How should I arrange multiple kayaks on a roof rack?

Alternate orientations front and back and offset slightly. Stack heaviest kayak on the bottom. Ensure each boat has independent tie-downs.

What is the best way to prevent a kayak from sliding?

Friction pads under the hull help grip. But the key is tightly cinched straps allowing no play front to back or side to side. Suspended side cushions also minimize shifting.

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