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Old 08-01-2019, 04:59 PM   #2
KenM
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Default Foam block carriers

I've seen a few canoes with foam gunnel blocks being carried in that manor that looked reasonably secure. That method might depend on how stiff the roof is? I don't recall having seen a kayak mounted that way. It might depend on if the kayak had a pronounced cockpit lip so the body of the boat is "lifted" above the roof metal. Loading the kayak upside down onto the roof might need two people.

I have seen kayaks mounted UPRIGHT on two of the longer curved foam blocks with the appropriate straps. That seems to be ok IF all the straps are snugged down well and kept snug. I've also seen loose boats with this method because people don't have the foggiest idea how to secure a boat.

The problem with upright kayaks (and that's how we car-top them...easier to load from the rear) is RAIN. You need to have the cockpit covered. You could just tape down heavy plastic over the cockpit and use 2" tape all around to seal. Sometimes an open cockpit also makes a lot of wind noise.

If you carry the boat on foam I'd suggest you use "V" ropes front and rear if you can find tie points. That will help stop any L-R movement.

Other loading options I bet you've seen too... A blanket, nothing at all, pool noodles!! Groan.

--Ken
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