If you’re a kayaker, then you know that having a roof rack is essential for transporting your kayak. But what if you don’t have a roof rack? Not to worry – there are plenty of ways to transport your kayak without one.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to transport a kayak without a roof rack using a variety of methods. So whether you’re heading to the beach or hitting the river, read on for tips on how to get your kayak there safely and securely.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Right Transportation Option For Your Kayak?
Like we said, there are a number of different ways to transport your kayak without a roof rack.
First, you’ll need to determine whether or not your kayak’s length is compatible with that particular transportation option. For example, if you’re car topping your kayak in the bed of a pickup truck, then it needs to be shorter than the bed of that truck.
Secondly, you’ll need to decide whether or not your kayak is inflatable or hard shell. If it’s an inflatable kayak, then it’s going to need a storage bag regardless of how you’re transporting it.
Lastly, there are some transportation options that might require a breakdown of your kayak, while some options work better when your kayak is in one piece.
So make sure to take these factors into consideration before choosing an option for transporting your kayak. There are certain situations where you may only have access to one particular transportation option due to the unique set of circumstances surrounding that situation, but if you have the luxury of choice, then make sure to choose one that best matches your kayak.
How to Transport Your Kayak Without a Roof Rack?
Now that you know how to determine the best transportation option for your particular kayak, we’ll go over the different methods you can use to safely and securely transport your kayak without a roof rack.
There are plenty of ways to transport your kayak without a roof rack, so we won’t go over all of them. But instead, here are some of the most popular methods:
Use Your Car’s Roof Rack:
You can always transport your kayak on top of your car using its built-in roof rack.
Be sure that the weight is properly distributed and secured with straps to avoid any accidents. Don’t forget to look for cross-winds and be aware of traffic when carrying a kayak on top of your car.
Transport Your Kayak by Tying it to The Roof of Your Station Wagon:
Tying down a kayak to the roof of your car might be more difficult than you think, especially if it is windy out. But this method works best if you have access to both ends of the vehicle.
Transport Your Kayak on Top of Your Truck:
If you drive a truck, then this is the perfect solution for you! Just make sure to evenly distribute weight across all parts of the roof and roll up the windows or install screens to avoid any fly-aways.
Transport Your Kayak on Top of a Luggage Carrier:
If you don’t have roof racks or a truck, this is a great alternative for transporting a kayak. Be sure to evenly distribute weight on the luggage carrier and use straps to tie it down securely.
Transport Your Kayak Inside Your Vehicle:
If your vehicle can fit your kayak, then this is by far the easiest option to choose. However, it may not be the safest since you have to go over bumps and potentially speed up or slow down quickly. So if you do decide to transport your kayak inside your ride, just make sure that it’s properly secured with straps so it doesn’t slide around.
Use a Trailer:
Trailers are great since they can hold larger kayaks easily, but make sure to properly secure it with straps and install safety caps over the tires if needed.
You also have the option of using inflatable or rigid foam blocks to transport your kayak – feel free to improvise! Just make sure that your kayak is secure and won’t fall off during transportation.
Conclusion:
Now you know how to transport a kayak without a roof rack. So if you’re ready to hit the road, then choose your transportation option carefully and enjoy your journey! And also remember the tips we’ve discussed above while transporting your kayak without a roof rack.
FAQs
How to transport two kayaks without a rack?
The easiest way to transport two kayaks is by tying them together securely with straps. And if you want to be extra safe, then place a tarp or other protective material between the two kayaks for additional protection.
How to transport a kayak on a motorcycle?
Inflatable blocks make transporting two kayaks on a motorcycle easy and safe! Just make sure that both ends of your motorcycle can accommodate the weight and then strap it securely in place or simply tie it down. Trailers are also another great option for transporting two kayaks, but make sure that the trailer is properly secured with safety caps over the tires.
Should you tie down the bow and stem of a kayak?
Be sure to tie down the bow and stem of a kayak using straps or rope, but make sure that you place plenty of padding underneath to avoid any damage. This is especially important for high-performance kayaks such as sea kayaks, which can easily be damaged due to too much speed.
How to make an improvised trailer for a kayak?
You won’t need to make an improvised kayak trailer if you own a truck or motorcycle, but if you don’t have access to either of these vehicles at the moment, then you can improvise! Just place inflatable foam blocks in the back of your car and tie them securely in place. You can even use rope to secure them so they won’t move around when transporting your kayak.