Putting A Rowing Boat On A Car: A Step-By-Step Guide

Rowing is a fantastic sport, but it can be tricky to get to and from the water if you don't know how to transport your boat. Luckily, there are a few ways to secure your boat to your car, whether that's using a V-shaped rack, roof bars, or a trailer. It's important to remember that you should always use high-quality equipment and that you should never overtighten straps, as this can damage your boat.

Use a V-shaped rack

Using a V-shaped rack is a good way to transport a rowing boat on your car. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the V-shaped rack

Firstly, ensure you have a high-quality V-shaped rack that is compatible with your car's roof bars. The best roof racks are typically made by Thule and Yakima, as they are sturdier and less springy than standard roof bars. Position the V-shaped rack on the roof bars, making sure it is securely attached and doesn't move around. If your V-shaped rack has adjustable v-supports, consider raising them to provide more clearance for the rowing boat.

Step 2: Prepare the rowing boat

Before placing the rowing boat on the V-shaped rack, inspect the boat for any sharp edges or protrusions that could damage your car. Cover any sharp areas with a cloth or padding to protect your car's surface. Also, ensure that the rowing boat is inverted, with the bow of the boat facing the front of the car. This reduces stress on the hull and improves aerodynamics.

Step 3: Secure the rowing boat to the V-shaped rack

Use high-quality boat straps, bungee cords, or ropes to secure the rowing boat to the V-shaped rack. Avoid using webbing buckled straps as they can be abrasive and may damage the boat. When tightening the straps, find a happy medium—tight enough to prevent the boat from moving during sharp turns but not so tight that it puts too much pressure on the boat. Consider using a folded rag or cloth between the straps and the boat to distribute the pressure and protect the boat's surface.

Step 4: Use guide ropes for added stability

In addition to securing the rowing boat to the V-shaped rack, it is highly recommended to use guide ropes to stabilize the boat and prevent it from rocking frontwards and backwards during transport. Tie these ropes gently and snugly to something solid and permanent at the front and rear of the vehicle, such as the bumper or towing eye. Ensure that the ropes are long enough and do not vibrate or rub against the boat.

Step 5: Check local regulations and flag your load

Before hitting the road, make sure you comply with local regulations regarding load overhang, lighting, and flagging. Check that your load does not exceed the maximum allowed overhang for your region. If necessary, add flags or lights to the ends of the rowing boat to increase visibility, especially if the boat overhangs at the rear.

By following these steps, you can safely transport your rowing boat using a V-shaped rack on your car. Remember always to drive carefully and check your rig periodically during transport to ensure everything remains secure.

Don't over-tighten straps

When putting a rowing boat on a car, it is important to remember not to over-tighten the straps. While it is essential to ensure that the boat is securely fastened to the car, over-tightening the straps can cause damage to the boat. Here are some tips to help you avoid over-tightening:

• Find the right balance: The straps should be tight enough to hold the boat securely in place, but not so tight that they put excessive pressure on the boat. Make sure the boat doesn't move with a sharp turn, but also ensure it has some give when you hit a bump.
• Use a towel or rag: Place a folded towel or rag between the straps and the boat to distribute the pressure more evenly and prevent the straps from putting too much pressure on the boat.
• Avoid using ropes or cords: Ropes or cords can stretch or fray over time, making them less reliable than straps. They can also be dangerous if they intercept a passing pedestrian or cyclist.
• Check for twists: Ensure that the straps are positioned around the boat without any twists, as this can cause fluttering and increase the chances of the straps coming loose.
• Use electrical tape: Instead of pulling the straps too tight, use electrical tape around the strap and hull to get a snug fit and prevent vibration.
• Double-check for security: Once you've tightened the straps, give the boat a gentle shake to test for movement. There should be a bit of looseness to allow for the boat's bounce on uneven roads.
• Be cautious with bowball straps: If you're tying down the bowball, make sure to leave some slack in the strap. Do not pull it tight, as wind or potholes can cause the hull to crack if there isn't enough flex in the strap.
• Use high-quality straps: Choose straps or tie-downs specifically designed for securing boats to roof racks. This will help ensure that they are strong enough to hold the boat without needing to be over-tightened.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions: When in doubt, refer to the instructions provided by the boat and strap manufacturers. They will provide guidance on how tight the straps should be and any specific precautions to take.

Avoid tying down at the bowball

When putting a rowing boat on top of your car, it is important to consider the safety risks and challenges that come with it. One of the main concerns is whether to tie down the bow ball when securing your boat to the car's roof rack. While it may be tempting to do so, especially if required by your insurance, there are several reasons why you should avoid tying down at the bow ball:

Potential Damage to Boat and Car:

Tying down the bow ball can put a lot of strain and bending stress on your boat. If the strap is too tight, it can cause the hull to crack due to a lack of flexibility. Additionally, a loose strap can cause just as much damage if it gets caught under a wheel, potentially wrenching your boat.

Safety Hazards:

A strap tied to the bow ball can be a distraction for the driver as it flaps in the wind. It also poses a risk to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles if it comes loose and gets in the way.

Alternative Stabilisation Methods:

Instead of tying down the bow ball, you can use other methods to stabilise your boat. It is recommended to use a professional V-bar or boat cradle rack that is securely attached to your roof rack. Additionally, you can use guide ropes at the front and rear of the boat to prevent it from rocking. These ropes should be snug but not too tight, allowing for some movement.

Insurance Requirements:

While some insurance policies may require the bow ball to be tied down, it is important to note that this practice is controversial and may do more harm than good. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to discuss alternative safety measures that can be implemented to secure your boat without tying down the bow ball.

Strap Placement and Tightening:

When securing your boat, pay attention to the placement and tightness of the straps. Avoid using ropes or cords that may stretch or fray over time. Use high-quality straps specifically designed for securing boats. Position the straps without any twists, and pull them straight but not taut, allowing for some slack to accommodate the boat's bounce on uneven roads.

In summary, avoid tying down at the bow ball when putting a rowing boat on your car. Instead, focus on using a sturdy rack system and stabilising the boat with properly placed and tightened straps, as well as guide ropes. This will ensure the safety of your boat, your car, and those around you on the road.

Use a soft rope

When putting a rowing boat on top of your car, it is important to use a soft rope, such as a climbing rope, to secure the boat. Soft ropes are less likely to cause damage to the boat by marking or scratching it. They are also less likely to snap or break.

To secure your rowing boat to your car, you should first place the boat in a professional V-bar rack, which can be U-bolted onto your roof bars. Make sure the V-bar rack is placed near one side of the car, so that the driver has better awareness of the boat's ends. It is also important to carry the boat inverted, as this reduces stress on the hull, allows for a more secure tie-down, and prevents the accumulation of water and grit in the boat.

Once the boat is in the rack, you can begin to tie it down with your soft rope. Start by creating a fixed loop at one end of the transverse rack, looping the rope around the foot of the rack so that it cannot slip inwards. Then, bring the rope over the boat and down around the bar on the far side. Bring the rope back up over the boat and onto the near side. Then, bring the rope down on the near side of the boat and loop it around the bar, before bringing it back up. Finally, bring the rope straight back up over the boat and onto the far side. From this side, draw the rope tight to the far end of the bar and tie it there, increasing the tension with additional turns if needed.

In addition to this setup, you can also tie ropes gently straight down to the bumper or towing eye at each end of the vehicle. This will provide extra stability and prevent the boat from trying to "lift" at high speeds or in gusty cross-winds. When tying these ropes, do not put any tension on them—they are simply meant to take up the slack if the boat tries to lift.

When using a soft rope to secure your rowing boat to your car, it is important to avoid tying down at the bow ball. This is because a rope or cord run diagonally outwards could be intercepted by a pedestrian, passing cyclist, or traffic bollard, potentially causing harm to the boat, pedestrian, or cyclist. Instead, the rope should rise vertically from the front of the car and be tied gently around the boat.

Secure the boat with guide ropes

Guide ropes are essential for securing your rowing boat to your car. They help to prevent the boat from rocking forwards and backwards and can be made from thick clothesline or soft rope. You will need two guide ropes, one for the bow and one for the stern.

To attach the guide ropes, wrap the rope around the hull of the boat and tie it off to something solid and permanent on the front and rear bumpers of your car. You can use a slip knot to tie the rope, creating a loop that can be slid up to make the guide rope taut. It is important to ensure that the length of the rope is long enough to tie the knot, but not too long so that it does not get caught in the axle or tire if it comes undone.

When tightening the guide ropes, you only need to pull them snug; there is no need to put too much tension on the hull by pulling them too tight. This will help to avoid warping the hull of the boat.

In addition to guide ropes, you will also need to use boat straps to secure the boat to the roof rack. These straps should be in good condition, with no fraying or partial cuts, and should be pulled tight to keep the boat in place. However, be careful not to over-tighten the straps as this can also damage the hull.

By using a combination of guide ropes and boat straps, you can securely transport your rowing boat on your car, ensuring a safe journey for both you and other drivers on the road.

Frequently asked questions