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

Transporting a boat on top of your car can be a challenging task, especially if you're doing it alone. The process will depend on the type of boat and car you have, as well as the equipment available to you. Some people use roof racks, trailers, or even suction cups to secure their boats. It's important to consider the weight of your boat, the strength of your car, and any relevant local laws regarding boat transportation. Additionally, you'll want to take precautions to protect your boat and car from damage during loading, transportation, and unloading.

Check your car's roof rack weight limit

When transporting a boat on top of your car, it is important to check your car's roof rack weight limit. This is crucial to ensure the safety of your vehicle and other road users. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you determine and adhere to your car's roof rack weight limit:

• Consult your vehicle's manual: The first step is to refer to your car's manual. This will provide you with the manufacturer's specifications for the roof rack's weight capacity. It is essential to follow these guidelines to avoid any potential damage to your vehicle or unsafe conditions while driving.
• Consider the weight of your boat: Before loading your boat onto the roof rack, ensure that you know its exact weight. This information can usually be found in the boat's manual or specifications. Compare this weight to the roof rack's weight limit to ensure it does not exceed the maximum capacity.
• Factor in additional equipment: When calculating the total weight, don't forget to include the weight of any additional equipment you will be transporting, such as paddles, life jackets, and other gear. These items can add significant weight, so it is important to account for them when determining if you are within the roof rack's weight limit.
• Distribute weight evenly: When loading your boat and equipment onto the roof rack, distribute the weight as evenly as possible. Place heavier items closer to the centre of the rack to maintain a balanced load. This will help ensure a safer drive and reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle.
• Secure the load properly: Use high-quality straps and ties to securely fasten your boat to the roof rack. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper loading and securing procedures. Ensure that the boat is firmly attached and cannot shift or move during transport.
• Be mindful of height clearances: Keep in mind any height restrictions, such as low bridges or garage entrances, that you may encounter during your journey. Even if your boat's weight is within the roof rack's limit, its height may pose a challenge in certain situations. Always plan your route in advance and be aware of any potential obstacles.
• Regularly inspect your roof rack: It is important to periodically inspect your roof rack for any signs of wear and tear. Look for rust, loose bolts, or damaged components. If you notice any issues, have the roof rack serviced or repaired before transporting your boat. This will help ensure the safety and security of your boat and vehicle.

By following these guidelines and staying within your car's roof rack weight limit, you can confidently and safely transport your boat to your desired destination. Remember always to prioritise safety and adhere to all relevant regulations and manufacturer recommendations.

Use a foam block to slide the boat onto the rack

To put a boat on top of your car using a foam block, you will need a foam block, a strap, and a vehicle with a roof rack. This method is ideal for those without a roof rack, but it can also be used in conjunction with one for added cushioning. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparing the Foam Block

• Place the foam block on the roof of your car. For a kayak, position one block near the front, just behind the windshield, and another at the rear, ensuring they don't rest on the glass. For a canoe, attach the foam blocks to the gunnels, adjusting the distance to fit your car roof. Maximum spacing is ideal.
• Load your boat so it is centred on the vehicle from side to side. It is recommended to position the bow of the boat facing the front of the car for aesthetic purposes and ease of loading.

Securing the Boat

• Hold the cam buckle end of the strap and gently toss the loose end over the boat and car. Be careful not to throw the buckle end to avoid damaging the windows. Ideally, position the buckle on the car's passenger side for safety when adjusting straps during halts.
• Open all the doors of your vehicle and reach through to grab the loose end of the strap from the inside of the vehicle.
• Take the end of the strap with the buckle and adjust it so that it rests against the boat.
• Thread the loose end of the strap without the buckle through the cam buckle. Always ensure you will be pulling down on the strap, not up, to tighten it. You can also introduce a twist in the strap between the boat and the car entrance to eliminate vibrations during the drive.
• Pull down on the loose end of the strap to tighten it. Use your body weight to apply pressure, but be careful not to overtighten. The aim is to secure the boat without damaging the car roof. Minor indentations on the roof are acceptable, as they often pop out after releasing the strap tension.
• Repeat the above steps for a second strap if you have one.
• Make any necessary adjustments to the straps, ensuring the protective pad under the cam buckle prevents rubbing against the boat.
• Further secure the boat with bow and stern tie-downs attached to the front and back handles of the boat using dependable knots. This step is crucial when using foam blocks and is easier to do before loading the boat.
• Fasten the bow and stern lines to your vehicle, using a trucker's hitch for a snug fit. These act as safety backups, so they don't need to be extremely tight. The central cam straps are the primary means of securing the boat. Ensure there are no loose rope ends, as they can be hazardous during transit.
• Finally, test your setup by giving the boat a firm tug. If there is movement, adjust the straps again, ensuring they are tight enough to hold the boat against the roof without causing damage.

Additional Considerations:

• Foam blocks are an inexpensive and versatile solution for transporting boats, safeguarding both your vehicle and your boat.
• When using foam blocks, ensure the boat fits properly by using the appropriate number of blocks and spacing them correctly.
• To prevent water damage, make sure your straps are tight enough to keep water from seeping between the boat and your vehicle.
• On windy days, ensure your boat is properly fastened down to prevent it from being blown away.

Secure the boat with nylon straps

To secure a boat to the roof of your car, you'll need a set of sturdy nylon straps. These straps, also known as cam straps, are essential to ensure the boat stays in place during transport.

• Place the Boat on the Roof Rack: Before securing the boat, carefully position it on the roof rack of your car. The placement will depend on the type of boat you have and the configuration of your roof rack. For kayaks, place them with the cockpit facing out. For canoes, ensure they are positioned top-down on the rack.
• Loop the Straps Over the Boat: Take the nylon straps and loop them over the boat, passing them through the rack's crossbars. The straps should be placed just inside the tower for canoes and kayaks, while for J-cradles, you'll loop them around the top bar. Ensure the straps are not crossed or tangled.
• Thread the Straps Through the Cam Buckle: After passing the straps over the boat and crossbars, thread the free end of each strap through the cam buckle. This buckle is a crucial component that allows you to tighten the straps securely.
• Tighten the Straps: Now, it's time to tighten the straps. Lean into it with about half your weight, ensuring that the straps are not crossed and that the buckle is positioned to allow downward pulling. Be careful to not overtighten, especially when dealing with delicate composite kayaks.
• Secure with Bow and Stern Lines: For added safety, run bow and stern lines from secure points under the bumper, through the kayak grab loop, and back to the opposite side of the bumper. Tie these off with a trucker's hitch and two half-hitches. Ensure these lines are not too tight, as the primary purpose is safety rather than securing the boat in place.
• Check for Stability: Once everything is strapped down, give the kayak or canoe a good tug at one end. If it moves significantly, you'll need to go back and adjust the straps, ensuring they are tight and secure.

By following these steps and using sturdy nylon cam straps, you can confidently transport your boat, ensuring it stays safely in place during your journey.

Protect the boat with a towel or cushion

When placing a boat on top of your car, it is important to protect both the car and the boat from any damage. One way to do this is by using a towel or a blanket.

Place the towel or blanket on top of the rear of your vehicle, and then set the bow of the boat on it. You can then pick up the stern and push the boat up and forward onto the rack. This method is a low-tech, low-cost solution that can help you secure your boat safely.

It is important to note that the towel or blanket should be thin and unrolled, as a thick towel or blanket may give a false sense of tightness and interfere with the installation. Additionally, make sure that the towel or blanket does not cover any plastic parts on your car, as this can also affect the security of your boat.

By taking these precautions, you can effectively protect your boat and your car from potential damage when loading and transporting your boat.

Check local laws for boat overhang rules

When placing a boat on top of your car, it is important to be aware of local laws regarding overhanging loads. These laws can vary depending on your location, so it is essential to check the regulations in your specific region. Here are some general guidelines and considerations to keep in mind:

Understanding Overhang Regulations:

Overhang regulations refer to the rules governing how much a load can extend beyond the front or rear of a vehicle. These laws are in place to balance traffic safety with the need to transport oversized goods, particularly when dealing with semi-truck and trailer combinations. The term "overhang" can refer to two types of dimensions: effective overhang and trailer overhang. Effective overhang impacts the ease of driving and steering, as well as the overall stability of the vehicle. On the other hand, trailer overhang focuses on the extension past the rear or front of the trailer and poses a risk to other road users if not properly flagged or illuminated.

Federal and State Regulations:

The Federal Department of Transportation (FDOT) sets minimum legal overhang requirements of 3 feet for the foremost part of the front overhang and 4 feet for the rearmost portion of the rear overhang. However, individual states may have their own regulations that differ from these minimums. Some states follow federal guidelines, while others have more relaxed or specific rules. It is important to consult the DOT regulations for your state to ensure compliance.

Permits and Requirements:

If your load exceeds FDOT regulations or state-specific limits, you may need to obtain special permits. Additionally, certain requirements are typically mandated for longer rear and front overhangs. These include the use of cargo flags (red flags tied to the rearmost portion of the load) during daytime travel and cargo lights (red lights affixed to the rearmost part of the rear overhang) for nighttime visibility. Oversize load banners, escort drivers, and permits may also be necessary, depending on the length of the overhang.

Divisible vs Indivisible Loads:

When dealing with over-long loads, some states require them to be broken down into smaller parts if possible. For example, a multi-piece utility pole that can be unbolted and separated would typically require permits if transported as a single solid piece.

Planning Your Route:

If you are hauling a load with excess overhang across state lines, careful planning is essential. Each state may have different regulations, and you may need multiple permits depending on your route. Consulting a heavy haul consultant or specialist in oversized hauling can help ensure compliance and avoid delays and fines.

Examples of State-Specific Regulations:

• California: According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC), loads extending to the rear of a vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer have specific limits. The load should not extend beyond the last point of support by more than two-thirds of the length of the wheelbase. Additionally, there are requirements for flagging or lighting projections that extend beyond the rear of the vehicle.
• Florida: In Florida, the load upon any vehicle or the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles should not extend more than three feet beyond the foremost part of the front tires or the front bumper if equipped.
• Texas: Texas has specific regulations for stinger-steered vehicles, with front overhang limited to 4 feet and rear overhang limited to 6 feet. The overall semi-trailer length, including overhang, must not exceed 75 feet.

Remember, these are just examples, and it is crucial to consult the regulations in your specific state or region. Overhang laws are essential to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, so be sure to comply with the local requirements.

Frequently asked questions