Best way To Transport Kayak Without a Roof Rack.

You have recently invested in a brand-new kayak,  you are searching for an alternative to installing a roof rack to transport it. You do not have a kayak trailer or roof rack, so how do you plan on transporting your first kayak? When you have an inflatable kayak that can be stored in a trunk, you will not need to give any thought to the alternatives listed below.

If you have the funds to spare, you can choose from a wide variety of kayak trailers and racks for cars and racks for truck ; what about if you do not have the cash to spare? Or, all you need may be a stopgap to allow you to transport a kayak without even a roof rack. At the same time, you settle for a more sustainable mode of transportation. In that case, you might just be seeking a quick answer.

In the meantime, here is a do-it-yourself roof rack system that you can create with pool noodles and one or two ratchet straps while you search for the ideal trailer. To live a safe and good experience this can be the best way to transport kayak without a roof rack.

After this introduction, now we will discuss and explore some essential steps to transport kayak without a roof rack.

What Should You Need to Do When You Have to Transport Kayak Without a Roof Rack?

Step 1 -You need to load your vehicle with pool noodles.

Pool noodles? Yes, it is that straightforward. Be careful to purchase thick, heavy-duty pool noodles capable of withstanding a certain amount of abuse.

Using these lightweight and inexpensive foam pool noodles to build a bed for your kayak to rest on will result in a cushioned surface that will shield your car roof from scuffs and other forms of damage while protecting your hull. Foam blocks are typically more difficult to work with and can be more expensive than these. Because of its design, foam blocks may be more difficult to put on the roof of your vehicle, and a foam block may be more likely to slide around on the top of your vehicle. Pool noodles, on the other hand, may be easier to secure.

When you have your pool noodles in hand, arrange them in a diagonal pattern across the top of your vehicle. You should place one pool noodle close to the front of your automobile’s roof, one in the middle, and one close to the back of the roof.

You can use more if you desire more cushioning, but in most cases, you will find that three will be sufficient for the roof of the typical automobile. However, it is possible that two pool noodles or two blocks will not be enough for most vehicles. Additionally, this might not be the best way to transport two kayaks. But if it’s one then this is the best way to transport kayak without a roof rack.

You might find that the length of the pool noodles exceeds the breadth of the top of your automobile or another vehicle. If this is the circumstance, you could always cut every pool noodle to the appropriate length. You could thread a strap through each pool noodle and secure them through your vehicle’s interior for an additional layer of protection.

Step 2- Load your kayak onto your vehicle.

It is much simpler to complete this task if you have another person to assist you in dividing up the hard lifting. This way, one of you can grip the kayak’s stern while the other person lifts it on using the bow as support. It is preferable to have your yak turned so that the hull faces the noodles as you eat it.

If your boat has a more curved hull than average, you might find that it is more practical to store it upside down on the roof of your car. This will make it more stable and reduce the likelihood of shifting from side to side while you drive.

Once the pool noodles are secured and your kayak is above them, you may raise any portion of the kayak to reposition the pool noodles and make sure they are all parallel to one another. The yak ought to be oriented in a manner that is perpendicular to the pool noodles, with the bow or stern pointing in the direction that your car will be moving.

 Step 3-Fasten it using straps.

Your car should have both the front and back doors open. Both sets of ratchet straps and spring-loaded straps with adjustable buckles should be available in two sets (you can find these in hardware stores or automotive stores, and other places selling outdoor goods).

Put the ratchet strap over the body of your yak and fasten the middle section of your yak while leaving all of the doors on your automobile open. Position the ends of the ratchet straps so that they are on either side of your vehicle. Get a hold of the two strap ends, and then thread the ratchet straps through the front doors of your vehicle so that they meet up inside.

Do not close any automobile doors until you have finished this procedure.

Step 4-Now Is the Time to Strap!

Twist them and tighten them until it is a snug fit (but do not over-tighten them), and make sure the buckle is on the outside of the harness, close to your yak so that it is simple to tighten.

The twisting of the ratchet straps will help prevent the loud noise that the wind will make while driving. It will also help to improve your gas mileage as it can aid in lessening wind resistance. You might not want to transport your kayak for an extended time on a rack you built yourself.

After that, you should repeat this process with the second ratchet strap, securing it through your vehicle’s back doors. Make sure to not overtighten the straps, as doing so could potentially cause damage to the roof of your vehicle or the hull of your yak. When going to locations with lower average temperatures, remember that the ratchet straps may become less tight. You will have a better experience with the best way to transport kayak without a roof rack.

Step 5- Secure the Bow and Stern with Knots

When traveling with a kayak that does not have a roof rack, securing the kayak’s bow and stern is especially important if you have to make an unexpected stop. This can be accomplished by tying down the kayak’s bow and stern. You can do this task using tie-down straps that are spring-loaded or ratchet-style, just like the one you used to secure your yak.

Carabiners or hooks can be used to attach each ratchet strap to a tie-down location below your vehicle. First, thread the straps through the front and back carry handles or toggles, then secure each ratchet strap to the location. If the back of your vehicle is equipped with a towbar, you may find that this makes an excellent location for securing your ratchet strap or tie-down strap.

Tow points, also known as towing eyes, are installed beneath the front of a vehicle specifically to pull it behind another vehicle. You may finally find the best way to transport kayak without a roof rack if you use these, as they will work nicely for attaching the front straps. If you want to secure more than one kayak, you might need an additional set of straps.

Best way to Transport Kayak Without a Roof Rack – Final Thoughts

You should now be aware that you do not need to spend a fortune to be able to transport a kayak to anywhere you need to go, even if your vehicle does not have a roof rack.

Remember that safely transporting your kayak is of the utmost importance, so before you set off on your journey, check that the kayak is safely fastened to the roof of your vehicle using ratchet straps. However, it is perhaps not a great idea to spend a lot of time traveling over large distances with this.

Have you found it enjoyable to discover this low-cost option for purchasing a roof rack or a kayak trailer? We have high hopes that the next time you need to transport your kayak but do not have a roof rack, you will be able to try our do-it-yourself kayak rack.

Do not forget that you can share the best way to transport kayak without a roof rack with us by leaving a comment, or maybe you would like to share this so that others may check it out.

And for more informations about transporting a Kayak, you can check this article about Trailers 😉

Remember that the essential is to Have fun either you have the best accessories or not.