If you are transporting a kayak on the roof of your car, it is important that you tie it down properly so it does not get damaged or come off during the trip.Tying down your kayak is easy once you get the hang of it, but always take the time to make sure your boat is secured before you leave.
Step 1: It's a good idea to get padding for your roof rack.
Adding padding to your roof rack will prevent it from damaging your kayak.You can put padding blocks on top of the roof rack bars or you can use padding that wraps around the bars.At your local sporting goods store, you can find roof rack padding.
Step 2: The kayak straps have cam buckles.
The straps used for tying down kayaks on cars are specifically designed for that purpose.If you want to tighten your kayak to your roof rack without damaging it, use straps with cam buckles.Kayak straps can be found at your local sporting goods store.
Step 3: Buy stern lines.
The bow and stern lines are used to secure the kayak to the car.Bow and stern lines will keep your kayak out of your car.You can easily tighten bow and stern lines with a cam buckle.At your local sporting goods store, you can find bow and stern lines.
Step 4: If you lift your kayak onto the roof rack on your car, it will be right side up.
Someone may be able to help you lift it.The front and back of your kayak should be visible from your car.
Step 5: The kayak should be on the roof rack.
The middle of the kayak needs to be centered between the two roof rack bars.The kayak needs to be centered between the two sides of the car.You don't want your kayak to be too close to the car.
Step 6: You can loop your kayak under a roof rack bar by running one of the straps over it.
The bare end of the strap is under the roof rack bar.The cam buckle should be left on the other side of the car.If you pull the slack at the end of the strap up in your hand, it will be in a bundle.
Step 7: The strap should be thrown across the kayak to the other side.
If you have someone helping you, they can grab the strap when you throw it.You can grab the end of the strap if you walk around the other side of your car.
Step 8: You threw the bare end under the roof rack bar.
The roof rack bar should be on the opposite side of the kayak.You did the same thing on the other side of the car.
Step 9: You can run the bare end of the strap through the cam buckle.
This will allow you to secure your kayak to the roof rack bar.Pull the bare end of the strap through the slot with your hand.Pull the strap through until all of the slack is through the cam buckle.
Step 10: If you want your kayak to be secure, you need to tighten the strap.
Pull on the bare end of the strap to tighten it.You want the strap to be tight enough that your kayak won't shift around while you're driving, but not so tight that you damage it.
Step 11: The second roof rack bar has a strap on it.
Throw the bare end of the strap over the kayak to the other side, loop it under the bar again, and then run it through the cam buckle.Attach the strap to your kayak.
Step 12: Wrap the strap ends around the roof rack bars to prevent damage.
Wrap the ends around the bars with secure knots.If you drive with the ends loose, they could get stuck in your tires and cause your kayak and roof rack to rip off your car.
Step 13: Attach the bow line to the kayak.
The hook should be inserted at the end of the bow line through the loop on the carrying handle.Make sure the hook is secure.
Step 14: Attach the bow line to the tow hook under the bumper.
The tow hook should look like a ring on the bumper of your car.If you hook the bow line to the plastic part of the bumper, you could damage the car.If you don't have a tow hook, you may need to get a hood loop strap.Attach the bolt heads under your hood with hood loop straps.The fabric loop part of the strap should be sticking out from the hood after you bolted it on.Attach the bow line to the loop.
Step 15: The bow line should be tightened.
Pull the line through the cam buckle to tighten it.If your bow line has a ramp, crank the ramp up and down until the line is tightened.If you make the bow line too tight, you could damage your kayak.You can still move your kayak up and down on the roof of your car with your hand.
Step 16: Attach a stern line to your kayak and car.
Attach the stern line to the carrying handle of your kayak.You can hook the other end of the line to the tow hook underneath your bumper or the hitch on your car.You may need to install a hitch if you don't have a tow hook.
Step 17: Attach the loose ends to the rest of the line.
Wrap the bow and stern lines around the rest of the line.Once all the slack is wrapped up, tie multiple knots so the loose ends don't come undone.Don't drive with the bow and stern lines dangling.They could cause your kayak and roof rack to come off if they get caught in your tire.