How to Tie a Canoe on a Car Roof

If you plan on taking a canoe trip, or you want to be prepared just in case you find a good spot to launch your vessel into a river, tie your canoe on your car roof. Note that you will have to have a roof rack to do so. The smooth underside of the canoe will not sit on the roof if you simply lay it over top, at least not in a manner that will get your canoe where it needs to go safely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Two canoe straps Car with roof rack
Two canoe straps
Car with roof rack

Step 1

Turn your canoe upside down and gently lift it onto your roof rack so that the stern and bow are facing the front and back of the car, respectively. If you put your canoe up backward, it is not a big deal. You do not have to remove it and turn it around. Just make sure it fits tightly between the roof rack's notches.

Step 2

Loop the first canoe strap over top of your canoe about 2 feet from the end of the stern. Slip one end of the strap beneath the roof rack's load bar before wrapping the strap over the canoe a second time. Close the strap just like you would buckle a belt, pulling it as tight as you can make it.

Step 3

Repeat Step 2 with the second strap, putting it about 2 feet from the end of the bow. These two straps should be enough to keep the canoe still. If you're worried, you can add a third one in the middle, but it is not necessary.

Step 4

Jostle your canoe back and forth with your hands to ensure that it stays put. If the canoe straps are too loose, you want to find out now, before you start driving. Tighten them as needed.

Tips & Warnings

If you want your canoe to be even more secure, place two canoe carrier blocks on each end of your roof rack before placing the canoe on top of it. You can get both carrier blocks and canoe straps at most larger sporting goods stores.

If you want your canoe to be even more secure, place two canoe carrier blocks on each end of your roof rack before placing the canoe on top of it.

You can get both carrier blocks and canoe straps at most larger sporting goods stores.

Make sure the canoe straps lay flat and are not twisted or crossed over one another. If they aren't even, you will not be able to get them to be as tight as you need for a secure fit. Be careful not to scratch either your car or your canoe when you lift the vessel on top of it.

Make sure the canoe straps lay flat and are not twisted or crossed over one another. If they aren't even, you will not be able to get them to be as tight as you need for a secure fit.

Be careful not to scratch either your car or your canoe when you lift the vessel on top of it.

Article Written By Kate Evelyn

Based in Washington, D.C., Kate Evelyn has been writing professionally since 2000. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Elle" magazine, "Brass|CU" magazine and the "Credit Union Times." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Maryland College.

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