How to Tie a Canoe on a Car Roof

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If you want to take your canoe on a trip, you won't need to purchase a trailer to haul it. Strapping it to your roof rack is relatively simple and inexpensive. You'll want to have it properly tied to your car's roof because the last thing you want is your canoe moving down the highway faster than you. There are quite a few ways you can strap your canoe to your roof, but one basic method is sure to hold it in place.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Two canoe straps Four canoe carrier blocks
Two canoe straps
Four canoe carrier blocks

Step 1

Purchase two canoe straps from your local outdoors store. You can also purchase four canoe carrier blocks to place on your roof rack if you don't have them. The most secure canoe strap will work on a buckle system, which allows you to pull it tight.

Step 2

Install the canoe carrier blocks to your roof rack per the instructions on their package if you don't already have them. They should either snap or screw onto the roof rack. You'll want to place a set on the front load bar and a set on the back. If you don't have canoe carrier blocks, you'll still be able to securely tie your canoe to the roof rack.

Step 3

Place your canoe upside down on top of your car roof. Make sure the canoe is centered on the roof rack so it will be balanced. Having one end hang off the rack longer than the other will throw the whole balance of the canoe off and it won't be as secure.

Step 4

Take one strap and place it over the top of the canoe about a quarter of the way down from the stern. Wrap the strap under the load bar and back over the top of the canoe again and under the opposite side of the roof's load bar. Slip the loose end of the strap through the buckle and pull it taunt.

Step 5

Repeat this step on the bow of the canoe about a quarter of the way down. Slip the loose end of the strap through the buckle and pull it tight.

Step 6

Shake the canoe and see if there's any movement. It should be held down tight with no movement. If there is movement, tighten the straps again and test the canoe again. If the canoe is tied to the roof rack itself instead of the canoe carrier blocks, the canoe might vibrate some when you pass a large truck. This will not matter and the canoe will stay put if your straps are tightened properly.

Tips & Warnings

Do not criss-cross the straps as they go over the top of the canoe, but make sure they're parallel to themselves. The straps won't tighten properly if the straps aren't parallel. Stop the car after a few miles of driving and check the straps to make sure they're still tight and the canoe is firmly in place on the roof.

Do not criss-cross the straps as they go over the top of the canoe, but make sure they're parallel to themselves. The straps won't tighten properly if the straps aren't parallel.

Stop the car after a few miles of driving and check the straps to make sure they're still tight and the canoe is firmly in place on the roof.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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