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TransporTaTion
Paddling kayaks and canoes may be
the most graceful way to explore our
waters. But handling boats on land can
be cumbersome. Thankfully, proper
equipment makes transportation easy
and safe.
Ideally your canoe should be carried
cockpit-side down, but kayaks can be
transported cockpit-side down, on their
sides with appropriate rack accessories
(like Stackers or J-style hull supports) or
cockpit-side up using cradles or saddles.
No matter how you carry your boat,
be sure to run two straps around the
hull to the roof rack in addition to lines
from the bow and stern to both bum-
pers of your vehicle. Straps wrapped
too-tightly around the hull can warp
your boat (especially in hot weather).
Keep the lines snug, and take care not to
harm your boat.
The manufacturer of your roof
rack may have special instructions and
weight recommendations for carrying
boats on your vehicle. Check with the
rack manufacturer if you have questions.
If you do not have a rack system,
soft rack pads can be used between the
boat and your car top. Run straps over
the canoe or kayak and through the car
doors to secure the boat to the roof, in
addition to tying it to your bumpers at
the bow and stern. Remember straps
should be secure, but not overly tight.
Stop and check your load as you drive.
sTorage
Your new boat is carefully crafted to
ensure optimum durability. But im-
proper storage can quickly degrade hull
shape, color and UV-protection. Storage
is key!
Above all else, store your kayak out
of the sun. Waxes and protectants are
simply not enough–they will eventually
wash off the boat into our waterways.
Signs of sun damage include fading,
a loss of flexibility and cracking that
cannot be repaired. Keep your kayak or
canoe inside or under cover, especially
if you live in a sunny climate. A tarp
properly suspended above the boat will
protect the boat from ultraviolet light.
Do not cover your boat by laying a
tarp directly on it. With the heat of the
sun, the tarp creates an oven that can
damage, distort or discolor the hull.
Simply leave an air space to allow for
air circulation.
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On the side using Stackers, inset using J-style
Cockpit-side down on rack, inset using pads only
Right-side up using a Hullavator, inset using
saddles