Best Canoe Racks - Steps to Transport Your Canoe
The Editors
If you're an avid canoe enthusiast, you know the importance of safely transporting your vessel to and from the water. A reliable and sturdy canoe rack is a must-have for any canoe owner. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. That's why we've done the research and compiled a list of the top canoe racks in the market and provide this comprehensive guide to get your canoe from your home to the water.
How to Secure a Canoe on Your Vehicle for Transport
Transporting a canoe can seem like a daunting task, but with the right equipment and proper technique, you can securely fasten your canoe to your vehicle for safe and stress-free transport. In this article, we'll go over the steps for attaching a canoe to your vehicle's crossbars using a J or V-shaped rack, padding, cam straps, and bow and stern lines. Plus, we'll provide a list of 5 top-rated canoe racks and tools to help you get the job done.
Step 1: Choose the Right Canoe Rack
Before you can start securing your canoe to your vehicle, you'll need to choose a suitable canoe rack. Canoe racks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, but the most common are J-shaped and V-shaped. J-shaped racks are typically easier to use, as they allow you to simply roll the canoe onto the rack, while V-shaped racks require a bit more effort to secure the canoe in place. When choosing a canoe rack, be sure to select one that is compatible with your vehicle's crossbars and can support the weight of your canoe.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
Before you attach your canoe to your vehicle, be sure to remove any loose items from your vehicle's roof and secure any open windows. You should also check that your vehicle's crossbars are properly tightened and secure. If your crossbars are not level, use a bubble level to ensure they are even before attaching the canoe.
Step 3: Attach the Padding
Next, attach the padding to your canoe rack. Padding helps protect the canoe from scratches and dings during transport. You can use foam blocks or pads that are specifically designed for canoe transport, or you can use towels or blankets to create a soft, protective barrier between your canoe and the rack.
Step 4: Place the Canoe on the Rack
Once the padding is in place, you're ready to place your canoe on the rack. For a J-shaped rack, simply roll the canoe onto the rack and into the J shape. For a V-shaped rack, place the bow of the canoe in the center of the V and then lift the stern of the canoe up and onto the rack.
Step 5: Secure the Canoe with Cam Straps
Once your canoe is on the rack, it's time to secure it with cam straps. Cam straps are strong, adjustable straps that wrap around the canoe and attach to the rack to prevent the canoe from shifting during transport. Start by attaching one strap near the bow of the canoe, then move to the stern and attach another strap. Finally, attach two more straps near the middle of the canoe to keep it secure.
Step 6: Use Bow and Stern Lines
In addition to cam straps, you can also use bow and stern lines to help secure your canoe. These lines attach to the bow and stern of the canoe and run down to the vehicle's bumper or tie-down points. This helps keep the canoe in place and prevents it from shifting during transport.
After checking out the canoe racks for transportation below, if you're an outdoorsman looking for other canoe gear we have you covered with the best canoe paddles and guide to the perfect paddle size, best outrigger canoe paddles, best canoe and kayak storage rack, and best life jackets and life vests.
Best Adjustable Cross Bars
The TAC Universal 2 Bars Roof Rack is an excellent choice for anyone looking to transport their canoe or kayak with ease. With a capacity of 600 lbs, it provides ample support for even the heaviest canoes. The adjustable crossbars come with stoppers, ensuring a secure fit without the need for a rain gutter. The universal design of this ladder rack makes it easy to mount on a van or any other vehicle, making it a versatile option for transporting your canoe or kayak to and from the water. The TAC Universal 2 Bars Roof Rack is a must-have accessory for any canoe and kayaking enthusiast looking to take their gear to the next level.
Best Folding J-Style Carrier
The Rhino-Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier is a top-notch option for transporting your kayak or canoe on your vehicle. The folding J-style design is incredibly easy to use and the universal mounting bracket ensures a great fit on any vehicle. It's a heavy duty carrier that can handle the weight of your kayak or canoe with ease. The lightweight construction means that it won't add any unnecessary weight to your vehicle. This product is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and efficient way to transport their kayak or canoe.
Best Multi-Rack Folding
The Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is an excellent option for transporting your kayak, SUP, or canoe. This carrier is designed with versatility in mind and can be used to carry one or two items at once. The black finish adds a sleek look to any vehicle, and the folding design makes it easy to store when not in use. The universal mounting bracket allows for quick and easy fitment on a variety of vehicles, from 4WDs and pick-up trucks to SUVs and sedans. The heavy-duty construction of this carrier ensures that your gear stays secure during transit. Overall, the Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is a great option for anyone looking for a convenient and reliable way to transport their kayak, SUP, or canoe.
Best Rooftop Canoe Fastener
The YAKIMA KeelOver Rooftop Mounted Canoe Rack is an excellent solution for canoe enthusiasts who want to easily transport their vessel. This canoe rack is specifically designed for vehicles and can carry one canoe. The KeelOver rack is easy to install and fits onto most roof rack systems, including factory and aftermarket racks.
One of the standout features of the YAKIMA KeelOver is its unique design. The KeelOver features an innovative saddle design that cradles your canoe for a secure hold and easy loading and unloading. The rack is also adjustable, so you can easily fine-tune the fit to your canoe.
The KeelOver is made with high-quality materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum, that make it both lightweight and durable. This canoe rack is also designed to be rust-resistant, so it will look great for years to come.
In terms of ease of use, the YAKIMA KeelOver is one of the best on the market. The rack is easy to install and comes with all the necessary straps and tie-downs to securely transport your canoe. The rack is also designed to be easy to load and unload, so you can quickly and efficiently get on the road.
Overall, the YAKIMA KeelOver Rooftop Mounted Canoe Rack is a fantastic choice for canoe enthusiasts who want a reliable and easy-to-use canoe rack for their vehicle. With its unique design, high-quality construction, and ease of use, the KeelOver is a great investment for anyone who loves to paddle.
Best Soft Roof Rack
The HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads are a versatile and convenient solution for transporting your kayak, surfboard, SUP, or canoe. The soft pads provide extra protection to your gear while the 15FT tie-down straps ensure secure transportation. The storage bag provides easy storage when not in use, making it a great option for those who need to travel frequently with their gear.
The universal design of the HEYTRIP Soft Roof Rack Pads allows for easy compatibility with most vehicles, and the 15FT tie-down straps provide ample length for securing your gear. The pads are also made from high-quality materials, making them durable and long-lasting.
Overall, the HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads are a great option for anyone looking for a simple and effective way to transport their kayak, surfboard, SUP, or canoe. With its easy compatibility, secure transportation, and convenient storage options, this product is a great investment for any outdoor enthusiast.
Best Hitch Mount Bed Extender
The MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is a must-have for anyone who needs to transport long items such as ladders, kayaks, canoes, pipes, or lumber. This bed extender is designed to attach to the hitch on the back of a pickup truck, providing an extra layer of support and stability for the items being transported.
One of the standout features of the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is its durability. The bed extender is made from heavy-duty materials, and is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Additionally, the black finish is rust-resistant, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Assembly of the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is simple and straightforward, and all necessary hardware is included in the package. The bed extender is also easy to install, and can be used with most standard hitches.
In terms of value for money, the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is a great investment. The price is reasonable, considering the features and quality of the bed extender, and it provides a convenient and practical solution for transporting long items.
Overall, I would highly recommend the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender to anyone looking for a simple and convenient way to transport long items. It's a well-made and reliable product that will serve you well for years to come.
Best Canoe Kayak Carrier Tote Trolley
The TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley is a must-have for anyone who loves to kayak or canoe, but needs an easy and convenient way to transport their watercraft. This trolley is designed to make transporting your kayak or canoe a breeze, and is made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.
One of the standout features of the TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley is its ease of use. The trolley is designed with a large, sturdy base, making it easy to load and unload your kayak or canoe. Additionally, the wheels are large and rugged, allowing you to easily maneuver the trolley over rough terrain.
Assembly of the TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley is simple and straightforward, and all necessary hardware is included in the package. The trolley is also easy to store, and can be folded down for compact storage.
In terms of value for money, the TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley is a great investment. The price is reasonable, considering the features and quality of the trolley, and it provides a convenient and practical solution for transporting your kayak or canoe.
Overall, I would highly recommend the TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001 Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier Tote Trolley to anyone looking for a simple and convenient way to transport their kayak or canoe. It's a well-made and reliable product that will serve you well for years to come.
In conclusion, transporting a canoe can be a simple and stress-free process with the right equipment and proper technique. By using a J or V-shaped rack, padding, cam straps, and bow and stern lines, you can securely fasten your canoe to your vehicle and hit the road with confidence. Remember to choose a canoe rack that is compatible with your vehicle's crossbars and able to support the weight of your canoe, and to always use the proper tools and accessories for safe transport.