Mounting a Paddlecraft on a Cartop Rack

In most cases, two or more people are needed to lift an empty canoe or kayak and place it on a cartop rack. However, with practice, one person can mount a boat without much trouble.

• Consider using a long piece of carpet or other material to protect your vehicle as you move the boat or board onto the rack.
  • Most carpet has a rough backing. Be sure the rough side faces up so that it won’t scratch the vehicle.
  • Lay one end of the carpet over the back of the rack. Extend the carpet down the back of the vehicle.
• In general, transport the boat or board upside down to reduce wind resistance. A paddlecraft’s shape is designed for buoyancy while moving through the water. So, an upright boat or board tends to rise while moving through the air at highway speeds.