Transportation Guide

Transporting your boat. Don’t let it be a road block!

Don’t let the issue of handling and transporting your canoe or kayak stop you from joining a paddle sport. It really isn’t that hard. Let us show you some of the options.

Getting it from home to the water:

There are basically 3 methods of transporting your canoe or kayak: Foam Pads, Roof Racks, or a Trailer. (There are more methods actually, but for the sake of cost, availability and simplicity, we have eliminated helicopters and teleporting.)

Each of these methods has its pro's and con’s. Let’s look at each of them so that you will be better able to determine which system is best for you.

Foam Pads:

This is the least expensive method. Foam pads or blocks allow you to mount a canoe or kayak on the roof of your vehicle without scratching the finish. The boat is then secured in place with tie down straps that pass through the windows and bungee cords securing the bow and stern to the bumpers.

The block & strap approach works great as long as 'you' learn how to properly tie down your boat(s). Highway speeds require "end lines" or "straps" to eleminate movement and lift as speed increases. Generally, you need two people to load & unload using this process.

Roof Racks:

Quality roof racks from companies like Yakima & Thule are specifically designed to fit both your vehicle and your boat(s) to carry oversized but relatively light weight objects such as canoes & kayaks.

You can expect your gas mileage to suffer about 20% if you are going to travel for a long distance. You will also feel a change in your vehicles handling too, especially on a windy day. Be aware of the boat overhanging the ends of the car so you don’t run it into anything, especially when backing up.

Also, because of the weight limitations of your vehicle roof, you will likely have to transport the kayak empty. This means packing all your gear in the car, and then repacking it into the kayak when you get to the water “put-in” site. Canoes are usually transported up-side-down on a roof, so transporting them loaded is out of the question. kayaks are usually best transported rightside up.

Roof racks are not cheap. Some innovative do-it-yourselfers build their own with lumber and tie down straps. If you opt for this method, be sure to spread the weight over the whole surface of the roof. Also make sure that it is really secure so neither the boat nor the whole rack can detach from your vehicle while driving.

We recommend our "Yakima" roof rack systems. Frontenac Outfitters will help you select a system that will fit your vehicle and boat, and then we will install it for you FREE of charge. For more information on Yakima roof racks check out www.yakima.com . They have a excellent online selection wizard called “Fit My Car”.

Boat Trailers:

A trailer has a number of advantages over a roof rack system.

A trailer will often easily accommodate more boats than a roof rack system. Also the boats are easier to load as they don’t need to be lifted as high of the ground as when putting them up on a roof. In addition, the boats can be loaded with supplies at home, ready for the water. A trailer also gives you lots of space to store other gear outside of the tow vehicle.

A trailer will also prevent your vehicle from receiving the inevitable scratches and wear caused by attaching roof racks and loading boats. In addition, because a trailer rides in the slip stream of the tow vehicle and has a lower center of gravity, you may even find it to be better on gas and safer, especially in windy conditions.

A trailer will cost more though. You will also need to equip your vehicle with a tow hitch and an electrical wire harness for the trailer lights. Expect that to cost about $200. Make sure that the trailer will not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. Some modern cars are not designed to tow a trailer. A quality trailer will cost around $1000 to $2000. 

A trailer will also involve the challenge of driving, maneuvering and parking with a long extension to your vehicle. You will also need a storage space for the trailer when it’s not in use. Yet another big advantage is that you will now own a trailer that can be used for moving all kinds of stuff around town for doing home renovations and yard work.

Carrying and Loading the Boats:

The final issue is regarding carrying a kayak or canoe. Generally speaking, if you are healthy enough to enjoy kayaking or canoeing, you should be able to carry your boat including loading and unloading it. Modern kayaks and canoes have lots of handle grips for just this purpose. If there are at least two of you in your group, it’s a breeze.

Another way to carry your boat is to buy a Canoe or Kayak Cart. You simply pickup one end and place the cart under it, just behind center, strap the cart to the your boat. Then pick up the other end like pulling a wagon…..too easy.

The Frontenac Outfitters Difference:

Frontenac Outfitters offers the complete line of Yakima roof rack systems and accessories. And even better, we will assemble and install them Free of Charge! If racks are not in your budget, we also stock a complete line of canoe and kayak blocks and straps so you can get your boat(s) home safely.