How to Stabilize a Canoe

You must stabilize a canoe correctly during transport to ensure it does not fall, making a dent or scratch. Canoes are expensive and have a unique shape that is often hard to securely tie down, but they are durable and can withstand the pressure of a tight knot and the torque created when pulling down on the ties.

Things You'll Need

  • Foam blocks
  • Two to three 6-foot-long tie-downs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach four foam blocks to the perimeter of the canoe. Place them where the pressure will be during transit. The foam should be sturdy and not compress easily. Outdoor retail stores carry foam block, or you can make your own by cutting grooves into the center of the long side of the blocks.

    • 2

      Load the canoe on the vehicle. It is typical to move canoes in trailers or on top of cars. Even if the car has a roof rack, attach the foam blocks to prevent scratching. Transport the canoe with the bottom facing the sky, keeping the interior away from the elements.

    • 3

      Tie one overhand on a bight knot by folding the tie-down over itself, creating two pieces of rope. Circle the double-backed rope around itself, pulling the looped end through the circle you created. Once pulled tight, you have a loop made by tying the rope around itself. You do not need to tie a knot If your tie-downs have self-locking, metal fasteners. The metal fasteners allow the rope to be freely pulled through the fastener, but is securely held when the metal gate locks the rope into place.

    • 4

      Throw the rope over the top of the front end of the canoe toward the other side of the vehicle or trailer. You will want the rope to be over the roof of the vehicle, not pulling the tip of the canoe toward the ground.

    • 5

      Pull the tie-down through the rack attached to the car or through the inside of the car. String the end of the tie-down through the loop on the other end of the rope.

    • 6

      Secure the canoe by pulling tightly on the rope and tying a tautline hitch knot. Loop the rope around itself two or three times, with the loose end closest to the ground. Cross the loose end of the rope over the wrapped rope and make another loop closest to the canoe. Slide the knot away from the canoe until it is pulled tight.

    • 7

      Repeat these steps with a second piece of rope toward the back of the canoe. Having two tie-downs will adequately stabilize the boat. Tie a third rope to the front of the canoe and under the front bumper to add more security.