How to Load a Boat Onto a Pickup

Most small boats like canoes, aluminum fishing boats, kayaks, duck hunting boats, and recreational rowboats do not use trailers. They are typically placed in the back of a pickup truck. A pickup is ideal for hauling boats if it is done correctly. Most people toss the boat into the back of a pickup truck facing up, which doesn't work well. The bottom of the boat is not flat and It will rock from side to side. It will also need to be lashed down. To load a boat in a truck properly, use a trick that sportsmen have been practicing for years.

Things You'll Need

  • Assistant
  • Carpet remnants, 24-by-24 inches
  • Red cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grab the boat with both hands on one side and flip the boat upside down. Have an assistant on one side of the boat to help. Hold onto the boat from both sides, with both hands in the middle and pick it up.

    • 2

      Spin the boat around so that the back end of the boat is facing the tailgate of the truck.

    • 3

      Lift the rear end of the boat up and set it on the end of the tailgate. Gently slide the boat forward toward cab of the truck letting it tip down slightly. When the back of the boat touches the floor of the truck bed past the wheel-wells, slide it all the way forward until it touches the back of the cab.

    • 4

      Lift the back of the boat off the tailgate and place one carpet pad on both sides where the sides of the boat contact the top of the tailgate. Let the boat settle onto the carpet pads.

    • 5

      Tie a piece of red cloth to the end of the boat to ensure drivers behind the truck see the boat and don't get too close.