How to Mount a Kayak Without a Rack

If you need to transport your kayak to the put-in, but your vehicle is not equipped with a roof rack, have no fear -- it is possible to get your craft to the water without damaging your car. Forgoing the purchase of a roof rack can also save money. The most important point is safely securing the kayak to your vehicle's roof to prevent it from slipping during sudden stops or turns.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 lengths 7-mm nylon cord, 10 feet each
  • Red tape or flag
  • 1 thin sheet of foam or sleeping pad
  • 1 nylon webbed ratchet strap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread the foam sheet or sleeping pad onto the roof of the vehicle. If equipped, roll down the rear windows. If your vehicle does not have rear windows, roll down the driver and passenger windows.

    • 2

      Lift the kayak up and turn it upside down. Use an assistant as kayaks tend to be heavy. Place the upside-down kayak onto the roof. Position the cockpit combing onto the foam padding and make sure the kayak is in the center of the roof.

    • 3

      Thread one of the 7-mm nylon cords through the kayak's rear carrying handle and run it down to the bumper. Loop it through the bumper but do not tighten it yet.

    • 4

      Thread the second nylon cord through the kayak's front carrying handle and run it down to the front bumper and loop it to a tow hook under the car. Tie it to the hook and then to the rear bumper, looping it away from the exhaust pipe. If the auto has a tow loop, use that rather than the bumper. Coordinate with your assistant and tighten the ropes so the combing becomes tight against the roof without bending the roof down.

    • 5

      Place the ratchet strap over the kayak bottom at its midpoint and thread it between the two windows. The strap should be on the inside ceiling of the auto and around the outside of the kayak. Thread the nylon webbing through the ratchet mechanism and tighten it to secure kayak to the roof and prevent lateral sliding. Position the ratchet mechanism next to the driver's side window to be able to loosen it to get in and out of the car. Roll up the windows.

    • 6

      Attach a red flag to the back of the kayak for safety during transport.