How to Build a Kayak Car-Top Carrier

A kayak offers an exciting way to experience the water and the outdoors. Unfortunately, if you do not have a car-top carrier for your kayak, you won't be going anywhere. Carriers come in two varieties: foam blocks, which many kayak rental companies use to transport kayaks on tourist vehicles, and a traditional roof rack. Car-top carriers can be pricey. Even the cheaper, foam block system can set you back $50 or more. However, there is a way you can make your own kayak foam blocks out of an old boogie board.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Marker
  • Boogie board
  • Hacksaw
  • 2 tie-down straps with cam buckle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and mark out two strips on your boogie board. The strips should be 21 inches long by 6 inches wide.

    • 2

      Use the hacksaw to cut out the two foam strips.

    • 3

      Lay one strip down on the roof of your car near the front, parallel to the windshield.

    • 4

      Place the second strip down parallel to the rear windshield of your car.

    • 5

      Get a friend to help you lift the kayak and place it on top of the roof of the car. The hull of the kayak should be facing up and the kayak should rest on the foam pads, and not actually touch the car.

    • 6

      Take one of your tie-down straps and run the strap through the front scupper holes (the holes on the deck that bail out water in your kayak), then roll down your car windows and run the strap through the car.

    • 7

      Secure the tie-down strap by pressing down on the cam buckle and passing the strap through the buckle to tighten it.

    • 8

      Repeat Steps 6 and 7 at the back of the car by running a strap through the back scupper holes and back windows.