How to Build a Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Getting a kayak from your house to the shore can be a tricky task unless you have a waterfront property. If the kayak is attached to your vehicle improperly it can scratch up your car and kayak, or even send it on a one-way, high-speed aerial journey. A proper kayak carrier can cost more than $100, but for a fraction of the price you can build your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire Styrofoam cutter
  • Large Styrofoam sheet, slightly longer and wider than your kayak
  • Large Styrofoam block
  • Glue
  • 4 adjustable C-clamps
  • 2 heavy-duty ratcheting straps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your kayak on top of the large Styrofoam block and make a rough trace of the kayak with a pencil on the Styrofoam block.

    • 2

      Cut the Styrofoam block along the lines you just traced.

    • 3

      Cover the bottom of the Styrofoam block with glue.

    • 4

      Place the Styrofoam sheet on top of the block. After you have the block and sheet lined up, clamp it at the corners with the C-clamps to ensure a secure bond.

    • 5

      Affix the carrier to your vehicle using the two heavy-duty ratcheting straps.