How to Use a Canoe Loader

The motive power for most canoes is a paddle, but some models will accept a small outboard motor. The problem is how to get the canoe from one place to another. Roof-top carriers are available, but it can be a chore to get the canoe on the carrier by yourself. The solution may be a canoe loader, which is a steel framework that inserts into a trailer hitch receiver. The loader has an extension that is roof height so that the back end of the canoe can ride on the loader while in transport.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench set
  • Bungee cord
  • 2 tie-down straps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the large nut on the underside of the hitch ball on the vehicle's trailer hitch with a wrench. Lift the hitch ball straight up and remove it from the hitch. Line up the hole in the bottom of the hitch mounting tube of the canoe loader with the hitch ball mounting hole. Insert the square head bolt through the holes from the top so that the threads protrude from the bottom of the trailer hitch. Secure the bolt with a washer and nut, tightened with a wrench.

    • 2

      Place the inner adjustment pole onto the hitch mounting tube. Line up the mounting holes in each and insert a locking pin to secure the two pieces together. Slide the outer adjustment pole over the top of the inner pole. Raise the outer pole to the height desired so that the canoe will not touch the roof of the vehicle. Insert a locking pin in the nearest aligning adjustment holes in the inner and outer poles.

    • 3

      Place the cross bar over the top of the outer adjustment pole and secure it with a locking pin. Ensure the coated surfaces of the crossbar are facing upwards to protect the canoe's finish. Remove the locking pins securing each crossbar and flip them over if the coated surfaces are facing down. Insert the locking pins back in the holes.

    • 4

      Position the canoe upside-down behind the vehicle. Lift the end of the canoe nearest the vehicle and place it on the crossbars of the canoe loader. Remove the locking pins of the crossbars and slide them in or out so that the canoe rests on the coated surface of each bar, if necessary. Push the locking pins back in place.

    • 5

      Secure the canoe to the cross bars by stretching a bungee cord over the canoe and hooking it onto the cross bar on each side. Lift the opposite end of the canoe up and walk it to the front of the vehicle. Place the canoe on the vehicle's roof rack and secure it with a tie-down strap.

    • 6

      Ensure that the canoe does not contact the vehicle's roof. Raise the outer adjustment pole on the loader if it does. Secure the rear of the canoe to the loader with another tie-down strap. Leave the bungee cord in place.

    • 7

      Remove the canoe from the vehicle in the reverse order.