Can You Haul a Canoe Right Side Up?

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, canoeing is probably one of your favorite outdoor activities. But have you ever wondered if it’s possible to haul a canoe right side up The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can achieve this.

Firstly, hauling a canoe right side up can be beneficial if you have limited space on your roof rack or trailer. When strapped upside down, the canoe may take up more space and make it difficult to transport other equipment or luggage. So let’s dive in and explore the different ways to haul a canoe right side up.

Using Foam Blocks:

One of the easiest ways to haul a canoe right side up is by using foam blocks. These blocks are inexpensive and can be found at any outdoor equipment store. Place two foam blocks on your car’s roof rack or trailer, and position them so that they align with the crossbars on your car or trailer.

Next, place the canoe on top of the foam blocks with the gunwales resting on them. The gunwales are the upper edges of the canoe that run along its sides.

Once in position, strap the canoe down using cam straps or ratchet straps. Make sure to strap it tightly so that it doesn’t move during transportation.

Using J-Cradles:

Another way to haul a canoe right side up is by using J-cradles. These cradles are shaped like a “J” and provide more support than foam blocks. They also allow for easier loading and unloading of the canoe.

To use J-cradles, attach them to your roof rack or trailer crossbars according to their instructions. Then place one end of the canoe into one J-cradle while holding onto the other end. Lift that end over your car’s roof and place it into the second J-cradle.

Once both ends are in the J-cradles, use cam straps or ratchet straps to secure the canoe. Make sure to strap it tightly and check that it’s stable before hitting the road.

Using Saddle Racks:

Saddle racks are another option for hauling a canoe right side up. They’re similar to J-cradles but feature a flat surface for the canoe to rest on instead of a curved one. This makes them ideal for canoes with flat bottoms.

To use saddle racks, attach them to your roof rack or trailer crossbars and place the canoe upside down on top of them. Then, flip the canoe over so that it’s right side up and resting on the saddle racks.

Finally, strap the canoe down using cam straps or ratchet straps, making sure it’s secure before driving off.

Conclusion:

Hauling a canoe right side up can be done in multiple ways, depending on your preference and equipment. Foam blocks are inexpensive and easy to use, while J-cradles and saddle racks offer more support and easier loading/unloading. Whichever method you choose, make sure to strap your canoe down tightly for safe transportation.

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Emma Gibson