Hi all, we're heading up to entry point #37 in September and are having difficulty finding an Outfitter who can deliver/pickup materials from this spot for a price I can stomach. I have a Honda CRV with factory rails so I don't think there's any safe way to carry two canoes on the roof. Anyone done this and have pictures? They wouldn't need to be carried too far, just outfitter to entry point and back since we want to enter/exit at Entry Point #37.

Thanks!

Which outfitter? Sawbill or Sawtooth?

Sawbill is about 20 miles from Kawishiwi. My memory is that it is about 35-45 min from Sawbill to Kawishiwi landing depending on the status of the washboarding and who is driving.

You would have to add about another 20 miles to that from Sawtooth to Kawishiwi. Making it a 40 mile trip. My guess is that you are looking at 70-85 min. from Hwy 61. (Part of it is paved and you can travel faster and easier through there but the forest service road from Sawbill Trail to the Kawishiwi Landing road is never in as good a condition as the Sawbill Trail.)

Just a few thoughts:

1. I think that you have to consider the cost of paying someone to transport vs. the potential cost of damage that might occur to your vehicle and/or canoe. (You may even get to be on a Liberty Insurance commercial - "Seen it - Covered it!") Even the extra washboarding and/or potholes could damage both canoes and crossbars on your vehicle. Given these potentials, I have purchased the shuttle from Sawbill and planned to end my trip at the Sawbill entry rather than risk the damage to my vehicle.

2. Given the above warning, I have seen people strap 2x2's or even 2x4's to their existing cross bars to extend the carrying capacity of their vehicles. (No idea how those are attached!)

3. I just had another thought: Check with Sawbill Outfitters, it may be that if you rent the canoe from them, they will transport the canoe (and yours) for free. It seems to me that has been the case somewhere in the past. The new owners may not do this, but it is worth the phone call.

Good Luck. Have a great trip!

Might help to have a pic or two of your factory rails setup for those who need more than a mental image. I have attached treated 2x4s to the rails to extend width enough to carry side by side.

Variables could include year of your vehicle and size of your canoes. If you’re renting canoes from outfitter, explain your need to them. They may have what you need.

Spirit of the Wilderness outfitters loaded us up this way.

Needed to drive slower (especially around corners) but it got the job done.

The canoe rental places usually have a way to load canoes on most cars. Yours should be no problem. If it's just from the outfitter to the entry point, you don't have to be fancy.

We put 2 on a chevette, in the 80's, so it CAN be done.

As others have said, talk to your outfitter - they'll probably have a solution. We used to carry boats all the time on 2x4's attached with U-bolts. Cut the 2x4's to whatever length you need to for the canoes, dip the U-bolts in Plasti-Dip.

These are all good considerations and thanks for the detailed response. Sawbill said they're charge $80 to drop canoes/paddles/pfds at the site (saw tooth didn't offer drop off). Given the mileage you posted that seems a little more reasonable than I may have acknowledged. Though if we want to enter/exit that entry point it would be $80x2=160 which is enough of a cost to try and explore all options. I'm now wondering if I shouldn't just get a trailer that I'd planned on buying eventually anyway but the cost (mileage) and hassle of driving an empty trailer up there seems a bit silly too. Thanks again all.

If you have cross bars, this might be a possibility. I've used this PVC 'rack' on a couple of my Chrysler vans to carry 2 canoes from Indiana to the BW over each of the last 4 years. Make it 6' wide and the appropriate depth to accommodate your crossbar spread. I actually fasten it to the factory crossbars with the extra heavy duty zip ties. A little rednecker than most, but it works great. I tied from 1 canoe back grab handle and around the other then down to the van. Also, fasten a rope under the hood and go around the front grab handles, then down to the other side of the hood.

Or you could just fasten 2 6' pieces of 2x2 or 2x4 lumber to your crossbars with the HD zip ties. That would work fine for the short distance you are carrying them for sure.

Sawbill Outfitters is not too far from 37, that's where I'd suggest trying.

TuscaroraBorealis: "


Spirit of the Wilderness outfitters loaded us up this way.


Needed to drive slower (especially around corners) but it got the job done."

That looks like a scary setup there.
not my canoes and not on my car...

dr bob

Voyageur North set us up a few years ago with a totally serviceable rack to carry two boats.

DrBobDerrig: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "



Spirit of the Wilderness outfitters loaded us up this way.



Needed to drive slower (especially around corners) but it got the job done."

That looks like a scary setup there.
not my canoes and not on my car...


dr bob"

You certainly wouldn't want to 'head out on the highway' but, for getting from outfitter to EP it was/is a viable option.

A U-Bolt with some lumber can create secure rack extensions quite easily. My canoe partner did that with the ones in the photo. The are hard to see in the photo, because he shaped the boards for aerodynamic considerations to reduce wind noise and painted them black. The second canoe was picked up from an outfitter.

Not certain of your rack but I have carried two canoes on smaller vehicles for decades. You can find excellent bargains for nice Yakima and Thule racks on Craigslist and E-Bay. And to really save money, you could bolt a 2x4 or 2x2 to the factory rack. I've been there, done that.

Over the decades, I've had two canoes on smaller vehicles such as a friend's Chevy Chevette and Nissan Sentra, my Honda Element, Dodge Journey,Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and now my wife's Jeep Renegade. Use bow and stern tie downs (PLEASE) and you will be able to safely transport two canoes without difficulty!

When I worked at Piragis we used 4 foam blocks that have slits running through them. 2 in the front part of the ceiling of the car and 2 for the back part. Then we would run a 2x2 wood piece through the slits in the foam block. Can't remember the length of the 2x2, maybe 7 feet long. Then the rack would be strapped down with straps running through the doors openings. You could call Piragis outfitting (Drew or Adam) and verify set up or use them to rent the canoes and they will rig a roof rack for you. Or check with a closer outfitter if they can rig something like this for you or buy your own own foam blocks, 2x2s and straps.

QueticoMike: "When I worked at Piragis we used 4 foam blocks that have slits running through them. 2 in the front part of the ceiling of the car and 2 for the back part. Then we would run a 2x2 wood piece through the slits in the foam block. Can't remember the length of the 2x2, maybe 7 feet long. Then the rack would be strapped down with straps running through the doors openings. You could call Piragis outfitting (Drew or Adam) and verify set up or use them to rent the canoes and they will rig a roof rack for you. Or check with a closer outfitter if they can rig something like this for you or buy your own own foam blocks, 2x2s and straps."

Here's a video on how we did it.......

Double canoe roof rack

A sidebar on a similar dilemma: What is the shortest crossbar spread measurement (front to back) on which you folks have carried a 17-18 ft canoe? Yakima says that my Highlander's 27.5" crossbar spread (fixed points for attaching the towers) is only large enough for a boat that is 14 ft long or under.

When I need to carry more than 1 canoe on my wife's Sienna that has a factory rack with crossbars I take 2 8' 2x2 boards that I've set up with U bolts & bolt that to the factory rack.

If you're planning on driving up with the rack empty but strapped to your roof be aware that you will get loud rumble at highway speeds from the wind passing through your widened rack. You can minimize this by wrapping a knotty rope in a spiral around both bars, you're really just looking to disrupt the airflow to prevent the rumble from developing.

This might be a dumb idea, but what about opening up the back, putting a seat down (so you can still sit 4 if you need to), then supporting the other end with a tailgate extender? You might need to play with the options to get the right height, but that would put one on the roof and one sticking out the back as if it were a pickup. You would have to tie everything down, including the gear in the back, but it should be possible.

If only you could put only the middle seat down so it would straight out the back. Either way, you are talking about getting between the outfitter and EP only, right? I think a side by side on the roof is the best option, but anything that gets you there without being worried about highway speeds should work.

we attach 2x4s to our thule rack using u-bolts.

Nobody has mentioned the obvious - use Sawbill and make two trips from the Outfitter to EP #37. Their $80.00 rate for the shuttle hasn't changed in many years. That's what I paid 5 years ago. Load up one canoe and gear and run it over (25-30 min. each way), throw the blocks and rope in the car and go back and get #2. It will add just over an hour on to your trip but you save over $1 per minute. Leave someone at the EP with your gear and canoe #1.

Rig up something simple like the redneck improvision idea. Strap it on really good and tight. If you stay at Sawbill Campground the night before entry date, then it's roughly 20-25 miles of SLOW driving on gravel roads to EP 37 the following morning. At that pace, you'd be there in roughly 45 mins instead of the normal 20 to 30 mins. No big deal.
A couple of years ago, I had my first up-close bull moose sighting as I was headed to EP 36 on the Kawishiwi Lake Road.
Just hope someone doesn't confiscate your 2x4 rigging for firewood while you're out paddling. hahaha

QueticoMike: "When I worked at Piragis we used 4 foam blocks that have slits running through them. 2 in the front part of the ceiling of the car and 2 for the back part. Then we would run a 2x2 wood piece through the slits in the foam block. Can't remember the length of the 2x2, maybe 7 feet long. Then the rack would be strapped down with straps running through the doors openings. You could call Piragis outfitting (Drew or Adam) and verify set up or use them to rent the canoes and they will rig a roof rack for you. Or check with a closer outfitter if they can rig something like this for you or buy your own own foam blocks, 2x2s and straps."

Yup had them do that for my friends car

Blatz: "

QueticoMike: "When I worked at Piragis we used 4 foam blocks that have slits running through them. 2 in the front part of the ceiling of the car and 2 for the back part. Then we would run a 2x2 wood piece through the slits in the foam block. Can't remember the length of the 2x2, maybe 7 feet long. Then the rack would be strapped down with straps running through the doors openings. You could call Piragis outfitting (Drew or Adam) and verify set up or use them to rent the canoes and they will rig a roof rack for you. Or check with a closer outfitter if they can rig something like this for you or buy your own own foam blocks, 2x2s and straps."

Yup had them do that for my friends car"

And they don't charge you $80 or anything for that matter.......I would think wherever he rents his canoe they can set up his vehicle for this cheap and easy rack. It wouldn't hurt to call the outfitter before he rents the canoe and just verify they can throw a rack on top of the car for nothing.

schweady: "A sidebar on a similar dilemma: What is the shortest crossbar spread measurement (front to back) on which you folks have carried a 17-18 ft canoe? Yakima says that my Highlander's 27.5" crossbar spread (fixed points for attaching the towers) is only large enough for a boat that is 14 ft long or under.
"

The Element was a small spread too, only 30". Not ideal, but with proper tie downs....
And someone mentioned carrying sticking out the back? In good weather, it'll work!

Just call around to the various outfitters that could potentially service your EP and ask them about loading 2 canoes. These folks are loading canoes on vehicles on a regular basis and have been for years. I can't fathom that they've never run into this scenario before and I'd be shocked if they didn't have some sort of option available to you.

I don't see the need to spend the $160 for drop off and pick up nor do I see the need to invest in a trailer that will get hauled empty the bulk of the time.

nofish: "Just call around to the various outfitters that could potentially service your EP and ask them about loading 2 canoes. These folks are loading canoes on vehicles on a regular basis and have been for years. I can't fathom that they've never run into this scenario before and I'd be shocked if they didn't have some sort of option available to you.


I don't see the need to spend the $160 for drop off and pick up nor do I see the need to invest in a trailer that will get hauled empty the bulk of the time. "

As I mentioned in my comments above I worked at Piragis Outfitting and we loaded 2 canoes on cars without racks all of the time by using foam blocks, 7 foot 2x2s, and straps. I also posted a video on how it is rigged. We didn't charge anything for this service, just expected it returned in the same condition it left in.

TuscaroraBorealis: "


Spirit of the Wilderness outfitters loaded us up this way.


Needed to drive slower (especially around corners) but it got the job done."

I have to haul two canoes from Indiana to Ely in August...never seen it done this way before. I will be driving a Toyota Corolla. This is interesting.

Not a problem. It is done every day. I've done it many times on Ford Focuses with and without factory racks. 2x2s and foam blocks for roof with no rack, or 2x4s and c-clamps for the rack. Trucker's hitch and paracord.
Drive fast and take chances.

QueticoMike: "

QueticoMike: "When I worked at Piragis we used 4 foam blocks that have slits running through them. 2 in the front part of the ceiling of the car and 2 for the back part. Then we would run a 2x2 wood piece through the slits in the foam block. Can't remember the length of the 2x2, maybe 7 feet long. Then the rack would be strapped down with straps running through the doors openings. You could call Piragis outfitting (Drew or Adam) and verify set up or use them to rent the canoes and they will rig a roof rack for you. Or check with a closer outfitter if they can rig something like this for you or buy your own own foam blocks, 2x2s and straps."

Here's a video on how we did it.......


Double canoe roof rack "

A great video for a vehicle without crossbars. Thanks, QMike.

Bumstead: "

QueticoMike: "

QueticoMike: "When I worked at Piragis we used 4 foam blocks that have slits running through them. 2 in the front part of the ceiling of the car and 2 for the back part. Then we would run a 2x2 wood piece through the slits in the foam block. Can't remember the length of the 2x2, maybe 7 feet long. Then the rack would be strapped down with straps running through the doors openings. You could call Piragis outfitting (Drew or Adam) and verify set up or use them to rent the canoes and they will rig a roof rack for you. Or check with a closer outfitter if they can rig something like this for you or buy your own own foam blocks, 2x2s and straps."

Here's a video on how we did it.......



Double canoe roof rack "

A great video for a vehicle without crossbars. Thanks, QMike."

That's how we did it in the outfitting dept. Quick and easy and we didn't charge anything for the setup, like I said we just expected everything to be returned when they brought back the canoes.

I just got a yakima round bar roof rack with the x large rods at like 76" or something.

They stick out on the sides of the grand caravan but I will be able to get 2 canoes or 4 kayaks up there.

I have a Toyota Sienna with factory rack. Rented two canoes from Sawtooth and they had a 2x4 setup they just strapped to the top of the rails. That was a few years ago, but should still be the same.

Northwoodsman: "Nobody has mentioned the obvious - use Sawbill and make two trips from the Outfitter to EP #37. Their $80.00 rate for the shuttle hasn't changed in many years. That's what I paid 5 years ago. Load up one canoe and gear and run it over (25-30 min. each way), throw the blocks and rope in the car and go back and get #2. It will add just over an hour on to your trip but you save over $1 per minute. Leave someone at the EP with your gear and canoe #1."

This was going to be my suggestion. Person left at the EP can get everything ready, and when the vehicle gets back with the 2nd canoe, you can immediately hit the water.

My other suggestion would be to look at renting a trailer at a U-haul or similar place in MSP or Duluth, rather than buying one and hauling it from wherever you are driving. All said and done, I'd much rather haul a canoe on a trailer than a roof rack ... and double that preference for two canoes.

BuckFlicks: "

Northwoodsman: "Nobody has mentioned the obvious - use Sawbill and make two trips from the Outfitter to EP #37. Their $80.00 rate for the shuttle hasn't changed in many years. That's what I paid 5 years ago. Load up one canoe and gear and run it over (25-30 min. each way), throw the blocks and rope in the car and go back and get #2. It will add just over an hour on to your trip but you save over $1 per minute. Leave someone at the EP with your gear and canoe #1."

This was going to be my suggestion. Person left at the EP can get everything ready, and when the vehicle gets back with the 2nd canoe, you can immediately hit the water.


My other suggestion would be to look at renting a trailer at a U-haul or similar place in MSP or Duluth, rather than buying one and hauling it from wherever you are driving. All said and done, I'd much rather haul a canoe on a trailer than a roof rack ... and double that preference for two canoes.


"

Just have the outfitter make you a rack for 2 canoes out of foam blocks and 2x2s and you get both canoes there at the same time and doesn't cost you a dime.

Thanks all, after consulting with Sawtooth they assured me that it'll be no issue to rig it up. I'll be sure to update the thread with some photos!

schweady: "A sidebar on a similar dilemma: What is the shortest crossbar spread measurement (front to back) on which you folks have carried a 17-18 ft canoe? Yakima says that my Highlander's 27.5" crossbar spread (fixed points for attaching the towers) is only large enough for a boat that is 14 ft long or under.
"

I've put 17.5 aluminums on 30" many times.

I think you already figured it out but I've carried a lot of canoes on two different CRVs, Toyota Highlander, and a Subaru Outback. The canoes I carry are two 17.5' Kruger Sea Winds.

What year CRV? The first gen CRV and the Outback...and two or three other vehicles I have experience with like an Isuzu Rodeo, Toyota 4 Runner, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Highlander, all have side rails that you can mount Yakima round bars with Railgrabber or Lowrider towers that clamp to the rails. Thule makes a similar setup. Newer model CRVs have specific "Landing Pads" that are specific to that model, used with towers and round bars.

Just saying, if you want to invest in a quality rack system, Yakima can set you up.
On my 2002 CRV I installed the Yakima Track on the bare roof. On my 2003 I owned a decade later, I dropped the headliner and permanently installed Landing Pad 6's.

Two canoes on that vehicle is not a problem, especially with front and rear tie downs, to answer your question.
Joe

Some outfitters have a trailer that you can pull, if you have a hitch.

I will admit that I didn't read every answer here so someone may have suggested that already. I've used the trailer twice and it makes it so much easier to move 2 canoes.

Clare from Sawbill here! We do still offer the same tie down service as described by folks above, free of charge. :)

MplsTed: "Thanks all, after consulting with Sawtooth they assured me that it'll be no issue to rig it up. I'll be sure to update the thread with some photos!"

I sure hope you do. It'll be a hoot to see the result. Have a carefree, slow drive to EP and a great time.

Thank you for this! I have been “racking” my brain trying to figure out how to carry two canoes on top of a four door F150. I have a canoe trailer and a cargo trailer with a canoe rack and really didn’t want to buy another rack. Genius approach and I already had the pads. Just need two knot free 2x2’s, which may be harder to find than anything else.

Richwon4: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "



Spirit of the Wilderness outfitters loaded us up this way.



Needed to drive slower (especially around corners) but it got the job done."

I have to haul two canoes from Indiana to Ely in August...never seen it done this way before. I will be driving a Toyota Corolla. This is interesting. "

Tow boat driver do stuff like this all the time, but only if they're hauling 3 canoes or more.

When I was younger, Sawtooth didn't bat an eye at putting an 18.5 foot canoe on my Volkswagen Golf so I'm guessing they'll find a way.

Also, my Dad once rigged two aluminum canoes on top of a Jeep like in TuscaroraBorealis' photo. Def required slow driving but worked.