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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Do It Yourself Gear :: Car top canoe carrier ideas
 
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CedricB
02/02/2017 01:16PM
  
I will be driving up from Southern Missouri this June and planning to drive my car made our first trip to BWCA last year in my truck and could have hired a guide for what I spent on gas. This year we are driving my car need diy carrier ideas. Will have to hold up for the 28 hour round trip. Thanks
 
butthead
02/02/2017 03:58PM
  
Suction cup rack kit may be a good start.
car top and straps
more car tops and strraps
from a quick site search "tie down loops".


butthead
 
CedricB
02/02/2017 04:03PM
  
quote mirth: "Unless your car has rack rails preinstalled where you could u-bolt a pair of 2x4s to it, I'd suggest getting a canoe foam block cartop kit for less than $50.
I also recommend either these for permanent install or these for temporary install to provide tiedown spots in the front.



Since you're asking a DIY question you could always make the hood loops using some tubular nylon by the foot from REI. I would suggest a minimum of 1' of material to make a pair, although 15" gives you a little extra working room.



What kind of car? If its an overpowered v6 then you may not see any change in your fuel economy due to the higher drag penalty imposed by the canoe. For example, my old Prius would go from ~47mpge highway to the high 30s when the canoe is on top."
Thanks for the links. It's a 4cyl Honda accord I get about 32mpg now my truck averaged 11-12 last year on the trip so if my car got 22 I'd still be doubling it.not sure how much the drag would drop mpg.
 
mirth
02/02/2017 02:22PM
  
Unless your car has rack rails preinstalled where you could u-bolt a pair of 2x4s to it, I'd suggest getting a canoe foam block cartop kit for less than $50.
I also recommend either these for permanent install or these for temporary install to provide tiedown spots in the front.


Since you're asking a DIY question you could always make the hood loops using some tubular nylon by the foot from REI. I would suggest a minimum of 1' of material to make a pair, although 15" gives you a little extra working room.


What kind of car? If its an overpowered v6 then you may not see any change in your fuel economy due to the higher drag penalty imposed by the canoe. For example, my old Prius would go from ~47mpg highway to the high 30s when the canoe is on top.
 
Loony_canoe
03/05/2017 08:43AM
  
I have used to foam pads on my car. Many are most likely known if car topping a canoe in the past.


Some lessons earned for me:
Make sure the car and the pads are clean, a little dirt will rub off the clear coat on a roof.
Tether the pads to the canoe, so they don't wiggles free and fly off on the interstate.
See above, check for pad movement and tightness every time you get out of the car.
The following applies for pads and attachable racks:
Use a belly strap on the canoe, can go through the car between door and frame (a little noisier, but piece of mind is worth it.)
Always use two straps in front and back to prevent canoe rotation in a strong cross wind.
Duct tape foam pipe insulation on contact points between the straps and car paint to limit scratches on car paint.
Do not over tighten straps on the front and back of canoe, you can bend, crack, and break the canoe.
Make sure the canoe is level and centered front to back.
 
CedricB
03/06/2017 06:30PM
  
quote Loony_canoe: "I have used to foam pads on my car. Many are most likely known if car topping a canoe in the past.



Some lessons earned for me:
Make sure the car and the pads are clean, a little dirt will rub off the clear coat on a roof.
Tether the pads to the canoe, so they don't wiggles free and fly off on the interstate.
See above, check for pad movement and tightness every time you get out of the car.
The following applies for pads and attachable racks:
Use a belly strap on the canoe, can go through the car between door and frame (a little noisier, but piece of mind is worth it.)
Always use two straps in front and back to prevent canoe rotation in a strong cross wind.
Duct tape foam pipe insulation on contact points between the straps and car paint to limit scratches on car paint.
Do not over tighten straps on the front and back of canoe, you can bend, crack, and break the canoe.
Make sure the canoe is level and centered front to back."


Thanks for the info!!