Purchasing kayak or a paddleboard means spending a significant amount of your money so everyone wants to get this to a lake or a seashore without being harmed by anything. Here we are going to explain the best ways through which you can safely transport your kayak to your desired place.
The things that are to be considered is the money you spend on the kayak or paddleboard and the way you keep and handle it. Below here are the set of simple questions regarding how to transport kayak and paddleboard that you must have to answer before going for fun in the water.
Is your vehicle up to the job?
First of all, you have to make sure that the vehicle you have is well managed and big enough to carry all of your accessories and also have enough space or not and will not harm your kayak.
There are also roof racks available for tiniest smart cars that include aerodynamic and the cars made for water sports. Though these roof racks are very beneficial in the car of carrying good you have to make sure that all of the weight doesn’t overburden the car engine.
The other thing that should be considered that you don’t break down especially if you are going on a considerably long distance. For example, if you want to take rest in between your journey then your accessories can be a target for thieves, breakdown features will be then a challenge for them.
Which is the right kayak roof rack for you?
Here you have an option to choose either a permanent or temporary foam – block kayak roof rack system for your car.
Foam block means that the rods of a rack is covered with the foam material which prevents your paddleboard or kayak from scratching and also prevents your vehicle from denting if you take all your goods on the roof. As the roof rack is placed on the top of the car so you place all of your accessories on the top of the car and tie it by using straps with the windows of your car. If you want these accessories not to harm your car and can be effective, for this you must have a knowledge of the static and dynamic capacity of your vehicle.
The dynamic capacity of a car is the capacity of weight your vehicle can carry without any harm to its engine while traveling. This information is very important because even a Rav – 4 sports vehicle can carry only 100 pounds so if your paddleboard or kayak is heavier then it, there are many chances of damaging both the vehicle and kayak.
On the other hand, if you are going to purchase a permanent rack then it would be a little expensive as compared to the foam block rack but they are what its name shows. Once it is installed it cant be removed easily. It provides additional security too. Like foam rack, it will never slip or slide over the roof of the vehicle.
Is your vehicle well – maintained?
The worst thing happens to any person when towing up the gears is the breakdown of the vehicle. But this can be prevented by performing some basic routine maintenance of vehicles that can include oil changing, filter changing, etc.
If the light of the check engine is on it simply means that there is some problem in the exhaust system of the vehicle or fuel intake or emission system. Your car could also have a faulty oxygen sensor or may need a spark plug to be changed. One other reason behind the turning on of the light of the check engine is a loose gas cap. But if the light of the check engine is blinking it indicates severe problems in your vehicle so you must have to take it to the mechanic without any delay and also keep in mind that if a light is blinking you should not start the vehicle, you should tow it.
Do you hear unfamiliar noises? Sound like grinding indicates metal scraping metal, which repair must be done before it causes any big problem in your vehicle.
Sound like knocking indicates improper timing or worn substantial damages.
Sound like tapping indicates fuel burning at a premature level. Hence it simply means it immediately requires your attention and should be repaired on time.
Should you consider a trailer?
It is one another way of transporting but before choosing the thing you should calculate is the towing capacity. If it is not according to your needs, you should search for another one.
Another best option for transporting a kayak or paddleboard is to consider a dedicated kayak trailer. They are light and small enough that can be towed to any vehicle easily. It is also the most useful thing you need. The basic thing you need is a hitch and an electrical hookup for your car to tow a trailer. The mostly 2-inch hitch is preferred.
Once it is attached to your vehicle it will provide you the extra capacity and you will enjoy it.
Getting from the car to water
Usually a kayak weight up to 80lbs. which means it is not possible for you to take it in your hands to get it into the water, so you should have some way from transporting it to water from your car.
According to me, you should spend little money on a dooly or kayak cart because in them you can easily transport your kayak and also prevent it from dropping and scratching in a way to the water.
Drying your equipment for a trip home
You should never let the salty water to be dried on your kayak or paddleboard after using it because this salinity engulfs the material of the kayak. After using a kayak in salty water you must have to rinse it with freshwater and dry it up with soft cloth like a towel before taking it for your home.
Like cars, the kayak or paddleboard also needs routine maintenance like washing and waxing.
Safe driving tips for hauling
Before starting your journey tie everything perfectly because if it blows off during a ride it will hit the road and in turn will be damaged. Also, it can cause a severe accident if in case there is any car behind you and your gears strike it.
The tie-down and bundling method is the most secure one. but also make sure straps are tight enough, this will stay your equipment’s in place. If the gears are hanging over the side of the top of the car, ensures its safety too.
Do not tie these accessories behind your vehicle because with a little wrong move and disbalance it can result in an accident but if you tie them behind your car be sure to drive very slowly and safely.
Transport your kayak or paddleboard safely with tips below
All the tips discussed above can let you know how to transport kayak and paddleboard safely from home to water and from water to home. Enjoy your day with fun in the water and make your journey safe.