How to Tie a Canoe to Your Vehicle

In this video I demonstrate how to tie a canoe to a vehicle under two very different scenarios.
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First Scenario: Roof Rack
In this scenario the vehicle has a factory installed roof rack with after-market cross bars with special brackets to hold a canoe. I show how to use both a canoe strap or to tie it on with a rope using a bowline and truckers hitch. I tie the front of the canoe down using rope and under the hood webbing loops. These are easy to make and if you carry a canoe often I highly recommend installing some.
Second Scenario: No Roof Rack
In this scenario I place the canoe on the vehicle with foam pads that mount on the gunwales of the canoe. This is more of a challenge as there are limited places to tie to. I show various ways to use straps or ropes to tie the vehicle to the roof through the back doors or to the post between the two doors. Because this isn’t as solid as with roof racks I use both fore and aft lines to tie the boat more firmly to the front and rear of the car. Since there is limited tying locations in the rear of the vehicle I demonstrate how to use the trunk as a tie point.
My Rules for Tying a Canoe to a Vehicle
1. Always use good quality strong straps or ropes.
2. Always tie down the canoe in at least three locations - four is even better.
3. Always tie down to something solid like the metal frame of the vehicle - never plastic parts.
4. Cinch that boat down tight.
5. Pay attention to the geometry of the fore and aft ropes - especially if you don’t have two solid tie down points on a roof rack.
There are a bunch of good videos already out there on how to tie a canoe to a vehicle but I haven’t seen anyone demonstrate with and without roof racks and very few demonstrate the under hood loops or the trunk trick. Hopefully I have contributed something new.
My wife pointed out how easily I lift the boat onto the vehicles and perhaps I should show other techniques for folks who aren't as strong. Perhaps I will make another video.
Yes I know my vehicles are dirty. That’s what you get for living in a rural area on a dirt road. Washing vehicles is pointless.
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Any opinions expressed in this video are mine and mine alone and are not related to my employer or any other organization or individual. I have not been paid to make this video or to endorse a product. If I am ever paid for an endorsement or provided other compensation I will state it clearly in the video. Any advice or demonstration I provide is just advice. The viewer should take responsibility for their own actions, follow any manufacturers warnings and directions and act safely and responsibly when travelling in the backcountry.

[@dfinchermd]

On so many levels this is one of the best most informative "how to's" on KZbin, on this subject and in general. No bad music or comedy, just good clear info. Thanks.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Wow, thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@toddheil42]

I don't know if you are a Scouter or ex Scout, but use of the bowline and Trucker's Hitch are perfect, ideal and make it simple. Showing how your start, by going under your cross bar, throwing it over t the other side, PRIOR, to loading canoe was a valuable and time saving addition that I added to my methods. Thank you for sharing.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Todd, yes I was in scouts for many years. Knowing just a few knots makes everything go smoother.

[@tackyman2011]

I LOVE webbing buckles. They save several minutes and I feel most confident using them.

[@KevinOutdoors]

They are the best. I never worry wit them.

[@tomvitale1]

Thank you - we just purchased a canoe and I was searching for helpful information - This was well done.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@asdfqwerwret]

Thank you for diagrams explaining parallel bow and stern. I’ve always worried about braking forces and the rear tie down angle doing nothing. I’ve been looking for this validation and this video is the only one out there.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, I noticed that element was missing from other canoe/vehicle videos. I really appreciate the comment.

[@Wintertrekker]

Good thorough demo KO! That little extra time for thinking and tying is so important for the safety of transport. (If I was king of Canada, I would decree a law that all vehicles must be designed and manufactured to able to be fitted with strong roof racks!.....because everyone does indeed need a canoe!)

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Winter. I if I became the Canadian King I would decree that every child in Canada be instructed in canoeing at an early age as part of the school curriculum (perhaps extra credit as a summer course). Hockey would also be mandatory. :)

[@Wintertrekker]

Agreed!

[@mcspin50]

Great demonstration video! Yes, I'd love to see a video on how a short, elderly person ;) could possibly get a canoe on a vehicle alone. And I'd love to see a slow motion of how you tie a bowline. It looks so simple.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the views Lily. You know you aren't the first to ask about how a smaller or weaker person could do this. My only two thoughts are to get as light a canoe as you can find and get some assistance. But I will put my mind to it an I might come up with something. Regarding the knots. I purpously didn't focus on the knot tying as there are LOTS of KZbin videos on knots. I'm trying not to simply copy other videos and try and offer something new and different (if I can). I might do the bowline though I do take a slightly different twist (pun intended) on it than some others.

[@chrisewen3813]

@@KevinOutdoors There is a product that connects to the hitch and seems to allow most people that can carry a canoe alone to get it one their vehicle Reese TowPower for Canoe on Amazon is one - I have not got one yet.

[@divinentd]

This was tremendously gratifying to watch. I grew up in Maine, did this all the time. Now I've been living in Los Angeles for too long.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks! LA sounds great but I don't think there is a higher form of human expression than a canoe trip! :)

[@divinentd]

It has its perks, so much talent the live theatre is fantastic. But the climate leaves something to be desired, 3 seasons: summer, June gloom, and fire season. But we've bought a travel trailer and have plans go full time nomadic, explore the continent and do a bunch of canoeing.

[@pearlski8282]

Excellent video for canoeists! Very informative drawings for the front and back tie downs.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks much appreciated! 👍

[@saltifish]

Some great ideas here, helped me out. Thx for taking the time to post this.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Rob, glad you found this useful!

[@philhewett1601]

Webbing buckles are fine but, I prefer ratchet straps. The truckers hitch will never go out of style...it's an incredibly useful hitch. Thanx an' a hat tip for the video, well done!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, ratchet straps can do a lot of damage to your canoe or vehicle though.

[@michaeldurham5135]

Well done buddy…wish I saw this video earlier. Would’ve made my life much easier 😀.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it helped, good luck on your paddling adventures.

[@leek2serious]

amazing editing! very detailed

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thank you so much!

[@Goofythumb]

This wasn't helpful to what I am doing but it's an excellent video. Great information here.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@tigdogsbody]

SUPER DUPER ! I like how you put the line in the trunk! Cool!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Jadadid]

Super helpful but when tying the knots i couldnt see how you did them

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, there are lots of knot videos out there. I mainly use a bowline and a trucker's hitch to tie down my canoes.

[@rogerpalin5864]

Not a bad system and always good to know a few ways to do this. Just remember the widest part of the canoe is the middle, and the middle shouldnt pass through the loops tied at the ends when you’re driving or in a heavy stop. I’ve have seen guwales broken by people using pulley systems or ratchet straps. If you have a 1000hp car and take off on a 1/4 mile every time, then put your 3rd strap at the front. If however you drive normally, say at 30mph, and have to break in an emergency or crash, then regardless or the car/van, that canoe is going forward. So ALWAYS put your 3rd strap on the rear. And as Kevin says, don’t over tighten ropes 3 or 4 as you will damage the canoe. Oh, and it’s pronounced bow lin

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Roger.

[@jasonmccool4342]

Good job

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks

[@LYNXLYNX1]

I'm glad you're Canadian. I was wondering if I could tie down a canoe or kayak on my car without having the roof racks and wasn't sure if it was legal to load one without them...then I saw your license plate and was like okay let's do it :D

[@KevinOutdoors]

There are no laws about 'how' to tie your canoe down (as far as I know). The law only stipulates that your load must be secure.

[@LYNXLYNX1]

Do you think there is a kayak out there small enough to shove inside a Nissan Sentra? I've never done this before and I'm really interested.

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, I don't thinks so. Not unless you get into folding boats or perhaps a very short river/rapids play boat style might fit. A 'normal' canoe is 16', once you get shorter than that it begins to feel awkward.

[@thierrytu]

Great video Kevin!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Thierry!

[@shashaw.324]

Thank you

[@KevinOutdoors]

Welcome!

[@ChiCan76]

Well done!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@raymondfurgason8959]

Toyota’s... smart man👌🏼

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Raymond. We got a Ford in the yard now though :)

[@shawnaschlechter5268]

Hey I have a 2019Dodge caravan with a roof rack. Little different than yours. Where did you get straps and would this work with my van. I lost my husband 2 years ago and a friend is giving me a canoe and I want to know how to do this safely with the Dodge caravan cargo racks. Do you suggest any products to buy to make it easy? I was going to buy the step you can hook on the door jam. I'm also going to be refurbishing canoe so should I add attachments to the canoe for tying? Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Some good questions but I am not familiar with what the roof racks look like. I assume you have cross bars that the canoe can rest on. If so do the same thing I did. You can get straps like mine from most paddling stores if not they can be found online. Mine are Yakama brand. I like the rubber on the buckle as you can throw them over the side of the vehicle. You don't need anything on your canoe, at least not along the sides (gunwales) you just tie the body of the canoe right down to the crossbars. My crossbars have brackets that support a canoe (or ladder etc.) you might be able to find similar brackets to fit your cross bars but it isn't necessary. If you are refitting your canoe just make sure you have good tie points on the bow and stern for ropes. You will want a painter, at least on the bow to tie the boat once in a while and the same spot is good for that extra secure point on the vehicle. Good luck with that new boat!

[@samuelwalker5546]

I always see people use rope for the front of canoes instead of straps. Is there an advantage to this? Seems like straps would be more solid.

[@GoodRedBlackRatio]

Thank you!! so, so useful.

[@KevinOutdoors]

GoodRedBlackRatio Thanks, glad it was useful!

[@juliorodriguez9672]

thanks a lot... the video was very helpful

[@KevinOutdoors]

No problem. Glad it was of use!

[@tsniebeling]

Super informative. I'm impressed by your knot* skills.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Terry! Glad you found it useful!

[@rawbacon]

I used throw a heavy blanket on top of my 1979 Z28 then strap the canoe down right to the roof.

[@KevinOutdoors]

That will work.

[@jrgenfriborg3508]

You will have front and back in opposite direction, not the same as you did. In your setup the canoe can slide forward when braking. My 10c.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I am pretty sure you didn't watch the full video.

[@e-reptiledysfunction2243]

Where can I get the webbing buckles? And the foam blocks? I have a 17 ft canoe do u have to get certain type of either of these deals or any blocks and any buckles will work for any canoe?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Brutus, most places that sell canoes will sell the webbing straps, the ones made for this application have buckles covered in rubber so they can be thrown over the vehicle without scratching your paint. Yes, all foam blocks will work for any canoe. Good luck!

[@garrisonh]

well done very good information thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Garrison!

[@ProdigiousReturn]

What is the exact model for that roof top system? Thule something? I have a dodge caravan and hate the stock stow and go system on top. It’s way too narrow (only 38”).

[@KevinOutdoors]

I have a Yakama system on this van. The better brands (Yakama ,Thule etc.) offer options for wider crossbars.

[@tp7614]

Nice fluid video. BTW...I wouldn't recommend rope. The Titanic used rope. Web Strapping cost about the same. Peace and Love...

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks TP I do prefer the webbing.

[@artisteric]

I use ratchet straps for everything I need tied down. Curious why I can’t find info for the use of them. Any advice?

[@KevinOutdoors]

You can use them the same way but you can create a lot of force with them. I saw a canoe on a car the other day that had crumpled with the force. You can also dent your roof if you aren't careful. Ratchet straps also have hooks on the end which sometimes are a challenge to find an anchor point. If you have roof racks you can tie a loop of rope and hook to that.

[@jasonmarlatt6611]

Love the setup with the rooftop carrier and canoe, great video and very well done! How wide are the crossbars on your van?

[@KevinOutdoors]

On the van they are about 68" long. Thanks for watching!

[@biuku]

This is a really well edited video, and the content's great.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Dennis!

[@ChrisAnders]

I am trying to find the yakima cross bars you are using in the video bu I am having trouble. Perhaps they no longer make this product? Do you know the model of crossbars where to find?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Chris, I got mine from a local dealer outdoor supply store. Yakama has a their own website www.yakima.com and a Canadian version www.yakima.com/ca/. I have also ordered parts from www.rackattack.com. Study what you need on the Yakima site first. The cross bars are simple enough but you want the right landing pads, clamps, towers etc. that will fit your vehicle properly. Start your research on the Yakima website first. Some vehicles (like this Sienna) don't have recommended attachments and I bolted a Yakima track right onto the roof.

[@ireland66613]

Great video

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@shermanhofacker4428]

The rear straps do nothing, if you had attached the straps to the thwart so they could help keep the canoe from sliding forward if you had to brake hard.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I am pretty sure you didn't watch the whole video.

[@macswhit4054]

what are the yakima cross bars you have on your toyota van? I tried finding them on amazon but not available. do you have an item # and can you help me find where to purchase these online? Thanks

[@countingthecosttofollowChrist]

Do you have a link for buying the styrofoam things?

[@KevinOutdoors]

No, mrabe, sorry I don't. You should be able to find them anywhere canoe gear is sold.

[@jieliang8945]

Try REI, if there’s one in your area.

[@fireyourrocketts]

Those swift canoes are heavy; I just ordered an 18 pound one from the guy in NY.

[@KevinOutdoors]

They are. Well now (2018) anyway. I have had this boat for over 20 years and it was on the lighter side then.

[@fireyourrocketts]

@@KevinOutdoors I actually got the canoe from Hornbeck boats, a Classic 12, I was conned in the transaction; he sent me a canoe that does not fits my needs even though we spoke on the phone several times before ordering; i am disputing the whole transaction as fraudulent from his part. They would not take the boat back and refund it, it came late and scratched from the carrier and I had to drive 6 hours one way to get it for the purpose of my already scheduled trip on the day of arrival; do not buy from Hornbeck boats unless you go in person there and make sure what you are getting is what you need. -- So after that i ended up having to buy again a Canoe, this time i chose the Swift Pack 13.6 ADK, this one weights 27 pounds instead of the just 18 of the Hornbeck but it is not that bad still to carry or portaging. This is my video of carrying on my van; your is more completed though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gai0gX94equXjJI

[@jlai3861]

"Roof rack is not going anywhere"- my $3500 Swift kipawa fly off the roof with rack still attached, the rack failed at where it bite the roof rail. Always run the rope through the door.

[@KevinOutdoors]

That really sucks, those are nice boats. Yes, I tie my boat to the roof rack but I always use two tie downs to the frame of the vehicle.

[@walidsarwary]

Are you allowed to do this in australia?

[@KevinOutdoors]

I would hope so!

[@MichealBacon]

@Nice Boy - No you are NOT permitted to secure a canoe..rope is banned in Australia.

[@nordic5490]

@@MichealBacon ha ha ha. Thelaws herein Oz are the same. It only states that load must be properly secured

[@arts68]

I wish all the "experts" out there would learn the difference between a trucker's hitch and a taut line hitch. A true trucker's hitch provides a mechanical advantage of at least 3 to 1. Not saying that the taut line hitch isn't good for this job but it isn't a trucker's hitch.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Arthur, a taught line hitch is a poor choice for this job. It will usually slip and sometimes slip badly depending on the choice of rope.

[@Hames_tripper]

Hi Kevin, I know this is an old video but what kind of knot did you use to tie off the loose end after the truckers hitch? I end up adding 20-30 half hitches but there has to be a better way!!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Great question. I uses a bunch of half hitches but if I have excess rope I run the rope around the roof rack and/or the thwart and seats depending on the lenght of rope and where everything lines up. If there is excess on the front or back I will wrap it around the main lines and again secure it with half hitches. Some people daisy chain the excess rope but that has never been my thing. I have also cut the fore and aft ropes to a good length and I just keep them in a tote with the rest of my canoeing accessories. When I need them they are right there and are a perfect length.

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Good demonstrative video. I don't have a canoe but if I need to help someone with one now I know more about it. Thanks!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks - I am experimenting more and more with camera angles and trying to tell simple stories - like how to tie on a canoe. You need a canoe. Everyone needs a canoe!! :)

[@rxg7528]

Wow. You are the man! Been really skeptic on strapping down a 10ft fishing boat or a 12 ft kayak on my rav4 but after watching your video you made it more clear and possible that it can be done. Thank you for this video🙏

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad this gives you some confidence.

[@owenouzheng9537]

I got a 2014 Honda Odyssey, all second roll seats are designed to be easy remove and third roll seats can fold into the floor. Can I fit a 12 foot kayak inside of a modern minivan? 10 foot should be no problems?

[@KevinOutdoors]

I doubt it, but you are going to have to try for yourself. In the van in the video I can remove the middle seats and fold down the back ones. I can just fit a 8x4' sheet of plywood down the middle I can fit 10' lengths of pipe or trim etc. I think the Odyssey is a similar size. 12' will be a challenge and would need to go on a diagonal, back left and extend into the front passenger seat.

[@capermache]

This is SO super helpful, thank you so much!! Now I’m off to find bowline and trucker’s hitch videos.

[@KevinOutdoors]

You're welcome!!

[@Francois_Dupont]

STRONG!!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks

[@sarahva]

Great video, thank you!! I've seen a kayak and two bikes fly of a car when the rack failed, so good tie downs like this can make a difference!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yeah that could be tragic. This isn't something to take lightly.

[@RealAmericanCitizen12]

Strong man

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, I guess I make it look easy. There is some technique involved in lifting a canoe.

[@johnnybigrigger312]

little trick to your truckers hitch when you pull the end through go back and pull it through a second time for modified truckers hitch with rolling lock hitch no need to pinch off when tying off your truckers hitch

[@KevinOutdoors]

Excellent tip! Thanks!

[@johnnybigrigger312]

@@KevinOutdoors kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIbIo3djhtt5pMU

[@jonasmundt1744]

This guy is genius. Great Solutions to a tricky issue

[@KevinOutdoors]

Ha, thanks. Looking for that Nobel Prize in tying down a boat :)

[@ang8282]

great video thanks kevin

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Off Grid!

[@georgemeyer9309]

informative, short, YES!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks George that is what I am going for.

[@stephencunliffe3879]

Excellent. Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Much appreciated, glad it was of use.

[@hungpham]

Very helpful. Thank you !

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@OneMansAdventure]

I have a Nissan Rouge, it has the side rails but no cross bars, where can I get the foam pads for my canoe

[@KevinOutdoors]

You should be able to buy them anywhere you can buy a canoe.