How to Tie Down a Kayak

Hi everyone,
I had a viewer request more information about how I strap down my kayak (or other boat) to a roof rack, which I didn't include in the initial kayak loading tutorial. Without further adieu, here's the video!

[@thedeepblueskys]

Excellent demo. I never owed a kayak, but I want one now. So this helps!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! Your really going to enjoy your boat when you get it.

[@meganfedor]

I'll be using this as a reference when I get my roof rack and J-hooks for my new kayak; I can't wait to start my summer adventures on the lakes around where I live!!! Thanks for the valuable advice!

[@completepete]

Megan, thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! I hope you have a great summer.. be safe!

[@meganfedor]

@@completepete I plan to. Thanks for your helpful advice.

[@charlie-curcio]

Thanks Pete! This was extraordinarily helpful!

[@completepete]

Happy to help Charlie! Thanks for watching and subscribing. Hope you have a great paddling season.

[@vinnycorso412]

best video ive ever seen on youtube

[@completepete]

Thanks for the kind words Vinny! Glad you enjoyed the video and happy paddling.

[@prasmussen8293]

Before I put my kayak on the rack, I put the strap around the bar and gently lay it on the windshield (or back window for the rear), place the kayak and bring the straps over the end of the kayak. Never have to throw the strap/buckle.

[@t5353m]

Great tutorial. Thanks for the excellent info!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! Happy padding this season

[@jefebeans1486]

appreciate this pete! i actually just installed the crossbar/kayak rack from malone. kayak coming in soon. will keep this in mind. little anxious since ive never tied down a kayak before lol. much love. -Jeff C

[@completepete]

Jeff, so exciting that your new boat is on its way! Hope you have an enjoyable and safe summer. *make sure you get a comfortable life preserver (pfd) with the short back, made for kayak seats. - Pete

[@manderssteve]

I have been an avid canoer and kayaker for over 50 years now. I have know several people that lost their boats off the roof of their cars, and they usually have no idea why. The bigger and longer your boat is, such as sea kayaks and canoes, the more important it is to stabilize the bow down from wind lifting the bow or strong side winds from trucks going in the opposite direction. Consider, you are going 100 kph, into a 40 kph head wind, and pass a truck going in the opposite direction adding to the wind. The long bow of the unsecured boat may be experiencing bursts of wind over 150 kph twisting the straps much further back. It will take off. You can also secure the boat from sliding forward with a rope tied to the bow, and back to the roof rack. Happy paddling.

[@neilmuscheidt3210]

Thanks so much for this video. Great tips and no noise anymore driving to my destination! 🙌 Liked & subscribed 👍

[@completepete]

Neil, thanks for watching and subscribing. It’s very much appreciated.

[@XxkittystarrXx]

Thanks for showing both ways to tie the yak down!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimnunes6286]

Really great ideas, Thank You

[@completepete]

Jim, thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@eldnah2]

Thanks Pete! Well done.

[@completepete]

Thanks Jay.. hope you found the video helpful

[@alexcarlson481]

Very helpful! Just bought my first kayak and have a WRX so this is perfect for me!

[@completepete]

Alex, thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! Good luck with your new kayak and happy to help..

[@alexcarlson481]

@@completepete I managed to get a used Hobie 13 for 450 bucks it was a great deal, looking forward to hit the water and get some good fishing in soon!

[@completepete]

That's a killer deal Alex. I'm looking forward to doing some fishing myself.. good luck and be safe.

[@alexcarlson481]

@@completepete You as well!

[@bookworm81151]

Thanks. Practical. I have a trailer , but you gave me some good inside.

[@completepete]

Bob, I appreciate you watching! Thanks for the feedback.

[@kellyirene1251]

Great video...thank you!

[@joescarpadventures]

Great tips--thanks!

[@eduardochavez8269]

3:32 "Just throw it over the top, f%@*king wind!" - hilarious!

[@shawfestify]

Good job. I just put on the cross bars on my roof rack (Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk)...I’m old-as many toys I’ve owned in the past, from travel trailer towing, swaybars, electrical hookups, then SUPs, wheels to walk from garage to beach, motorcycles! packing a bag + side bags for Mexico to Canada ride, Jeep Wrangler, winching & all off-road + camping activities...I’ve made it to age 60 without strapping a kayak to the roof of a car! Where have I been all my life! Haven’t even chosen which ‘yak is right for paddling with my goddess of a granddaughter yet! Definitely need two, for my wife & I-were great at canoeing , never-capsized in 25 years! We’re the ones helping to catch the other peoples’ floating coolers and bags. But a 2-person kayak-No! We hit each other in the head with a paddle, “accidentally” not really. It will be 3 one-person ‘yaks for me. Thanks for helping out. I ordered NRS 12 straps; that looks right. I’ll check on the front & back tie down points & Moose straps next. There’s nothing like knowing you are secured when rolling down the road-gotta be safe so you have time to watch out for all those other guys. You will meet an unsafe driver one day-I pray for your safety that day. Story for another day when a van hit us :-/ and how many broken bones...I live! to kayak another day with a grandchild. How lucky am I?

[@completepete]

Shawn, thanks for watching and sharing your story! You are a rich man indeed..

[@ryeann2567]

Which three one seater kayaks did you end up with? It's officially summer 'Yakin season here in Tennessee.

[@thesoulcanvasexperience]

Fantastic, thank you!

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Jennifer!

[@Matt-rk3de]

Thanks, Pete

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! Hope you have a great summer out on the water

[@antsy_does]

Never throw the cam buckle - it's not necessary! Hold the cam buckle, then throw the loose end over the yak, thread it under & up, then back over the yak to the side where your cam buckle is.

[@robind75]

Thank you so much!

[@completepete]

Robin, thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! Glad you found the video helpful.

[@angusnel8354]

Finish off your strap with clove hitch after wrapping around rail. To loosen just turn back by gripping wrapped strap.

[@Matasky2010]

Thumbs up #1000!! Woo-hoo!

[@robertschnitzius3108]

Ths for a very helpful video. Would love to know the specific Yakima rack model you have and accessories. Thanks!

[@completepete]

Robert, thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! The Yakima system we have is the baseline system for naked roofs with the jet stream crossbars. We also ordered the windshield fairing (wind deflector) and a set of Yakima Jaylow rooftop mounted kayak rack. We also sometimes tie the kayaks down flat on the bars to transport.

[@kimlentine3052]

Great video!! I am new to kayaking so I started with an inexpensive Lifetime Kayak. It has carry rope handles on the front and back. Since the handles are secured on the kayak do I just hook onto the rope/handle when securing the front and back?

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Kim.. I’m assuming you have a roof rack on your car and will have two hold down straps holding your boat in place. If the rope handles are the only attachment point on the bow and stern, I’d use them. If you need help you can also email me at [e-mail] If I don’t hear from you, have a great (safe) summer on the water!

[@JetsFlyHigh]

Jim!

[@levitch]

I am always nervous about wind gusts on the highway. I tighten the straps really tight and tie bow/stern lines. Some trips are totally fine, but on windy days I'll stop periodically and snug everything up to be ultra safe.

[@completepete]

Steve, I’m also concerned about my boat coming loose while driving . It’s a balance between over tightening the straps and deforming the boat and getting them just tight enough. Using the bow and stern lines is a great idea and it sounds like you have all the bases covered. Better to be safe than sorry!

[@northernxpsr]

I have a new to me Subaru Legacy, glad to see the tips for bow and stern tie hooks and loops, good to know. I am waiting for the factory Crossbars and noticed yours are different, is there a reason, wondering if factory bars will be okay? I noticed you do not use cradles, was wondering if I needed them to prevent side to side movement, though the Crossbar pads look simpler?! Wondering also if antenna fin will be an issue. I have a 13.5 foot perception rambler, wondering if better to place upside down, though still working out how will get it on the roof that way, appreciated your video on putting kayak on sedan with hull on rack. Any advice re above appreciated as a newbie to this

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching and appreciate the support! Your factory bars should be fine - the 2015 model year did not have built in attachment points for a factory rack, so the solution was to purchase the style you see in the video which “locks” the racks in place using pressure created by closing the doors. Cradles for flat transport are certainly beneficial to improve stability. We use one set of vertical J-Hook style cradles and the crossbar pads for a second boat and have never experienced any movement with just the pads at speeds of 65 mph+. If you are only planning to transport one boat, cradles are an excellent option. To my knowledge, the antenna fins have not changed in size and should not present a clearance issue. I would always recommend strapping down and transporting the boat with the “cockpit” facing your roof to lessen drag. As far as loading with the boat in that orientation, I would encourage you to watch the video I will be publishing tomorrow (7/1). While I don’t demonstrate loading upside-down, you will see how the DIY loading assist system I developed works and should be able to use it to serve your needs. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have additional questions.

[@northernxpsr]

@@completepete Thank you so much, very helpful. I watched the loading assist system video too, very clever.. I found a loading assist using those window glass lifter with suction cup devices with a roller/padding on the handle bar, will try that too, good to have another option if does not work.

[@brianlewis1372]

Very helpful video sir but if taking a short trip would it be okay to just use the two NRS 12 straps? If loading one yak?

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. I have at times used the NRS straps when loading one boat and going short distances. It is a good idea to use the bow and stern straps if you can.

[@cindym8900]

I am curious why everyone feels they need to throw the buckle. You can start w the buckle facing you in the right position without thwacking your paint.

[@morganolson582]

Would you recommend the hard roof racks like the ones you have or the soft roof rack pads for a kayak?

[@completepete]

Morgan,. I'm a fan of the hard racks for sure. I have heard of cases where folks using the foam pads found their roof dented in from the weight of the kayaks. If you did not want j cradles, you could just use the flat bars with wrap around pads to stop any sliding.

[@PsychonauticalSiren]

Would you please provide a list of the accessories you use? I wasn't able to locate the type of the moose strap that you are using. I found the NRS 12 straps and the malone quick strap available at Cabela's and Sportsman's warehouse. (And YES! I liked and SUBSCRIBED to your channel!) ;-)

[@completepete]

It looks like you found just about everything. The black Moose straps do double duty as ATV straps and to fasten down our kayaks. We got ours fro Dennis Kirk as a kit. www.denniskirk.com/moose/black-1-in-heavy-duty-quad-pack-tie-downs-3920-0300.p409091.prd/409091.sku The straps are 1” heavy duty tie downs that are 54” long with rubber coated hooks rated at 1,350 lbs. each. The straps are a bit of overkill (but they work great). You can probably find something less expensive than the kit I bought. Hope you have a great summer paddling and stay safe!

[@gregsbox]

Great video. I have the same car, can you fit two kayaks on your roof?

[@completepete]

Hi Greg and thanks for watching! Yes, we can fit two kayaks on the roof. They will fit with one laying flat and one in a j-hook, both in j-hooks, or, if your roof rack is wide enough, both laying flat. The Legacy is 72.4" wide (not including mirrors) and our boats are 31" wide.

[@joesalemi2414]

Any ratchet strap for the top needs to have the buckle covered in rubber to prevent breaking windows and damaging paint. You could use pipe insulation over the strap and buckle just leave it on the strap. And you could use that to stow the teather as well. These things are more important when mounting an SUV or pickup where you can’t just reach around like on a car. Also ropes are better for front strap because straps are loud and a rope is silent.

[@dontall71]

Or you can avoid breaking a window by throwing or carrying the free end of the strap to the other side of the car, then back over the kayak to the buckle, cinch it down the same way.

[@skmorrow96]

Awesome video, thank you so much. Couple of questions for you. The anchors that fit under the hood, I have some, I think they are Yakima brand and they're more like a sand bag with a strap attached. Are you not concerned about that damaging your hood? That's been my concern, using those hood anchors, and attaching a strap to my kayak, kind of pulls up on the hood. Also, I have the same Yakima JayLow rack that you have and I have been looking at the same Pungo 120 that you have. Do you feel comfortable transporting the Pungo or a larger kayak on your JayLow cradles? Thanks again, I appreciate the video.

[@completepete]

Steve, thanks for watching and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’m not worried about the hood anchors as they are only a backup for the main straps and I usualLy don’t put much tension on them. No problem with the Pungo up on the J hooks. The Pungo 120 is only 49 pounds so just 24.5 pounds per cradle. You are going to really like the boat.. we have had ours on all kinds of water including the Hudson River. I also put our Tarpon 120 on the same hooks and it weighs 63 pounds without any issues.

[@skmorrow96]

@@completepete Oh! Perfect chance for a follow up question :). I have been looking at the Tarpon 120 also. I live in Arizona so it's mostly warm weather kayaking. Any preference or advice between the Tarpon/Pungo? The Tarpon would give me more room for gear, and fishing equipment, but how are they to paddle comparatively?

[@completepete]

Steve, the Pungo 120 is my wife’s boat . She prefers a sit in and has paddled everywhere I go including out into the Hudson River without issue. You should definitely get the Tarpon 120. The Tarpon is a little heavier than the Pungo but I think it can also do more. We slip into a lot small creeks and ponds without ramps. Being able to balance and just plop on top of your boat is great. We have two Tarpons and use them frequently for fishing trips, magnet fishing, metal detecting trips, camping trips and general exploration. We load up the Tarpons with packs, food and fishing gear regularly. The Tarpon also has scuppers so if a wave comes over the bow it just drains through. If you don’t like some water squirting up through the scuppers, a set of small plugs will keep you drier. Tracking is awesome, easy to paddle and pretty quick. Watch a couple of the KZbin videos about rigging a Tarpon 120 for fishing and you will have entered the rabbit hole.

[@skmorrow96]

@@completepete LOL, thank you so much!

[@jazzjasmin]

Thank you for this. I just got my kayak this summer and I’m terrified of it coming loose. I am guilty of the ratchet straps. I will invest in new straps. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching Leroy. Glad the video helped and hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.

[@mystupidvideos4347]

I always use ratchet straps, as they have no way of possibly slipping as a cam can. But yes, you do have to watch and be careful as to how tight you crank them. I use J-racks with padding on them, which allows the foam to squish instead of the kayak, and the squished padding will constantly apply pressure to keep things tight (and grip it, too), just like lock washers do on a bolt.

[@batninja1968]

Great video! What width NRS straps are you using? 1.5”? 2”?

[@completepete]

We are using 1.5”! They no longer make the specific type we have, but they make these www.nrs.com/nrs-15-heavy-duty-straps/pywr or a 1” rubber buckle version which might be preferable to prevent damage

[@batninja1968]

@@completepete Ah, I see what you mean. The new ones don’t have the leather (suede?) pads. I may add those myself. Thanks for the info!

[@rebas04]

Hi Pete, I looked on Amazon, are the NRS 12 2”? I can only find 1” on an Amazon

[@completepete]

Our straps are 1.5”, but I don’t believe NRS makes that specific version anymore. They make a Heavy Duty 1.5” strap here: www.nrs.com/product/1445/nrs-15-heavy-duty-straps NRS also makes a “buckle bumper” style strap that is 1”, which should serve the purpose and has some protection for your car or glass if you accidentally drop the end. www.rei.com/product/171811/nrs-12-x-1-buckle-bumper-strap-package-of-2?CAWELAID=120217890010077362&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=107744802704&CATCI=pla-366418484527&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_1718110001%7C92700053582160263%7CNB%7C71700000066692654&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Mq5tqHH8QIVFWpvBB1PPQwQEAQYASABEgKupvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@jenylb907]

How would you do this with two kayaks and two j-racks? Same loop around the side bars or cross bars?

[@completepete]

Yes, you’d follow the same process that I showed for the j-hook for both boats using the rack as the “anchor point”.

[@CapraSupreme]

what were the straps called that you put underneath the hood and trunk?

[@completepete]

Joshua, thanks for watching! The straps are Malone Quicklash T style hood loops. Thule also has a hood loop strap and a quick loop strap. The Thule quick loop strap is nice because the T portion is a rubber hose the is a bit smaller than the Malone Quicklash and fits (squishes down) better between the hood and fender.

[@tman41291]

So fabric is needed for the bow and stern tie downs? i was concerned that it was vibrate so much that it would effects the paint

[@completepete]

If you are not using the hood mounted tie downs, I would protect your paint from the straps. The straps moving or flapping in the wind will damage your paint. If you were to look on Amazon under tie down strap pad or protector you will see a number of neoprene, sheepskin and padded sleeves. This should keep your paint looking perfect.

[@jakeritchel]

I’ve got a Nucanoe Frontier 12 which is 41” wide… would you maybe recommend NRS (1.5” wide) straps in 15ft length? Thanks!

[@completepete]

That’s a really nice boat! Sitting in the J hooks with a 41” wide boat, the 12’ straps should be plenty. I’d calculate that you would have about 4’ of strap left over. Of course the 15’ strap will work also and you can just wrap up the slack. Thanks for watching!

[@jakeritchel]

@@completepete thank you, sir! Great vid.

[@RD-yw1rt]

Do you need to have a cradle for your roof rack or can you just turn it flat down to your roof rack?

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! We are able to lay two kayaks flat on the Subaru roof rack without issue. A cradle is not absolutely necessary depending on your application. I would recommend the Yakima rack pads to keep the boats from sliding around.

[@JBoney-bi8lh]

Can you fit 2 kayaks on the car at the same time using one just on the cross bars and another on the J-rack? Thanks.

[@completepete]

Thanks for watching! Yes, that's exactly what we do. One boat flat on the crossbars and the other in the J-hook.

[@JBoney-bi8lh]

@@completepete thank you!

[@christylong1851]

Pete, can I share this link in my paddling clubs newsletter, The Waterline.

[@completepete]

Of course.. thanks for asking.

[@gravitysdaughtr]

Hey Pete what model are those yakima mounts? Thanks a bunch

[@completepete]

It is the Baseline system for a naked roof. You choose the crossbar, ours is the Jet stream. yakima.com/products/baseline-system

[@gravitysdaughtr]

Thanks again for your reply! I'm thinking of getting those. What length are your bars? I know they come in 50" 60" and 70"

[@completepete]

Our bars are 62" long but are an older model - that length must not be offered anymore. For most people, I would recommend measuring your roof's width and choosing a bar length that is closest to that measurement. It's very easy to hit your head on the bars getting in and out of your car if they extend past the roofline.

[@wc6046]

Very helpful video, thank you. Not trying to sound like a smartass, but Thule is pronounced "tool-ee." Just an FYI

[@joinushugabear5847]

Actually, it is a swedish brand and is not pronouced ”tool-ee”, more like ”tu-le” with a ”hard” U that might be hard for native english speakers to nail.

[@ryanwood74]

Whats the width of the NRS-12 strap, 1", 1.5", 2"? I see they come in different lengths, would you still recommend 12"? Same question for the Moose straps......width and length.....

[@completepete]

Hi Ryan, The NRS straps are 1.5” wide, and I find the 12 foot straps to be more than enough for my purposes - there is plenty of strap to wrap up after tying the boat down. The Moose straps are 1” wide and ~4.5 feet long. If I were to do it again, I’d consider longer moose straps (because they would be more useful for other tie-down purposes).

[@ryanwood74]

@@completepete would 9 feet be to short for the BRS straps. I found them on Amazon but the Moose Straps are hard to find, nice video by the way!

[@completepete]

I think the 9 foot NRS straps would be fine for most use cases. I wanted to be better safe than sorry with the longer ones. Try this link for the moose straps I purchased www.denniskirk.com/moose/black-1-in-heavy-duty-quad-pack-tie-downs-3920-0300.p409091.prd/409091.sku?gclid=Cj0KCQjwidSWBhDdARIsAIoTVb1J_wwec2RyfTnU_IeAiNZiWdTD869whEhuZmx8F7xJ51Py9gCMoJ4aAtUdEALw_wcB

[@ashleybloomberg1330]

Can you link where you got your roof rack?

[@completepete]

Hi Ashley, I purchased mine here: yakima.com/products/baseline-system?_ga=2.189773291.1916763938.1685623116-741402609.1685623116 Note that this link is to the system for my vehicle, which may not fit your exact application! Thanks for watching!

[@derekhanson9915]

BTW…Thule is pronounced “Two-lee”. Good beta on the wide straps! Wider is better.

[@dobeeeeval]

I'd have no idea what someone is talking about if they said "two-lee". I recognized "thule" though.

[@michaelv77]

Could you please write here details of the devices that are used to secure the bow and the end of the kayak.

[@completepete]

Sure thing Michael. maloneautoracks.com/QuickLash-TM-T-Style-Hood-Loops.html You can use any ratchet tie downs that you like. Just a 3/4" strap is fine and Malone has several options. Everything is available on Amazon. Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing!

[@vericaradmanovic8531]

Do the NRS-12 straps vibrate while driving? I had that problem with a some smaller straps and it made for an unpleasant trip.

[@completepete]

Hi Verica, I can highly recommend the NRS-12 straps. Being thicker than an economy strap and 1” wide, we have not experienced any noise or vibration.

[@steveandsarahrutledge9105]

A trucker's trick put one or two twists in the strips to eliminate vibration.

[@steveandsarahrutledge9105]

A follow up on my comment: Do the twist or two, but make sure it doesn't create a crease in the strap. I got this tip from a knowledgeable man, and for years now I have used it when hauling all kinds of things on my camping trailer. It works! Either magic or the aerodynamics! :>

[@steveandsarahrutledge9105]

@@completepete Are you sure your straps are only 1 inch wide? They look 1.5 or 2 inch wide to me.

[@completepete]

Good catch! My comment was supposed to say, “1 inch wider”, than the economy straps.

[@steveandsarahrutledge9105]

Pete--and everyone, my Toyota Sienna doesn't have a convenient tie down for the bow or stern of the kayak and the hood is so low fitting it won't accomodate a monroe strap or other similar types of straps. So, stop me if this sounds crazy, but would tying the bow and stern BACK to the roof-rack roof mount accomplish the same thing--that is provide balancing tension so that the kayak won't slide forward and backward? The solution seems so easy that I am thinking, "Surely someone has done this before...or, surely it must not work or everybody would be doing this." Thoughts anyone? Thanks for posting. I hit subscribe for yah, bud.

[@completepete]

Thanks for your comment and for subscribing! Tying your bow and stern back to the roof rack can achieve the same goal of providing some balance and support during transport. The exceptions to this would be a total failure of the main tie-downs OR if your rack system itself were to fail. A little extra insurance can't hurt..

[@ryeann2567]

Two-Lee, not thool. Thumbs up!

[@lowhanlindsey]

7:37 Why can't you just strap from your front and rear holds back to the bars the kayak is resting on?

[@completepete]

Hi Wade.. it’s recommended that the boat is strapped to the cradle. Front and rear tie downs are usually only used for security in case a main tie-down lets loose. I know folks get “creative” when tying down their boats but better safe than sorry!

[@kahp2332]

Easier would be to rent a kajak

[@Romany1111]

Good job on this, Pete. "Thule" is pronounced "Too-Lee." Makes you sound more professional when that's included in your next one.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

"here's the important part," but "I'm not going to go through the whole thing..." You illustrate how to fling a strap over an object, but don't want to go through the important part? Unbelievable

[@starrsmarido]

Why do we have to watch an infomercial with no way to skip..this is BS

[@completepete]

Hi Stephen. I can’t replicate the issue you’re describing, but can tell you that non-skippable ads are disabled on this channel. Unfortunately, KZbin changed their policies recently to include a “Right to Monetize” clause which allows Google to place ads (skippable or otherwise) on any video without the creators control. I’m sorry you were unable to skip an ad, but hope you understand that this is out of my control and continue to watch upcoming videos this channel releases.

[@swampliger8770]

Also KZbin is free sooo unless you got the paid service I wouldn't complain it's free. Great video.

[@KingdomSoldier12]

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