Why Do You Always Transport A Canoe Upside Down?

Canoe builders and auto makers recommend tote a kayak right side up in kayak cradles to prevent rain from getting inside the boat. However, some vehicles may not allow roof racks to be used. Most canoes on cars are upside down, and most longer kayaks are rightside up or on their side.

Transporting a kayak upside down offers several recreational advantages, including protecting the cockpit from elements like rain. You can transport a canoe using various methods, such as picking it up and carrying it over your head, using specialized canoe trailers, canoe carts, and vehicle roof racks. If your kayak is made of composite materials, always transport it cockpit side down or hull side up using a specifically designed roof rack.

There are many ways to transport a canoe, but the best way to carry it on a vehicle or trailer is upside-down on its gunwales, which is the strongest part of the canoe structurally. This method removes the chance of the boat filling with rainwater and provides four points of contact at locations that are wide and far apart from each other.

Car-topping a canoe upside down ensures that it won’t fill with water when transported in the rain or on dry days. When using cradles or J-hooks, they are usually designed to take the hull side down (or inward). Bow and stern lines should be placed on the roof before tying down the canoe.

Canoes are transported upside down, with the hull at the top, but be careful not to bang it into your vehicle. When canoe gunnel down, air will travel up the bonnet and window screen, inside the canoe, and out the rear, having a lesser effect.

Composite kayaks are highly advised to be transported upside down, as they tend to be lightweight, handle better on the water, and offer better handling.