Transporting two kayaks can be complicated if you don’t have a roof rack. But it’s possible. With the right material and some work, you should be able to carry two kayaks on your car without a roof rack. There are actually a few methods you can use to do it.
The easiest and cheapest way to transport two kayaks without a roof rack is with pool noodles or foam blocks and straps. You can put the noodles or blocks on the top of your car, load the two kayaks on it, and secure them with straps. Then, you can tie the bow and stern of the boats to the front and back of your car.
There are a few more details you should know about each of those steps, but it’s as easy and simple as that. You just have to make sure the pool noodles or foam blocks are wide enough for the two kayaks. Those soft roof pads would also be a durable and affordable option.
Apart from that, you could also secure them in your truck bed if you have a pickup. Another alternative would be to invest in a double kayak trailer. So now, let’s explore all those options to see which is best for your situation!
How To Transport 2 Kayaks With Pool Noodles?
The best way to transport kayaks is to use pool noodles because it’s simple and effective. It’s also very cheap compared to roof racks and other methods. Besides that, you probably already have some of the material needed.
Transporting a kayak without a roof rack is very similar whether you have one boat or two. But adding a second kayak onto your car might slightly change the process and require different or more material. To keep it simple, here are three things you will need and three steps to follow!
What Do You Need?
Step 1: Put The Pool Noodles On The Roof!
First, you will need to get the pool noodles. Just make sure they aren’t too soft, cheap, or small. Otherwise, they might squeeze up too much or break and damage your car or kayak. So the pool noodles should be relatively thick, solid, and long enough to cover the width of the roof.
These would be an excellent option to transport two kayaks on your car. You should use at least two noodles, but you can add a third one for extra protection. You can also insert wood, aluminum, or PVC tubes inside to make them more solid.
Once you have the noodles, it’s time to put them onto your car. So you can place one noodle on the back of the roof, another in the front, and maybe one in the middle. They should all be perpendicular to the length of the car.
Then, you can leave the noodle loose like that or secure them with cam straps or a nylon rope. If you do so, thread it inside the noodle and tighten the strap around the roof or attach the rope to the grab handles inside the car. That way, it won’t move when you load the kayak.
Step 2: Load The Two Kayaks Onto Your Car!
The second step is to put the kayaks on the pool noodles. You should ideally ask your paddling partner or someone nearby to help you with that. Loading kayaks on a car is much easier at two, especially if you have more than one.
One person can take the bow (front) of a kayak while the other one takes the stern (back). Then, you have to lift it over your heads and put it on the pool noodles. Leave some place for the other kayak and load that one too.
If they are too wide to fit onto your car, you might have to flip them on the side and secure them that way. For example, you could put something between the kayaks and strap them together. That way, they should fit on the roof and not move during transportation.
If you’re alone, loading the kayaks will be more difficult and complicated, but it’s possible. You can put a blanket, carpet, or towel on the roof and slide them on it. With two kayaks, you might have to remove the pool noodles, load the kayaks from the front or back of the car, and put the noodles back.
Obviously, you have to place the kayaks perpendicularly to the pool noodles. Then, you should put the bow in front of the car and the stern in the back, the cockpit facing down if possible. But the best position will depend on the boats and the situation.
Once the kayaks are on the car, you can make sure everything is well aligned and replace the noodles if they have moved.
Step 3: Secure The Kayaks To The Roof!
The last step is to secure the kayaks in place. You don’t want them to move or even fall off the car when you drive to your favorite paddling spot. So for that, you will need straps, ideally cam straps.
This tie-down ratchet set would also work. The only problem is that ratchet straps can easily tighten the kayaks too much. But if you like that system better, you can use it. Practically any rope could work. It just won’t be as convenient and safe as those cam straps.
Once you have something to secure the kayaks, you can open all your car’s doors. Then, you can pass two straps around the roof through the doors: one in the front and one in the back.
After that, you can slightly twist the straps where it doesn’t touch the kayaks and insert them into their respective buckles. Place them on the same side outside the car near the kayak so you can pull the straps down. It will make it easier to use and adjust.
Then, you can tighten the straps using your body weight to make it a snug fit. You should not be able to move the kayaks. Once it’s tight enough, you can put or attach the remaining part of the straps inside the car.
Tie Down The Bow & Stern Of Both Kayaks!
Another way to keep the kayaks in place on the roof is to attach both ends to the car. Most kayaks have grab handles on the bow and stern. So you can use a nylon rope or any other rope to tie them down to the front and back recovery points of the vehicle.
If you don’t find them, look at the car’s manual. For the front attachment, hood loops would be very convenient, and keep the cord out of your way while driving. You should also cut or attach the excess rope somewhere it won’t bother you.
Here’s a video showing how you can transport two kayaks with pool noodles, straps, and nylon cords. In this video, they use ratchet straps, but it can also work well with cam straps. I would also recommend adding a third pool noodle for extra protection.
Other Ways To Transport 2 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack!
There are many ways to transport two kayaks without a roof rack. Instead of pool noodles, you can use foam blocks, rolled towels, or blankets. You can also put the kayaks in a truck bed or trailer. Some of those transportation methods might actually be better depending on the car, kayaks, and equipment you have.
So here’s more info about the other options!
Foam Blocks
Using foam blocks with straps is an excellent way to transport two kayaks without a roof rack. It’s more durable than pool noodles and still very affordable. You just need foam blocks that are wide enough for the kayaks.
You can also use two smaller foam blocks for each kayak. So you have to put one wide block or a pair of smaller ones in the front of the roof and another in the back. Then, you can load the kayaks and secure them with straps.
The concept is the same as with the pool noodles but with foam blocks instead. I found this rack-free car carrier kit that includes two foam blocks, two straps, and a 15-foot nylon rope. You will need one kit for each kayak, so two in total.
Roof Pads
If you don’t want to complicate your life with DIY projects, roof pads might be the ultimate solution to transport kayaks without a roof rack. It’s very similar to the pool noodles or foam blocks method but already done for you, easier to use, and more durable.
Here’s a universal car carrier set that includes two roof pads, tie-down straps, ropes, and hood loops. So it would be the perfect kit to transport your kayaks on your car. It works even if you don’t have side rails.
Double Kayak Trailer
Another option would be to transport the kayaks with a trailer. It’s very convenient because you won’t have to lift them on top of your car. So it will make loading and unloading much easier. The only problem with double kayak trailers like this one is that they are very expensive.
But it might be worth the investment. And if you already have a utility trailer, you can probably find a way to fit two kayaks on it. It might require some modifications, but it will save you a lot of money and make transportation less of a problem.
Truck Bed
If you have a pickup, you might be able to fit two kayaks in the truck bed. Depending on the space available, you might have to open the tailgate. Then, you will need to secure the kayaks with straps. Don’t forget to put flags if they stick out more than 4 feet off the truck bed.
If you can’t fit the kayaks in your pickup, you might need a truck bed extender. This one could be great for relatively small and narrow boats. But if you have two long and wide kayaks, you might need a pickup bed extender like this one.
Learn more about transporting kayaks in a truck bed!
Besides that, truck racks might be another great option to consider. They will allow you to haul two kayaks while still having space in your truck bed and the possibility to tow a camper. This adjustable and heavy-duty truck utility rack would be perfect.
What if you have more than two kayaks? Well, there are a few ways to transport multiple kayaks, even if you have 3 or 4.
Last Thoughts About Transporting 2 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack!
Finally, there are many ways to transport two kayaks without a roof rack. My favorite option would be to use pool noodles or foam blocks. You simply have to put them on your car, load the kayaks, and secure everything with straps.
If you want a more durable, easy-to-use, and done-for-you transportation method, roof pads like these would be ideal. You could also carry two kayaks in a trailer or a truck bed. Whatever solution you choose, I’m sure you will find a way to get to your favorite paddling spot.
Let’s Transport Those Kayaks Wherever You Want!
