Are you worried about how to transport your kayak with a vehicle without a roof rack? The foam block kayak carrier is the best solution for you. The tools are used to carry the kayak on the car reliably. When you buy the package, it comes with foam blocks and straps that are simple to use with the stress-free installation.
Most of them are soft to protect both the vehicle and the kayak from any scratches. Here you learn how to use the foam block kayak carriers and get to know the process of making them.
How To Use Foam Block Kayak Carriers
Here is the step by step guide on how to carry the kayak using foam block carriers:
Put The Two-Block On Top Of The Vehicle
The two foam blocks should be placed near the front and back windshield of the car. For those cars with factory racks, then the blocks should be on the two ends. The distance between the two blocks should be such that the boat does not touch the roof of the car to prevent any scratches.
Run The Straps Through The Foam Blocks
You should then run the straps through the foam blocks and the open doors. Some straps come with car clips that can be used to attach it to the car’s door frame weather molding. In such a case, the straps will not run through the inside of the vehicle.
Put The Kayak On Top Of The Foam Blocks
Once the foams are securely in place, you should then put the kayak parallel to the car. The kayak should be centered on each foam block to avoid slipping over when carrying. The straps once tied at the windshield should also be run back over the kayak to secure the craft to the foam blocks for stability. Do the same for the other foam block and your kayak will be ready for transportation.
You should tighten the straps snuggly as too tight can crack fiberglass kayaks and deform plastic ones.
Unloading The Kayak From The Vehicle
Once you get to your desired destination, you should unstrap the kayak from the car. Once it is done, get someone to help you get the kayak down. If you are alone, then slide the kayak from the front backward putting a towel at the back where it touches. When it reaches the ground on the other side then move there and pull it slowly and entirely to the ground.
If planning to transport it using the vehicle, then there is no need to unstrap the foam blocks. Leave them, so it becomes easier when loading back the kayak.
What Is The Best Kayak Foam Block? (With Specs And Stats)
Kayak Foam Block is a foam-based, non-skid, and anti-slip strap carrier designed for use on car roofs to carry kayaks without scratching the car.
For any kayak, even the smallest, is too big for your car. With the Kayak Foam Block, your kayak is easy to transport from your trunk to the water with a simple flip of your roof rack.
Features:
1. Carry up to three kayaks without the hassle of stringing, carrying, or taping with our ultra-versatile carrier.
2. Durable and affordable to take on all your adventures
3. Designed for a variety of kayak roof rack sizes and styles
4. Fits almost any 16″ kayak, 3-4 person.
5. Durable plastic construction with reinforced non-slip bottom for secure transport.
6. Pack of 3 carriers, 2 in a package.
7. Customize your own kayak cradle to fit the roof rack, boat carrier or mount you own. Save money and time.
8. The quick, easy and simple way to transport a kayak on top of a car in place of the traditional kayak carriers.
9. Fast, easy to use – you can quickly start a project and stop it again without any hassle.
10. Lightweight and portable. Perfect for use on the go and with your travels.
11. Fully portable, fits in your bag, and doesn’t take up much space when not in use.
How To Make Foam Blocks (DIY)
Not ready to invest a lot of money in foam blocks and willing to make one? You are at the right place. Here you will learn how to make inexpensive foam block kayak carriers for safe and secure transportation of your craft. Follow the steps:
1. Get The Required Materials (Kayak Foam Block Kits)
You will need the following:
1. 20 foam square pads
2. Clamps
3. Gorilla glue
4. Straight edge
5. Square
6. Duct tape
7. Box cutter knife
2. Cut Out Foam Tabs
Use the straight edge and box cutter knife to remove all of the tags from the foams.
3. Cut The Pads Into Half
The aim is to make two foam blocks, and thus you need to cut the foam in half. You should then have 40 pads after cutting all.
4. Customize The Shape
You need some pieces to be shorter, so when putting them together the middle goes lower, forming a depression. Be creative in doing so.
5. Glue The Pieces Together
Take the pieces and place them on top of each other one at a time while gluing them together. Note that you should glue 20 foams each to form two foam blocks. You can also use wood glue.
6. Clamp The Foams Together
Now clamp your foams together and leave them for 24 hours to sick well and take the desired shape.
7. Remove The Clamps
After 24 hours, remove the braces, and your blocks are ready to carry your kayak. To further secure the blocks together, you can use duct tape around them.
Now put the made block on the car. Follow the steps highlighted above on how to use the carriers to transport your kayak.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to make and use the foam block carriers, there is no more stress of transporting your kayak. Follow the steps and enjoy kayaking anywhere anytime!
NUS is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake.
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!
Last update on 2021-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
