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 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 moulding. 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 centred 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 backwards 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.
How to Make Foam Blocks
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 on how to make inexpensive foam block kayak carriers for safe and secure transportation of your craft. Follow the steps:
1. Get the required materials
You will need the following:
- 20 foam square pads
- Clamps
- Gorilla glue
- Straight edge
- Square
- Duct tape
- Box cutter knife
2.Cut out foam tabs
Use the straight edge and box cutter knife 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 piece to be shorter, so at when putting 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 glueing 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 learnt 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!
James is a professional kayaker and his hobby is fishing! He has been fishing for last 5 years and he loves using Kayaks while outing as well. Based on his experiences with the different type of Kayaks; he is sharing his opinion about various kayaks so that a beginner can get started right away. Find him on Twitter here. Happy reading!
