Canoe on the roof!

[AndrewP]

I have a tintop camper with a caravanstore (2.55m) fitted to the roof and thus taking up much of the length of the gutter. I also have an open canoe which i want to transport on the roof. Th elength of the caravanstore makes the distance between roofbars too long to provide sufficient stability for the canoe when on the move. If I reduce the distance I then cannot use the caravanstore when stopped unless I remove the roofbars and canoe as the roofbars brackets (if that's what they're called) prevent the caravanstore from unrolling. Does anyone have a solution to this?

[lloyd]

How about a padded cradle across middle of van that would keep canoe from moving?

[andisnewsyncro]

A second set of roofbars across the middle ? Cheap enough off ebay

[AndrewP]

A second set of roofbars would mean that I wouldn't be able to use the caravanstore! That's the issue I've got.

[lloyd]

A second set of roofbars would mean that I wouldn't be able to use the caravanstore! That's the issue I've got.

Is reason I suggested padded cradle/saddle/spacer that conforms to roof top and canoe with canoe fitting tight to your front and rear crossbars. Fit it on roof between "C" pillars as that part of roof is reinforced. For example it could easily be made out of 4x2 or 6x2 and padded with carpet. If you would like more info on how to do it , let me know.

[andisnewsyncro]

A second set of roofbars would mean that I wouldn't be able to use the caravanstore! That's the issue I've got.

I see that from re-reading, didn't quite get it a t first !!..

Is the caravanstore the type in a bag? I've clamped roof bars over them before or made a small cut out for additional bars to go across a Landy roof.

The other option is to mount a piece of awning rail onto a rigid metal strip and then fix that to the roof bar mounts. It depends a bit on your roof bars I suppose. Mine have a large flat side which you can bolt additional stuff to



Sorry can't be more help

[AndrewP]

Many thanks for these ideas. I think I get the idea for the cradle. The bottom of the cradle is shaped to fit the van roof and the top to fit the canoe. This gives the canoe some support in the middle whilst being tied down at the ends to the roofbars? Does the cradle simply sit on the roof or is it fixed in some way - to the gutter on the other side of the van to the caravanstore perhaps?

[ajp]

Whats your canoe made out of? If its any one of the plastics it really isn't and issue. Wood or Grp then yes you have a problem but an ABS boat you could tow behind behind you and it wear through before it would break.

[lloyd]

You've got the idea.
Could have a strap that goes around canoe to hold it in place. They make canoe carriers like this. They are dense rigid foam and straps:
http://www.riversidecartop.com/universa ... ctions.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.underwater-housing.co.cc/mal ... rrier-kit/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Have used them, but found they sometimes dent roof. Blocks in middle of canoe would probably be fine with your rack crossbars... Make sure whatever you use is a little taller then roof rack so it's a good tight fit when canoe is strapped downand put where the roof is reinforced at C pillar.

[Titus A Duxass]

Thanks for those useful links Lloyd.

[AndrewP]

I'll second that. Very useful. Thanks to all for your help. AJP my canoe is made of GRP so it needs a roof carrying system and thanks too to andysnewsyncro. My roofbars are not like yours so that wouldn't work either.

[ajp]

Fair play, those GRP boats need a bit more TLC than the plastic boats. I can vouch for this as my last GRP boat is quite possible still off Lyme Regis where it sank after a rather heavy contact with a submerged rock whilst surfing.

[Titus A Duxass]

I have a much simpler task when it comes to putting it on the roof.


I had to modify the canoe design slightly, originally the hull curvature meant that I couldn't open the rear hatch very wide.

[AndrewP]

That's the system I use on my car. Much easier. Nice canoe.