How do you transport a Kayak on a 4-door car?

Question

Is there a way to transport a kayak on the hood of a standard size 4-door car? I am leasing the car, so I don't want to drill any latches into the hood. Suggestions?

Answer 1

Tie it down on top....Just make sure you have the rope or strap go through AT LEAST ONE of the carrying handles on the boat.

Answer 2

There are a couple of ways that you can do it.  

One: If you have a roof rack on your car, I recommend the Thule Hull-a-Port.  They are basically metal padded cradles that will hold your kayak.  They will hook up to your roof rack and then there are straps that you use to secure it to your car.

http://www.thuleracks.com/carrier_water1...

Two: This is a cheaper option and will work without a roof rack.  There are cheap packages out there that contain a series of straps and pads that allow you to essentially strap your kayak down to the the roof of your car.  There are pads that the kayak rests on to prevent slipping of the kayak and damage to the car.

http://www.rei.com/product/619248

I would recommend going to a store that sells kayaks and see what they all have.  REI is my store of preference, but I don't know if there is one near where you live.  You can check them out online at REI.com.  Pricing varies on the items I have described above.  Anywhere from $50 to $200.

Answer 3

yiu can always secure them with ratchet straps...no drilling necessary.  Otherwise there are no other options.