How to Load a Kayak
Without Our Kayak Loader
Loading a kayak without a specialized loader can be challenging but manageable with the right technique and equipment. Here are some steps to help you load your kayak onto your vehicle:
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Make sure your vehicle has a suitable roof rack or crossbars installed to support your kayak.
- Position the Kayak: Place your kayak parallel to your vehicle with the bow facing the direction you’ll be loading.
- Use a Kayak Cart: If available, use a kayak cart to transport your kayak from the water to your vehicle, reducing the physical strain.
- Lift with a Friend: Loading is much easier with two people. Stand on opposite sides of the kayak, bend your knees, and lift using your legs to avoid back strain.
- Lift One End at a Time: If you’re alone, lift the bow of the kayak onto the rear of your vehicle’s roof rack. Once the bow is secure, lift the stern and push the kayak forward until it’s centered on the rack.
- Use a Towel or Mat: Place a towel or mat on the rear of your vehicle to prevent scratches and provide some friction to help slide the kayak onto the roof.
- Secure the Kayak: Once the kayak is on the roof rack, use cam straps or ratchet straps to secure it firmly. Make sure to tie down both the bow and stern to prevent movement during transport.
- Check for Stability: Before driving, double-check that your kayak is securely fastened and stable. Give it a shake to ensure it’s firmly in place.
By following these steps, you can load your kayak onto your vehicle without the need for a specialized kayak loader. Remember to lift carefully and secure your kayak properly to ensure a safe and hassle-free transport.
How to Load a Kayak
With Our Kayak Loader
To Unload:
- Back Your Truck: Back your truck down the boat ramp until it’s about 3-4 feet from the water.
- Extend the Rails: Unhook and extend the telescoping rails by pulling them to full extension.
- Unstrap the Boat: Unstrap the ratchet strap holding the back of your boat.
- Raise the Rack: Use the included remote to raise the front of the rack while lowering the end of the rails into the water. Ensure the foot of the rails is secure on the ground. You may not need to use the full range of lift to achieve this.
- Lower the Kayak: Use the winch remote to lower your kayak directly into the water.
- Secure the Kayak: Unhook your kayak from the winch cable and secure the bow on land to prevent it from floating away.
- Retract the Cable: Use the winch remote to retract the cable and secure it by hooking it to the rack.
- Lower the Rack: Use the actuator remote to lower the rack to the starting position.
- Retract the Rails: Release the push buttons on the telescoping tubes and push them back in.
- Park Your Vehicle: Park your vehicle and enjoy your time on the water.
To Reload:
- Back Your Truck: Back your truck to the boat ramp until it’s about 3-4 feet from the water.
- Extend the Rails: Extend the telescoping rails.
- Raise the Rack: Use the actuator remote to raise the rack, lowering the foot of the rails to the ground. Ensure they are securely connected to the ground.
- Let Out the Cable: Use the winch remote to let the cable out long enough to hook your boat.
- Load the Kayak: Use the winch remote to load your kayak up the rails, stopping when the bow of the boat is just touching the winch support.
- Lower the Rack: Use the actuator remote to lower the rack to the starting position.
- Retract the Rails: Release the push buttons on the telescoping tubes and push them back in.
- Secure the Boat: Use a ratchet strap to secure the back of your boat, attaching it to the rack by the eye bolts.
- Secure for Transport: Hook the foot of the rails with the S hook strap to secure for transport.
Easy as extending/sliding the rails in and out and pushing a button!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AND STAY CONNECTED!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Stay in the loop with our latest updates and exclusive offers! Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about new products, special promotions, and industry insights. Don’t miss out – sign up today for a dose of inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
