Transporting Canoe 65mph. Do you think I should be alright?

susp3nd

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May 17, 2011
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I have ratchet straps on except for the front. I appears secure. Is there anything that I could do to make this better (with what I have)?

Do you think I would be ok?
 

Bondo

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Do you think I would be ok?

Nope,.... well, maybe,..... The cross strap in the front of the bed, Might hold it side to side in a cross wind,....

I might rope it through the back seat windows,....

Btw,.... Nice canoe,.....
 
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susp3nd

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May 17, 2011
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ahhhh I see what you are saying. Good call :) Thanks... I just picked it up a few days ago. Family is eager to get it on the water.
 

Bondo

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Just so ya know, I've moved a few Old Town canoes,....

There's 50 in this load,.... ;) :D

f10559.jpg
 

ziggy

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Jun 30, 2004
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i'll not speak for yer set up. but it's very close to the way i tie mine up on the roof.




your lucky. looks like you have more leeway side to side. mine sits right on the edge of the roof. so i can't afford it to move. i'd say if it moves 2 to 3'' i'm off the roof on that side.

i don't have a pic of my criss cross straps at this time. but easy enough to describe. i had problems with the strap in the center. it'd slide rearward and get loose. this i couldn't afford. i found my option though. though i doubt it'll work for you. i got my canoe used. and whoever had it before me added oarlocks. they're located just slight aft of where my center strap is. my solution was to put my s hook right into the oarlock. my s hooks fit perfect. then crisscross.

i just have clam shell type straps. they're ok for my 22 mile trip to the lake. however if i had to go further i think i'd go ratchet or at least some strap that locks in place. the clam shell type do loosen with time and road vibration.

this set up for me works well. i don't go 65mph. but i'm sure i've had it in higher winds that that. going 45mph on the truck into a 25-30 mph head wind. so that's 70-76 mph winds. it stays put.

so my suggestion is that for the center strap, is to find something solid to mount it to in the canoe. wrapping the center strap around the canoe didn't work for me. going to the oar locks does. it feels solid when strapped down. i see it stressing and shaking in high winds, but it don't move. though i will say imho, 55mph w/o wind it works well. i start getting to 65mph and i start to worry. though i've no reason to as it's so far stayed where i put it.

btw, the second pic is when i first got it. the purple mat didn't work. the canoe foam blocks in the 1st pic do work. these are what i use.
 

robert graham

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Apr 16, 2009
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I've been transporting my canoe on top of my Olds and Buick for over 30 years and never any issues......My straps are about like yours....2 up front and 1 in the back...snug it down good and off you go at 70 MPH....sometimes when you pass a big rig going the other way the canoe can twitch a little but snugged down good, she's not going anywhere!....
 

susp3nd

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May 17, 2011
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Thank you guys for the advice. Ill see how she goes tomorrow. I'm sure she will be fine. I just needed some piece of mind. haha.
 

ziggy

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I've been transporting my canoe on top of my Olds and Buick for over 30 years
well, that just dated ya rg. :). though i'll date me too, i remember too. 1st boat i delt with was pulled by a '67 olds 98. worked every bit as good as a truck too.
I'm sure she will be fine
yep, and if ya have issues, you'll figure out what needs to be addressed prior to the next time out. have a great time... canoes are a lot of fun. best '$200 bucks i ever spent....
 
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