Transportation, Storage | Old Town Canoe Co Pack, XT Tandem Plus, 16

TRANSPORTATION

Paddling kayaks and canoes may be the most graceful way to explore our waters. But handling boats on land can be cumbersome. Thankfully, proper equipment makes transportation easy and safe.

Ideally your canoe should be carried cockpit-side down, but kayaks can be transported cockpit-side down, on their sides with appropriate rack accessories (like Stackers or J-style hull supports) or cockpit-side up using cradles or saddles.

No matter how you carry your boat, be sure to run two straps around the hull to the roof rack in addition to lines from the bow and stern to both bum- pers of your vehicle. Straps wrapped too-tightly around the hull can warp your boat (especially in hot weather). Keep the lines snug, and take care not to harm your boat.

The manufacturer of your roof rack may have special instructions and weight recommendations for carrying boats on your vehicle. Check with the rack manufacturer if you have questions.

If you do not have a rack system, soft rack pads can be used between the boat and your car top. Run straps over the canoe or kayak and through the car doors to secure the boat to the roof, in addition to tying it to your bumpers at the bow and stern. Remember straps should be secure, but not overly tight. Stop and check your load as you drive.

STORAGE

Your new boat is carefully crafted to ensure optimum durability. But im- proper storage can quickly degrade hull

Cockpit-side down on rack, inset using pads only

On the side using Stackers, inset using J-style

Right-side up using a Hullavator, inset using saddles

shape, color and UV-protection. Storage is key!

Above all else, store your kayak out of the sun. Waxes and protectants are simply not enough–they will eventually wash off the boat into our waterways. Signs of sun damage include fading,

a loss of ﬂexibility and cracking that cannot be repaired. Keep your kayak or canoe inside or under cover, especially if you live in a sunny climate. A tarp properly suspended above the boat will protect the boat from ultraviolet light. Do not cover your boat by laying a tarp directly on it. With the heat of the sun, the tarp creates an oven that can damage, distort or discolor the hull. Simply leave an air space to allow for air circulation.