Loading a Canoe solo - suggestions

[Croz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Croz]

Hey all,

I am looking for suggestions for loading my 15 foot coleman Ram - X canoe onto the roof of my Prado solo, the canoe weighs around 40-50kgs. I have to get it up there so I can meet a mate a few hundred kays away and will be doing this at a time when I can't get someone to give me a hand. I have a 2012 GX with a set of whispbar trade HD racks that happily carry the boat.

My thoughts are to open the rear door and lay a soft blanket on the rear of the roof then lean the front of the canoe up on the blanket before lifting the rear and sliding it along the racks then lifting the rear while I close the back door.

Has anyone got any other suggestions on doing this to mimnimise the danger of scratching/damaging the car?

[Guest Close Guest]

Make up a tube that extends out the side of the Prado. Lift front end of canoe onto the tube. Then lift rear end and slide it onto the roof racks. Then slide the front end onto the rack and retract the tube.

Edit: like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsBJdEocuJ4

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

I used to store a large canoe tied to the trusses in a 16 foot high shed, I just hoisted it up using a rope at each end. Do you have any structure like a shed or a carport that you can hoist it up on using ropes at each end and then just back under it? I assume at the other end its no issue as you will have your mate to help.

Cheers Andrew

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

I was almost going to suggest putting some grease around the window and door seals, driving into the water, then paddling the canoe onto the roof. But then I realized this would take 2 persons so wouldn't suit your needs.

[Croz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Croz]

I like the tube idea, I could make somethjg like that up and attach it to the front rack.

I don't have any trees around, I had considered that but the highest thing round her the gutter...

The snorkel isn't long enough for floating it on either.

[Waverunner1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Waverunner1]

hi croz ive got a 4 seater finn canoe that weighs approx 40kg and approx 14foot long. i basically place the nose up on the rear tailgate (blanketed) and then slide it up from the rear. i find the canoe always wants to flip the moment i lift the back so be onto it. essentially its an absolute struggle to stop it sliding sideways whilst u push but sheer determination will see u through. another method that ive successfully tried is to place the canoe beside the car tie a rope to the front of the canoe and then thread the rope through the front roof rack and then pull/winch the front of the canoe up high and then tie it off,then u can simply lift the back up onto the rack and strap it down and then sort the front out and strap it down. hope this helps. happy canoeing

regards paul

[peril Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peril]

If price is no object, there is a special designed loader for this purpose.

Strongarm Kayak Loader @ $395.00

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s3148158.htm

Rhino Rack do their version for $339.00.

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/AccSubCa...oaders_78.aspx

[Croz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Croz]

Price is a consideration, I could sell the canoe for about $700 and add $400 and buy a lighweight newby and lift it myself. Thanks for the idea though.

I think I will try my way with the blanket first with a mates assistance and see how it all goes. I have also been thinking about making a pair of "side stops", essentially a pair of brackets I could bolt into the channel of the roof racks with wingnuts to stop it sliding off the sides of the racks as I push it up. Ill drag it out on the weekend and give it a go with the help of a mate in preparation for the trip.

[150D4DNikki Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 150D4DNikki]

Wish I was closer, to watch whilst drinking champers

[Croz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Croz]

Woked it out. I have a six foot high set of colourbond gates in front of my carport, put the front of the canoe up on the gates and back the car up to them, then slide the canoe along on the top of the gate onto the car with no scratches or contact other than the roof racks