pagoda wrote:

Not sure if this helps. These are two x 16ft kayaks much like a Canadian canoe (for some reason the Yanks switch the terms). I mount them to the roof bars, and have an upright bar on the middle of each roof bar. I use ratchet straps to hold the kayaks to each roof bar, and stabilizing ropes from the front of the kayaks to the underside of the front, and ropes from the rear of each kayak to the tow bar. The sides of the kayak rest on dense foam on each roof bar. The kayaks are also held together by a further strap.

Here's a link to exactly what I have: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/94...1QGWg6PYDw

They max out the weight of the roof loading (maybe exceed it slightly) but I've used this method for a few years with no problems.

Click image to enlarge

Thanks - interesting idea
Think a couple of lengths of dense thick foam might do the job

ronp wrote:

I would question the hull strength of any canoe if it's not up to being ratchet strapped down (though not overtight).
Don't think I would fancy being in the middle of a loch/lake on 'bouncy water' in one.

I use the standard roof bars when transporting my canoe (MR14TT) and lashed down securely it's absolutely fine.

However, don't know the set up with a rack, best bet maybe is to contact Prospeed and see if they have any fitments you can add to it.

I think the ratchet thing is to avoid someone being an idiot and giving it the gorilla treatment when it’s not been positioned squarely on the roof.

I’m fine with using them,
Think I need to think about a padded crossbeam or dense foam for them to sit on 👍

Will also give PS a call next week although I’d rather not give them yet more money

Disco3Ben wrote:

Really hadn’t considered front and back lines.

Where do you attach the front without rubbing paint off the bonnet?

ronp wrote:

Don't put an open canoe on its side on the roof, there's a high risk you'll crush it!
But if you don't, chances are you'll lose it as the straps won't be tight enough to hold it in situ.

Also, another drawback with it being on its side is to be prepared for the wind to take you where it wants to as it'll act like one big sail.

Always 'top it' when carrying an open top on a roof.

Respectfully disagree (and you’re quite wrong, RonP). First, if you’re careful and know what you’re doing, you will not crush the kayaks. Second, it doesn’t act as a sail at all. Maybe with a smaller car, but not with a LR3. I’ve done this for a few years without the slightest problem. The car will quite happily run with this set up. The set up is designed to do it - it's what it's there for. 800 mile round trip through crappy weather without a hitch.

If you have to carry two kayaks (and I do as there are 4 of us and a dog) this is perfectly fine.

If you haven’t tried it... .(just saying )

pagoda wrote:

Respectfully disagree (and you’re quite wrong, RonP). First, if you’re careful and know what you’re doing, you will not crush the kayaks. Second, it doesn’t act as a sail at all.

And, I respectfully & strongly disagree with you Pagoda.
The OP is taking about an Open Canadian Canoe as I am, I'm not taking about Kayaks!
As I too carry multiple Kayaks on their side using an upright support, but will always have the outer ones with their cockpits facing inwards.
Carrying a kayak or canoe with the cockpit facing outward will be detrimental with side winds and always act like a sail ... it's physics!
Also as the op is even concerned about damaging the hull when tying down, it will certainly be more susceptible to damage when lashed down on its side.
This is a totally open top canoe home made of timber and doesn't have the structural strength of a moulded one piece plastic kayak (which has integral top bow & stern decks).

I'll repeat .... NEVER carry an Open Top Canadian Canoe on its side....... just saying.
(Heck, you wouldn't even store one on its side .... as you would do with a kayak)

Btw, what you have on your roof are Kayaks, not Canoes!