Transporting Your Boat

3. Securing the Boat: Securing an inflated boat to the roof can be more challenging due to its size and shape. The risk of the boat shifting or catching wind is higher, which could lead to potential safety hazards. There’s no such thing as too many straps when carrying an inflated boat.

Transporting a Deflated Inflatable Boat

Transporting your inflatable boat deflated is another option that has its own set of benefits and drawbacks:

Pros:

1. Improved Fuel Efficiency: A deflated boat creates less wind resistance, which helps maintain your car’s fuel efficiency and stability on the road.

2. Easier to Secure: A deflated boat is much easier to secure on the roof of your car. It’s smaller, lighter, and more manageable, reducing the risk of shifting during transit.

3. No (or fewer) Clearance Issues: Without the added height of an inflated boat, you won't have to worry about clearance issues when navigating under low bridges or parking structures.

Cons:

1. Time-Consuming: Transporting a deflated boat means you'll need to spend time inflating it before you can get on the water and deflating it again before heading home.

2. Potential for Damage: Frequent inflating and deflating can put stress on the boat's seams and material, potentially leading to damage over time.

3. Extra Equipment: If you choose to transport your boat deflated, you'll need to bring along an air pump, which can add to your load.

Securing Your Inflatable Boat to the Car Roof

Regardless of whether you choose to transport your inflatable boat inflated or deflated, securely fastening it to your car's roof is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your boat stays put during transport:

1. Use a Roof Rack

Invest in a sturdy roof rack that’s designed to handle the weight and size of your inflatable boat. If your car doesn't already have a roof rack, consider installing one, as it provides a secure foundation for transporting large items.

At Storm, we use and highly recommend the Thule Canyon XT with extension kit. With this combo, we can comfortably fit a deflated 3.3m SIB, a 6hp Four Stroke Outboard, fuel can and our grab bag in the cage.

2. Position the Boat Properly

- For Inflated Boats: Place the boat on the roof rack with the bow facing forward and if you’re travelling any kind of distance (i.e. outside of the marina), invert the boat so the keel is facing upwards. This orientation reduces wind resistance and ensures that the boat’s streamlined shape helps cut through the air more effectively. Be sure to centre the boat on the roof to distribute weight evenly.

- For Deflated Boats: Roll or fold the deflated boat neatly and place it on the roof rack. Use a protective cover or bag to keep the boat clean and protected from sharp edges on the roof rack.

3. Use Quality Tie-Down Straps

Invest in high-quality, durable tie-down straps specifically designed for securing large items to roof racks. Ratchet straps or cam buckle straps are excellent choices. Avoid using bungee cords as they can stretch and fail under tension – the caveat to this is using bungee cords as secondary security for lighter items such as bags and cans.

4. Secure the Boat Thoroughly

 - For Inflated Boats: Wrap the straps around the boat and roof rack, securing them tightly to prevent any movement. Pay particular attention to the bow and stern, as these areas are most likely to catch wind. Consider using additional straps to secure the boat from side to side.

 - For Deflated Boats: Because a deflated boat is lighter and more compact, securing it is typically easier. However, you should still use multiple straps to ensure it’s tightly fastened to the roof rack.

5. Double-Check Everything

Before hitting the road, double-check that the boat is securely fastened and that the straps are tight. It’s also a good idea to check the boat’s security periodically during your journey, especially after driving for a while or after going over rough terrain.