Transporting Your Vision Canoe

Most canoes are not being paddled when they are damaged. Most boats require significant repair after "flying" off a vehicle at highway speed or being blown into a tree during a major wind storm hence it is extremely important to properly secure your boat when transporting or leaving unattended for periods of time.

When transporting, the following is recommended:

  1. Using ratchet straps, secure the boat over the side and bottom (over each thwart if possible), to your vehicle. If possible use ratchet straps that come with a pad that won't damage your canoe. the pad should be place at the tumblehome section of the canoe.
  2. Place the ratchet straps as close to the gunnels of your canoe in order to avoid potential slippage.
  3. Tighten the ratchet straps "very snug."
  4. Attached bow and stern lines (inverted "V") snug. Once these have been attached, re-check the ratchet straps to make sure they haven't come loose.

Other helpful hints:

  1. To make your life easier, insert strap loops to the interior of your hood assembly. When transporting your canoe these can be taken out and the bow lines can easily be attached to the straps without damaging the hood paint. When not in use, they can easily be tucked under the hood for future use. If using strap loops always be sure to inspect for wear before each use. 
  2. Stern lines (or ratchet straps) for the rear of the car need to be attached to the under carriage of the vehicle. Do not attach to the plastic bumper - attach to the metal under carriage.
  3. A Trucker's Hitch Knot ('s_hitch) is very useful for bow and stern lines.

And one final warning. Be prepared for other motorists to be staring intently at your canoe when transporting. If you have secured your canoe properly they aren't looking to see the canoe wobbling, they are looking at your Vision Canoe!