How to Strap a Canoe to Your Car With the Level Six Canoe Transportation Kit

You have the canoe, you have the snacks, you have a vague idea of where the adventure is headed. Now you just need to get the boat there in one piece. Strapping a canoe to your vehicle does not have to feel like solving a complicated puzzle every time you want to hit the water. With the right setup and a few simple steps, you can get your canoe loaded, locked down, and ready to chase the next adventure.

In this guide, we are walking through how to use Level Six's Canoe Transportation Kit to strap up your canoe, whether you are rolling with a bare vehicle roof or a full roof rack setup.

Navigate To:

• Who is the transportation kit for?
• Why proper canoe transportation matters
• Using the kit without roof racks
  • Setting up your hood loops and straps
  • Securing your canoe to your vehicle
• Using the kit with roof racks
  • Setting up your hood loops and straps
  • Securing your canoe to your vehicle
• Final checks before hitting the road

Who is the transportation kit for?

The Level Six Canoe Transportation Kit is for paddlers who want a simple, dependable way to get their canoe from the driveway to the water without turning every loading day into a wrestling match with straps.

Whether you are heading out for a weekend canoe trip, a quick afternoon paddle, or exploring a new lake, this kit gives you the tools you need to transport your canoe safely. It is a great option for paddlers who do not have a canoe trailer or anyone looking for a straightforward way to secure their boat to their vehicle.

The best part? It works whether your vehicle has roof racks or not, so you can spend less time fussing with your setup and more time planning where you are going to paddle.

Why proper canoe transportation matters

A canoe is built to handle a lot on the water, but it still appreciates a little love when it is riding on top of your vehicle. A properly secured canoe protects your boat, protects your vehicle, and keeps things much less stressful while you are cruising down the highway.

Before you start strapping everything down, the first thing to figure out is what kind of vehicle setup you have. A bare roof and a roof rack system both work, but the way you use your transportation kit will look a little different.

Let’s break it down.

Using the kit without roof racks

If you are working with a vehicle that does not have roof racks, the foam blocks from the Level Six Canoe Transportation Kit are going to be your best friend. These blocks attach to the gunwales of your canoe and create a cushioned barrier between your canoe and your vehicle roof.

Not only do they help protect your vehicle from scratches and bumps, but they also help protect the canoe itself. Your boat has carried you through plenty of adventures, so it is nice to return the favour.

Setting up your hood loops and straps

Before putting your canoe on your vehicle, you will want to set up your hood loops. Hood loops are not included with the kit, so they are an extra add-on, but they are absolutely worth having in your canoe transportation toolkit.

You can install hood loops at the front of your vehicle or along the sides of your hood. Many paddlers prefer the side placement because it makes centering your canoe easier. They also give you a convenient attachment point for your front straps without needing to hunt around underneath your vehicle.

For the rear of the canoe, you can attach your straps to a secure point underneath the vehicle if one is available. If you have a trailer hitch, you can use the chain anchor points instead. If you do not have either option, rear hood loops are a simple solution that help keep things secure without leaving your paint job looking like it has been through a battle.

Securing your canoe to your vehicle

Once your foam blocks are in place, load your canoe onto your vehicle and get it centred. Take a minute here because a well-centred canoe is a happy canoe.

Attach your front and rear V-straps, but do not crank them tight just yet. Hook the two ends of the front V-strap into your hood loops and attach the single hook to the canoe’s grab handle or carrying handle.

For the rear, connect your straps to your chosen anchor points and attach them to the canoe handle in the same way. Once everything is connected, use the included 15-foot strap by running it through the inside of your vehicle and over the canoe.

Now snug everything down so the canoe stays centred and secure. No need to tighten the straps like you are trying to win a canoe-strapping competition. Firm and secure is the goal.

Using the kit with roof racks

If your vehicle already has roof racks, congratulations, you have already done some of the setup heavy lifting. The Level Six Canoe Transportation Kit works great with roof racks and gives you a few options depending on how much protection you want for your canoe.

The foam blocks are optional when using roof racks, but many paddlers still choose to use them. If your canoe has beautiful wood gunwales, a refined finish, or you simply want a little extra cushion between your boat and your racks, they are a great addition.

Setting up your hood loops and straps

Just like the bare roof setup, hood loops are a handy addition for the front of your vehicle. They make attaching your V-straps quick and easy while helping prevent scratches to your vehicle.

Install your hood loops at the front or sides of your hood, with many paddlers preferring the sides because it makes balancing and centering the canoe easier.

For the rear, your roof rack setup may allow you to use your hitch points or another secure attachment point. If you have a trailer hitch, use those chain anchor points. If not, rear hood loops can work as well.

Securing your canoe to your vehicle

Place your canoe on the roof racks or foam blocks and centre it before tightening anything down. Once your canoe is sitting nicely, attach the front and rear V-straps.

Connect the front hooks to your hood loops and the canoe handle, then repeat the process at the back. Again, leave things slightly loose while you get everything lined up.

Next, take the included 15-foot strap and secure the canoe over the roof rack. If you prefer to use two straps across the canoe for extra peace of mind, go for it. It is not required, but there is nothing wrong with adding a little extra security.

Once everything is connected, tighten your V-straps so the canoe stays centred and stable.

Final checks before hitting the road

Before you pull out of the driveway, give everything a quick once-over. Check that all hooks are properly attached, straps are sitting correctly, and the canoe is secure.

Give the canoe a little shake. It should feel solid and stable, not like it is trying to escape for a solo adventure before you even get there.

Once everything looks good, you are ready to hit the road and find some water. Happy paddling!