Carrying a Foldable Boat

[Jack]

I’m planning to purchase a foldable boat called “Porta Bote” (www.porta-bote.com). Of course, I am going to carry it on the roof of my Vibe. When it’s folded, it looks like a long ironing board and has the following dimensions: Length—12 ft 6 in (3.85 m.), folded thickness—4 in. (11.4 cm.), folded width—24 in. (59 cm.), weight—69 lbs. (31 kg.). It is made of polypropylene. It seems half of the boat will rest on the roof, about 6 feet will hang over the hood and perhaps 1 foot will stick out at the rear. My question is, do you think it is safe to carry it on the roof of my car? Would it be enough to fasten the boat just to the existing roof-rack, or I should also attach a rope to the front part of the boat (the one over the hood) and fasten it to the front bumper? What about a wind factor? I would really welcome any suggestions as I the Vibe is my first car with a roof-rack and I’ve never carried anything on my roof. Besides, every summer I hear traffic reports about canoes, tents, boats and other camping equipment littering the highways… and I would not want my boat to become one of the items mentioned on the radio!Thanks!!!Jack

[Jack]

Even though it's a boat, when folded it looks like an ironing board. That's why I don't think a boat carrying kit would be very usuful.

[Sputnik]

That porta bote is pretty neat looking. I would tie it to the front bumper just to make sure the wind doesn't get it. I've seen people driving around with mattresses on top of their cars and the wind gets them sometimes - they are much shorter than the porta bote.

[Jack]

Thanks, I am going to take a look at that site. I'm also attaching a picture of the folded boat (but the boat in the picture is probably just 8 feet--the one I'm planning to get is almost 13 feet, but its shape is basically the same).

Attached files oncar.jpe (7.5 KB) 

[Jack]

quote:No problem, I try to help anytime. Well, with over 2,000 posts... I have no doubt whatsoever you do help ALL THE TIME! Thanks again!