Can The Thule Portage Canoe Carrier Brackets Be Mounted Inside The Canoe Rather Than Outside?

Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 08/19/2025

Question:

Hello, I am looking at the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading Part Number: TH819 And wondering if these can be turned around and used inside the canoe rather than outside. My rack is not wide enough for use on the outside of the canoe gunnels. Thanks for your time.

asked by: Ashley

Expert Reply:

Well that's an interesting idea, Ashley.

It would probably be a bit more difficult to load a canoe on the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading # TH819 with the mounts reversed, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. You will still want to strap everything down nice and tight, but I think this is a very good way around them not fitting the "normal" way.

Out of curiosity, how wide is your canoe and how wide are the crossbars? Can't say I have run into this issue before.

expert reply by: Lazer S

Lazer S.

9/12/2025

Hey Ashley, did you get a chance to try using the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier inside your canoe? I'm curious to know how it worked out for you, as it could help others facing a similar challenge.