Are Bow and Stern Tie Downs Required when Carrying Kayaks on a Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer

Published 10/29/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer - 78"

(86)

$2598.95

Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On

(66)

$229.95

Question:

I have 4 kayaks I need to transport and this looks like it would be a perfect solution. The kayaks range from 10-0 to 12-6 in length. In all of the pictures I have seen of kayaks on the rack and roll, none of them have bow or stern tie down lines. Why are these not required?

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

I think the images are coincidences. It is always a good idea to use bow and stern tie downs when transporting something long like a kayak or canoe. It is not necessary in all places but may be required by state or local laws in others. So better safe than sorry!

The Yakima Rack and Roll trailers like # Y08107 are excellent for transporting multiple kayaks and it makes loading and loading easy since you won't have to put them on the roof of a vehicle. The trailer also has a higher capacity than most vehicle roofs, 250 pounds.

To secure up to 4 kayaks using a single carrier you can use # TH830. The carrier does come with bow and stern tie downs. Since the kayaks will be on their sides you should not have a problem getting 4 of them on the 78 inch bars on Rack and Roll trailer # Y08107. I have linked some videos for you to the right.

expert reply by: Michael H