[DezDiggler]

Going on a trip tomorrow and its my first time carrying the canoe on the LJ. I know most people carry them with bottoms up, but would it be bad to carry it bottom down? I ask, because i will have the kid and want him in the back seat, but that leaves a little storage dilema, with the cooler, rods and duffel bag. So if ok, would like to put one of them items (duffel) in the canoe.

There would be about 40 miles of hwy driving, then country roads for about 40 min, then the short trail itself. Main concerns would be the wind on the hwy cruising about 60-65.

Plus its a 15'. And with bend of the canoe, it kinda obstructs my front view. Livable, but not preferable. Flipping it would give me more visability in the front.

Thaks!!

[outdoorlivin247]

As long as you have it strapped down properly I would not see an issue w/ it...

[mcneil]

Put the duffle straps through your spare and secure it with a ratchet strap. As long as its not too heavy (<30lbs), you can hang gear back there.

[kcchapman]

with the bottom down it could create lift, but if you secure it well it shouldn't be a problem

[dbell54]

I've always carried my yaks upside down with no problems and no need for extra cradles or supports. I just lash them to the Thule crossbars with ratcheting tie-down straps.

[bruker]

It's going to kill yout gas mileage...

[DezDiggler]

Well, before I load the boat i'm gonna see how it all fits. Since the woman will be at work while i'm packing, i should be able to trim down the crap anyways.

As for the gas mileage. Well i cant seem to get better than 15-16, so it sux but worth it to get away.

[shotgunsmith]

DO you have a rack on your jeep or do you use those foam blocks? I ussually put duffels or a cooler right on the roof and load the canoe over in the traditional manner. Kinda like a shell over my gear.

[badoosh27]

if you really want the canoe sitting upright, you may want to take into consideration that the roll bars might dent the bottom of it. unless you can somehow pad the bars really well, i would just flip it over. you can crank it down tight and you'll have no problem with it making lift or anything. you could even put a piece of plywood across the cross members inside the upside down canoe and put your duffel bag on top of it. strap everything down really well too

[athos76]

I wouldnt use the plywood idea... that will flutter like crazy while driving. When I transported my dads kayak with his GC we used two old cushions over the cargo rack and strapped it down. Put one strap from the front to the front bumper and ditto on the rear. The biggest problem is the kayak wanting to fly and vibrate off the side. Or it will start to shift as you make turns.

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by outdoorlivin247

As long as you have it strapped down properly I would not see an issue w/ it...

There will be an issue if it rains hard!!!

[outdoorlivin247]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

There will be an issue if it rains hard!!!

Just drill some drain holes in it then...

[canuck_bob]

I am avid wilderness canoeist and have carried them for many miles. If at all possible carry gunwales down bottom up. I put my crap in the canoe sitting on the lawn with my camp tarp in the canoe. Load only the stuff you will not unpack until arrival at the trail head. Wrap all the gear tightly in the tarp with lots of rope and not too snug to the canoe sides. This forms a custom fit gear pack.

Load the canoe on your roof. Once it is situated lift the canoe and insert the tarp bundle underneath and tie it securely to the thwarts and roof rack, the bars holding the sides apart. I load soft stuff on the top of the bundle (bottom when you flip the canoe) and set it right on the roof or lay 1x4 strakes to make a makeshift floor with the canoe rack. Then secure your canoe with two midsection ropes, I use the truckers hitch (google). Very important!!!!! tie the bow and stern with dual lines to each end of the bumpers, I drill and attach permanent eyebolts to all my vehicles, adds a real touch to a Jeep! This gives a V of rope running from the canoe to each bumper end at both ends of the canoe. Make sure you tie the rope to the canoe don't just loop it over something. The greatest risk is not losing the canoe but having it twist on your roof and self destruct in severe winds.

After driving a few highway miles, 20-50 check all ropes. Sorry no pictures.

The gear bundle will stay dry the drag will be reasonable and it will look like a Jeep on safari! Bottom up is ok if secured but you will hate it if you are driving any distance, experience talking. I'm jealous, my cedar strip is collecting dust and you are going paddling.

Oh yea, when canoeing open side up.

[PyroXian]

Originally Posted by canuck_bob

I am avid wilderness canoeist and have carried them for many miles. If at all possible carry gunwales down bottom up. I put my crap in the canoe sitting on the lawn with my camp tarp in the canoe. Load only the stuff you will not unpack until arrival at the trail head. Wrap all the gear tightly in the tarp with lots of rope and not too snug to the canoe sides. This forms a custom fit gear pack.

Load the canoe on your roof. Once it is situated lift the canoe and insert the tarp bundle underneath and tie it securely to the thwarts and roof rack, the bars holding the sides apart. I load soft stuff on the top of the bundle (bottom when you flip the canoe) and set it right on the roof or lay 1x4 strakes to make a makeshift floor with the canoe rack. Then secure your canoe with two midsection ropes, I use the truckers hitch (google). Very important!!!!! tie the bow and stern with dual lines to each end of the bumpers, I drill and attach permanent eyebolts to all my vehicles, adds a real touch to a Jeep! This gives a V of rope running from the canoe to each bumper end at both ends of the canoe. Make sure you tie the rope to the canoe don't just loop it over something. The greatest risk is not losing the canoe but having it twist on your roof and self destruct in severe winds.

After driving a few highway miles, 20-50 check all ropes. Sorry no pictures.

The gear bundle will stay dry the drag will be reasonable and it will look like a Jeep on safari! Bottom up is ok if secured but you will hate it if you are driving any distance, experience talking. I'm jealous, my cedar strip is collecting dust and you are going paddling.

This is a great idea. I'm going to have to try this approach next time out.

Originally Posted by canuck_bob

Oh yea, when canoeing open side up.

Sir, you just made my night. That's the funniest thing I've heard all day.

[DezDiggler]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

There will be an issue if it rains hard!!!

There is something I did not think about!! Plus potentially isolated storms this weekend where i'm going, so that could get ugly.

That method of packing has got me thinking. Gonna need to get up earlier.