Riverside Cartop Canoe Carrier | Standard Canoe Kit Instructions

1. LOADING WATERCRAFT
   Snap foam block on canoe gunwales, two on each side approximately one-third of the distance from either end. Load canoe on car, bottom up, centering it on the roof. Reposition blocks if necessary so that weight is evenly distributed on all four blocks. For very curved roofs, move blocks closer together.
   
   IMPORTANT! Make sure bottom blocks and area of roof under blocks are clean and free of debris. Locate blocks as close to the front and rear of car roof as possible.
   
   
2. OVER-THE-TOP STRAP
   Throw the non-buckle end of the 15" center strap over the middle of the canoe, letting the ends hang on either side of the car. Loop each end up under the canoe gunwale and over the center thwart. Pull the strap tight and run the ends through open doors on either side of the car. Buckle tightly on the inside of car. The center strap can now be adjusted for tension without leaving the car.
   
   
3. SECURING FRONT AND BACK
   Most canoes have a place at each end where a loop can be made, or a place where a rope can be pulled through. Take one end of the rope and tie a six inch loop. Take opposite end of rope from loop and place through end of canoe. Pull it down around car bumper and up to starting point. Go through the loop and pull down to tighten and tie a knot. Do this on each end until blocks are
   compressed tightly to roof. On many cars, you have the option of running the ropes through the towing rings located under each bumper.
   
   NOTE: Body styles of vehicles vary. Adapt this basic method of application to your particular vehicle. Use supplied hooks as needed.
   IMPORTANT!Make sure no part of the canoe contacts car roof.
   IMPORTANT! DO NOT ATTACH HOOK TO BUMPER.
   
   
4. IMPORTANT USE & CARE TIPS
   Limit transport distance to 250 miles. Clean pad and roof surfaces before use. Check strap tension frequently. Keep ropes away from exhaust system and sharp or abrasive surfaces. Locate blocks close to front and rear of car roof. Ensure canoe does not touch car roof after tightening straps.
   
   
5. SAFETY CHECK
   After driving about five miles, stop and check to make sure straps and ropes are still tight and canoe is secure on top of car. Check to make sure no sharp or abrasive surfaces touch straps. To prevent strap hum or buzz at high speeds, simply fold the sides of the strap together and wrap with tape or a shielded garbage bag tie.