Universal Canoe Carrier Kit Instructions | Riverside Cartop Carriers

1. LOADING WATER CRAFT
   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. OPTIONAL BLOCK LOCATION
   Blocks can be mounted to factory rack or located inside/outside of rack
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. SECURING FRONT AND BACK
   A. Slip small end of steel hooks through sewn loops in the end of each pair of tie down straps.
   B. Starting at the front of your car, place hook into towing loop or frame located at each end underneath car bumper.
   C. Take strap (with cambuckle) and bring cambuckle end up to front of canoe and wrap around carry handle twice with cambuckle hanging down towards ground. (If your craft does not have a carry handle; use a piece of rope and make a loop attached to end of craft). Take strap (without buckle) from opposite end of bumper and bring it up and through the hanging cambuckle. Pull it down until you see tension and foam blocks compressing. Repeat the above procedure on the opposite end of canoe.
   
   IMPORTANT!  Make sure no part of the canoe contacts car roof.
   IMPORTANT! DO NOT ATTACH HOOK TO BUMPER.
   
   
5. IMPORTANT USE & CARE TIPS
   Limit transport distance to 250 miles. Clean block and roof surfaces before use. Check strap tension frequently. Keep ropes away from exhaust system and sharp or abrasive surfaces. Ensure canoe does not touch car roof after tightening straps.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. PREVENTING STRAP HUM
   If straps hum or buzz at high speeds, give strap a few twists or fold sides of strap together and secure with tape or a shielded garbage tie. Keep ropes and straps away from exhaust system and sharp or abrasive surfaces. This breaks up wind vibration.