Boating while camping. What do you do?

[Scubastan48]

[Hazel in Sk]

When we bought our Ventura we planned to put the canoe on the Element, as we had done for many years. However we rapidly discovered that the canoe (freighter size) was too long to allow the camper to make corners! We traded for a smaller canoe. Have since added one of those small kayaks from Canadian Tyre and they travel side by side quite nicely.

[SailorSteve]

Hey, thanks everyone. I thought there would be a bunch of boaters out there. Really appreciate all the responses. Right now I'm thinking a tandem kayak on the roof of my TV (2011 Toyota Sienna). The other option is to go with a folding kayak from Folbot and keep it in the back of the Sienna.

Ron in BC, yes, I saw the sail kit from www.kayaksailor.com. I am an avid sailor and this quality kit really has me stoked. As you say, camping on the water without being able to be out on the water is pure torture.

I look forward to more input. Maybe we should think about an "camp and boat" outing somewhere?? Bet we'd get a big turn out.

[Carol H]

Ron, as a long time kayaker I have to say those new sail kits look mighty fine indeed!!!

Something for folks to keep in mind when carrying items on the roofs of their tows is a number car manufactures racks are not rated to actually carry the load of two boats.

[floyd]

If you would like to see one of the finest and most versatile small boats available, which is light, has a high capacity, and can be transported well while towing a small fiberglass trailer, then look here....


Portland Pudgy safety dinghy, inflatable boat, or fiberglass dinghy?

[John & BJ S.]

Our Scamp 19 makes boats on the tow vehicle a challenge unless they're the short whitewater kayaks. The canoe goes on the trailer.

[chris loewen]

When I painted my trailer I had some extra paint so I decided to match my 30 year old canoe with my 36 year old trailer. We love using it but it sure can be a pain sometimes. My wife is only 5' tall so I am on my own with this baby on and off the vehicle.

[Lil M.]

I have an Emotion Glide kayak (a little over 9' long) that fits nicely inside my '02 Dodge Grand Caravan, either with the rear 2 club seats and bench seat removed, or with them folded down. If the seats are removed, then my bike fits in there as well.

[Roger C H]

We used to tow our 20' Balboa when we tent camped. We liked Peninsula State Park in Door County Wisconsin because we could park the boat on the trailer in the campsite.
Now, the sailboat is sold and we camp in our Trillium.

[Jared J]

I"m changing the back window on my 19' scamp to throw my 3 kayaks inside.

[Mike Magee]

This past summer I traveled with a kayak on the Highlander's roof and a bike inside the vehicle. I found that I used and enjoyed the bike much more than the kayak. So I sold the kayak.

If I were to buy another watercraft, the NuCanoe is high on my list. Not too heavy, not too expensive.

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Another canoe on tow vehicle person here.

Jim can you describe the front bar you mounted for carrying the canoe. I will also have a setup like yours with my 2010 Pilot, 19' Escape and 17' Canoe. My 19'ter is on the road right now being delivered here. Steve

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by hotfishtacos

Jim can you describe the front bar you mounted for carrying the canoe. I will also have a setup like yours with my 2010 Pilot, 19' Escape and 17' Canoe. My 19'ter is on the road right now being delivered here. Steve

I went to Racks Unlimited, and bought a Yakima rack for the front. Any Yakima supplier can outfit you with the appropriate stands, pads and clips. I would recommend getting a set of gunwale brackets too, as they eliminate any tendency for the boat to shift sideways, and keep it perfectly stable.

While we have enjoyed our '09 Pilot a lot for 4 1/2 years now, probably the most frustrating thing is the stupid factory roof racks, and the fact the crossbars are real close together, and at the very rear.

This additional rack solves the problem nicely though.

[Ken C]

Another idea
The origami-inspired folding kayak – What's Next - CNN.com Blogs

[Otters]

Does anyone have experience with inflatable kayaks? I appologize if it was covered in this thread. I just quickly scanned and didn't see it.

[Evan Friesen]

We have 2 inflatable kayaks (an AdvancedFrame 13' and Dragonfly 2 by Advanced Elements). We've had them for about 5 years. Have used them a lot and they perform well, are well made and more durable than most people expect.
We are somewhat nomadic and would not be able to transport and store a hard shell kayak on our frequent moves and in apartment dwellings.
I researched inflatable kayaks quite a bit before deciding on Advanced Elements because of price, looks and design. For their price, I think they perform better than many common entry-level hard shell kayaks. They do have a few limitations for experienced kayakers, but we are very happy with ours.

[francene]

I'll second Evan's recommendation for the line of Advanced Elements Kayaks.
I've had the single inflatable model for several years now, and I highly recommend it. Very good quality, and it paddles well. Super easy to transport, as it folds down to suitcase size.

Fran
Compact II

[Otters]

Originally Posted by Evan Friesen

.
I researched inflatable kayaks quite a bit before deciding on Advanced Elements because of price, looks and design. For their price, I think they perform better than many common entry-level hard shell kayaks. They do have a few limitations for experienced kayakers, but we are very happy with ours.

Thanks Evan for the info. Just what I was looking for having researched and have several years of experiience with it too. I like the idea that it doesn't take up much room or have to put on the roof. I'll look into this brand.
Linda

[Ray N]

With our Tundra there is plenty of room for me to just stick our two kayaks in the truck bed. I bought short kayaks, (less than 9' long), so they don't interfere with towing our EggCamper at all.

[Radar1]

We use Yakima racks on our tow vehicles. We can switch the crossbars from one vehicle to the other as needed, so we only have the one set of crossbars. One accessory we find very useful is the Yakima boat loader, which slides out of whichever crossbar you add it to, and extends out the side to allow easier loading.