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Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Posted: October 3rd, 2006, 10:06 am
by hkp2ksk
Actually, I have two questions here: first, how the heck (besides extremely carefully) do I negotiate driving w/ a shell on my SUV w/ 5' of overhang on each end???? second, it'll be unlikely that I'll be able to store my shell in a boathouse. For those of you in a similar situation, what do you do? Especially when the snow flies?

tony

Re: Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Posted: October 3rd, 2006, 12:35 pm
by PaulS
hkp2ksk wrote:Actually, I have two questions here: first, how the heck (besides extremely carefully) do I negotiate driving w/ a shell on my SUV w/ 5' of overhang on each end???? second, it'll be unlikely that I'll be able to store my shell in a boathouse. For those of you in a similar situation, what do you do? Especially when the snow flies?

tony
Mostly it's just being careful. We transport our 2x's on the top of our SUV and it comes out to about 10' rear overhang (long red flags are a good idea, I've contemplated a large magnetic sign "LOOK UP - CAUTION"). Also be aware of it swinging wide when turning. Front overhang is much less of an issue, but be aware of not getting it out into traffic when in narrow streets.

Outside storage on slings is not a problem, even when the snow flies. shoes should be removed if they may not dry out for extended periods to avoid mildew. I've used a Burnam boat cover over a winter, but they are not really waterproof and tend to absorb and hold moisture, a plastic sheet held with bungees will keep grime off, as well as let snow slide off instead of building up.

Re: Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Posted: October 3rd, 2006, 12:50 pm
by johnlvs2run
hkp2ksk wrote:Actually, I have two questions here: first, how the heck (besides extremely carefully) do I negotiate driving w/ a shell on my SUV w/ 5' of overhang on each end????
You'd be better off staying on the road.

Posted: October 6th, 2006, 10:48 pm
by 1xx
I have car topped my single on a station wagon for 3 years - no problems at all. I prefer a station wagon to the SUV as it is easier to put the boat up due to the lower roof. I do put a flag on the back, and have not had any trouble at all. I agree with the keeping an eye out on turns etc... other than that no issues.

I store my boat on some cinder blocks with a durham boat cover over the top and have had no problems.