Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Not sure where you should be posting? Put it here.
Post Reply
hkp2ksk
Paddler
Posts: 23
Joined: August 23rd, 2006, 5:30 pm

Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Post by hkp2ksk » October 3rd, 2006, 10:06 am

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

User avatar
PaulS
10k Poster
Posts: 1212
Joined: March 16th, 2006, 12:07 pm
Location: Washington State, USA
Contact:

Re: Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Post by PaulS » October 3rd, 2006, 12:35 pm

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.
Erg on,
Paul Smith
www.ps-sport.net Your source for Useful Rowing Accessories and Training Assistance.
"If you don't want to know the answer, don't ask me the question."

User avatar
johnlvs2run
Half Marathon Poster
Posts: 4012
Joined: March 16th, 2006, 1:13 pm
Location: California Central Coast
Contact:

Re: Driving w/ a shell on the roof

Post by johnlvs2run » October 3rd, 2006, 12:50 pm

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.
bikeerg 75 5'8" 155# - 18.5 - 51.9 - 568 - 1:52.7 - 8:03.8 - 20:13.1 - 14620 - 40:58.7 - 28855 - 1:23:48.0
rowerg 56-58 5'8.5" 143# - 1:39.6 - 3:35.6 - 7:24.0 - 18:57.4 - 22:49.9 - 7793 - 38:44.7 - 1:22:48.9 - 2:58:46.2

1xx
Paddler
Posts: 3
Joined: March 17th, 2006, 1:59 pm

Post by 1xx » October 6th, 2006, 10:48 pm

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.

Post Reply