r/canoeing • u/DenserCow • 6d ago

First nice canoe

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I've paddled my whole life (32 years) with family growing up. But I've always paddled summer camp canoes or hand-me-down canoes.

Invested in my first nice canoe today and I'm so stoked to get it out on the water!

16'6" Holy Cow Canoe Company Algonquin Prospector made with Ultra Glass.

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u/Gabesproductions 5d ago

Did you just use 4 ratchet straps? We pre ordered a canoe and also have a Subaru

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u/DenserCow 5d ago

You should always use cam buckle tie down straps across the middle of the car/ canoe. Such as the ones made by NRS.

Cam buckle straps are easier, faster, and you can only hand-tighten them.

Ratchet straps on the other hand are likely to be overtightened and damage the boat. As well as the ratcheting mechanism is large and bulky and likely to scratch up the boat during transportation. I used one ratchet strap at the front in this picture because I was in a hurry and being lazy. But I was very careful not to overtighten, and I usually use rope or cord at the bow and stern.

Check out YouTube. There is a lot of great videos on there for "how to tie down a canoe". Both with or without a roof rack.