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Travelling with skis on vehicles
| 04 December 2009
Having transported skis, canoes and surfboards on the roof racks of my vehicles over many years, and having suffered costly and embarrassing damage, I would like to add to Shaun's article on the Thule Racks.
Regardless of whether you use the "right" racks or just foam tubes and straps etc, all craft are subjected to extremely strong updraft and pressure while being transported at speed on the road. Two things are then tested to their limits...a) The racks and b) The lashing medium.
May I suggest the following ideas to reduce the risks considerably.
1) Place the craft so that the driver is able to clearly see the nose from where he/she sits. * This is imperative. The nose must be visible.
2) The racks should be reset to accommodate this.
3) The racks should also be positioned to ensure that the mass distribution is the same across the front and rear racks...Never place too much weight on one rack. It will damage the rack, as well as the craft..!
3) Most canoes,kayaks and skis have a "grab handle" in front and at the rear. Tie a sturdy piece of rope from the front grab handle to the front bumper of the vehicle.
The craft will flex with the wind forces, but as long as the rope is tied correctly, it will stop the craft flying upwards. The behavior of the stay rope will enable the driver to see any movement of the craft or racks. If the racks are a bit dodgey, this rope will also stop the craft + racks from lifting off as a combined unit ( See Shaun's article)
When lashing onto the racks use the correct straps and rachets rather than rope. They don't stretch which is one of the most common reasons for losing craft....
Also ensure that the straps actualy go through the foot straps, if they happen to line up. This also helps to stop the craft from sliding backwards or forwards.
Drain the craft of all water when travelling. Water will wash around, and the momentum will break a lot of stuff including the lashing and racks etc, if there is too much washing around.
Always clean the bottom of the craft. Sea sand will act as a type of release and enable the craft to slide around. It will also act like sand paper and wear away the gelcoat and eat into the glass structure on an extended trip.
Never over-tighten the straps. This will cause the deck to flex inwards and create pressure points. The natural movement while being transported will stress those pressure points and they will break through the hull!
CHECK THE LASHING DURING EXTENDED TRIPS.