Re: [Paddlewise] Easy Loading of boats (was Age and Strength for Kayaking)

Although I am not as vertically challenged as Allison (I'm 5'9" if I
stretch) I have had problems in the past loading my boat onto my Explorer.
My wife at 5'2" is even more vertically challenged and doesn't always go
paddling with me. (Besides, it's my job to load the boats and paddling gear
while she packs and loads anything else we are taking.)

The method that works well for me is to use the following equipment.

        1. Rubbermaid 1 Step stool/tool-chest (the top opens to reveal a
place to store small tools and my tie-down straps.

        2. Saddles on the front of the rack and rollers on the rear

        3. Two cheap carpet mats or scraps

        4. Wheels for the boat.

I wheel the boat directly behind the car and then drape a carpet mat on the
cartop by the rear rollers.

Next I put a mat under the stern of the boat . Then lift the front end of
the boat and let it rest on the carpet scrap. Walk to the stern and remove
the wheels. Then pull/push the bow onto the rollers and without letting go
of the boat walk back to the stern. You can then lift and push the stern
until the boat is on the rack.

The Rubbermaid stool then gets called into action as I attach the tiedowns
and bow and stern lines. It sure beats trying to stand on the tire which is
what I used to do.

Hope this helps,

Steve Holtzman


> Date: Sat, 16 Oct 1999 08:01:59 PDT
> From: "Allison Corning" <acorning_at_hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Age and Strength for kayaking (
>
> I'm not sure that age is the defining factor in getting the kayak to and
> from the water...I'm 25 and fairly strong, but have plenty of trouble
> getting the kayak on the car because of my height...I'm 5 foot 2 and find
it
> really difficult to maneuver a large boat by myself...any suggestions from
> other short people?
>
> Allison
> who is looking forward to retirement and more free time for paddling etc


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