Shuttling Kayaks Step-By-Step

Shuttling

Shuttling kayaks is necessary when it is desired to paddle in moving water. Shuttling is the act of moving cars from the take-out to the put-in or vice versa. These are guidelines based on most vehicles hauling 2 boats--usually on a roof rack. 

A COMMENT ON ROOF RACK WEIGHT

Whether you use OEM rails and racks, or an aftermarket brand like Yakima or Thule, you must know the weight limit on these components--and go with the lowest number. For example, your Yakima rack may hold 200# but if your SUV’s rails, that this rack sits on, only holds 100# then you are limited to 100#. So if you are planning to carry two Pungo 140s at 58# each, then you might want to reconsider your plan.

With some ingenuity, I am sure you can find ways to make your shuttle easier. Perhaps, befriend someone who owns a pickup with an 8’ truck or someone with a beater van, and you can stack 4 boats easily in one vehicle. I’ve also seen many homemade trailers that haul multiple boats behind the vehicle.

Remember to bring your keys in a waterproof container and latch it to your boat when paddling.

The easiest trip is 2 people, 2 boats, 2 vehicles. 

2 people, 2 boats, 2 vehicles

1. Load both boats on one vehicle. 
2. Meet at take-out. 
3. Drop the unloaded vehicle at the take out.
4. Drive the loaded vehicle to the put-in.

Variation 

1. Two people, each with boats on their vehicle can meet at take-out
2. Load a boat from one vehicle to another so now a vehicle has 2 boats. 
3. Leave the unloaded boat at the take-out
4. Drive the loaded vehicle to the put-in.

3-4 people, 3-4 boats, 2 vehicles

1. Load 2 boats on each vehicle.
2. Meet at put-in.
3. Unload boats and gear.
4. Leave 1-2 people to watch boats and gear. 
5. Drive the 2 cars to take-out. 
6. Leave 1 car and return to put-in in the other.

Example

Juniata River – Howe Park (3 miles south of Newport, PA) to Ann Street in Duncannon.

For 2 people, 2 boats, 2 vehicles

1. We would meet at take-out (Ann St.). 
2. Drop one car off 
3. Ride together in the other with both boats to put-in (Howe Township Park).
4. Float downstream.
5. We would load both cars on the car at the take-out.
6. Then we'd drive up to retrieve the car at the put-in and drive home.

For 4 people, 4 boats, 2 vehicles

1. We would meet at put-in (Howe Township Park) and unload all boats and gear. 
2. Drop off a car at the take-out (Ann St.) 
3. We'd return with the other car to the put-in . 
4. Float downstream.
5. We would retrieve the car at the put-in.
6. Then we would load both cars at the take-out and drive home. 

I hope that helps! Feel free to add your questions, tips or 2 cents in the comments. Thanks for reading.