Modify PT Cruiser roof rack for a Jon boat

amandapanda · Post by **amandapanda** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 4:49 pm

I'm acquiring a Coleman Ram-X Crawdad boat. It is 48" by 12'- plastic flat bottomed (Jon-boat).

I have a PT Cruiser with a standard roof rack (it has an arch and all accessories are for something 34" so they won't work).
The car itself is 67.1" wide and 168.8" long.

I want to put the boat securely on top of the car (instead of having a boat tow).

Wondering if there is advice on how to modify the roof rack to accommodate the boat.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!
-Amanda Panda

PS... won't that look funny? A Cruiser with a boat on top. I can honestly say I haven't seen THAT before. haha!

Post by **Larry3215** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 6:07 pm

I have no idea about the roof rack for that car, so Im just shooting in the dark here. Im pretty sure you could find or rig some extension bars to get the width you need for the boat tie down.

My concern would be if the existing rack is strong enough. I would not be to concerned about the weight of the boat as much as what the wind forces will do when you're cruising on the freeway. People have a tendency to really under estimate how much force that wind can cause. I have seen roof racks ripped off much larger vehicles when things like sheets of plywood or mattresses were tied to them and then driven down the freeway.

Good luck!

ridgeratt · Post by **ridgeratt** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 6:14 pm

There is this choice but it does cost a bit.

You might be able to find the bars off Craig's list and then you would only have to purchase the towers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK0s3FleZIc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

strider43 · Post by **strider43** » Tue Apr 14, 2015 6:08 am

I would place a piece of ply wood protruding out in front of the car as far as the boat will to see how affects your range of vision. I was going to do that with a focus and found the way the car was made and the angle of the windshield there was no way and be able to drive safely.

amandapanda · Post by **amandapanda** » Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:33 pm

Thank you for the advice all! I'm trying to save money but also want to make sure I am safe. If I can't manage a roof rack for the boat... I have no idea what to do to get a tow hitch, license & registration for it...etc. I guess my low cost boat is going to be costing me some money after all.

Post by **Amx** » Fri Apr 17, 2015 6:04 pm

They have racks that one person can load a boat on the roof. The tall pole attaches to the rear, maybe front, bumper, and the boat attaches to that pole. Then the person picks up the other end of the boat and walks it around to the front of the vehicle and up onto the roof rack. So, I don't know what it's called, but do a search on 'one man boat racks'.

Also they have the kind that you winch the boat up onto the rack. Then just decide which you want, and go from there. Maybe go to a local boat sales place and ask.

Post by **Amx** » Fri Apr 17, 2015 6:09 pm

http://boatloader.com/car_a_boat.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=At ... t-901&fp=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.loadit.com/rear-boat-loader.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

strider43 · Post by **strider43** » Fri Apr 17, 2015 10:35 pm

you can also get a trailer hitch kit from a company called CURT or U HAUL. I got one for my ford focus and I didn't think I could tow a boat with that small car. I can and I even go over the mountains with it filled with camping gear and my fishing buddy. that kit was just under $100, I also got for my jeep patriot for just over $100

amandapanda · Post by **amandapanda** » Sat Apr 18, 2015 11:13 am

If I decide to go with the trailer hitch, what are the required licenses to be able to drive with one? Do I have to go to a driving school to prove I can drive with it? I'd like to avoid cost but I also don't know how to tell if my existing roof rack is strong enough to withstand wind pressure with a boat on it... pretty sure PT Cruisers are NOT originally designed to haul boats. lol

Post by **Larry3215** » Sat Apr 18, 2015 12:48 pm

You dont need any special driving license or training to pull a boat trailer. On the other hand, some practice backing up will be important

I'd suggest you practice with the boat off the trailer first - you will be able to see better that way.

Pretty much any male type person will claim to be expert in trailer backing, so you shouldnt have any trouble finding someone to give you some tips :D

The trailer will need to be licensed - just like your car - but it will be cheaper than the car.

amandapanda · Post by **amandapanda** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 9:28 am

Thanks again for those who have commented with wonderful ideas and advice. I wound up getting the boat. My boyfriend used his truck.. we were able to fit it in the bed of the truck, tied it down with a bunch of ropes and bungees and hung a red flag off the back. it worked fine. After seeing it in person and doing final measurements... I'm pretty sure having it on the top of the car is not going to be safe. the roof rack more than likely wouldn't hold it with the wind velocity etc... I am going to be looking for a small boat tow.

the licensing isn't very much at all now that I've looked into it.

Now... to test the boat! the weight limit is the one concern now. Everything I've read says that the weight limit for it is 420 pounds. Being that my boyfriend and I together are 410... that only leaves 10 pounds for gear...

Seems like it is meant more to be a one person boat with gear instead of two people. In hindsight... maybe it wasn't the best anniversary gift-

but how many girlfriends acquire a boat for their man to go fishing with them?

I'm tryin'. ;)

Post by **Gringo Pescador** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 10:10 am

The weight limits are listed for a reason. Be sure to remember your PFD.

amandapanda · Post by **amandapanda** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 10:28 am

goodtimesfishing · Post by **goodtimesfishing** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 11:15 am

PFD=personal flotation device

amandapanda · Post by **amandapanda** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 3:52 pm

*face palm*

der. Thanks.

Bobber_Dogging_Gal · Post by **Bobber_Dogging_Gal** » Wed May 06, 2015 1:49 am

Look at it this way Amanda...a jon boat on top of a PT cruiser might look funny to some but will provide plenty of shade for the driver *lol* With the right kind of roof rack (or yours modified) with say, 2-4" upright side rails, that should keep the boat from shifting side to side. Always a good idea to secure a boat on all sides including front & back. I'm a safety nut when it comes to boating or transporting one. Done right, it shouldn't cost you a small fortune to modify your roof rack. They are far more convenient than boat trailers. Would you be driving a considerable distance to wherever you guys will be fishing?

strider43 · Post by **strider43** » Thu May 07, 2015 10:07 am

actually you can get trailer hitch kits that mount to your car in minutes.

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