DIY vehicle pad for bass fishing kayaks

Car-topping your ’yak can be a challenge to do by yourself, but a removable pad cut to fit your roof rack makes it simple.
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My uncle Bud Roche helped me put one together in a half-hour. He had some extra insulation, closed celled, about 4 inches thick. A carpet remnant would have done the job, too, especially if it had rubber backing that wouldn’t slide on the roof.
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1. Make a template from cardboard.
Car-topping your ’yak can be a challenge to do by yourself, but a removable pad cut to fit your roof rack makes it simple.

My uncle Bud Roche helped me put one together in a half-hour. He had some extra insulation, closed celled, about 4 inches thick. A carpet remnant would have done the job, too, especially if it had rubber backing that wouldn’t slide on the roof.

1. Make a template from cardboard.

2. With a straight-edge, draw the pattern into the foam or carpet, making sure to leave some overhang where you’ll slide your kayak on.
2. With a straight-edge, draw the pattern into the foam or carpet, making sure to leave some overhang where you’ll slide your kayak on.
3. Slide the pad onto the roof and check for a perfect fit.
3. Slide the pad onto the roof and check for a perfect fit.
4. Get the nose of the kayak onto the pad.
4. Get the nose of the kayak onto the pad.
5. Slide your boat onto the pad and tie it down.
5. Slide your boat onto the pad and tie it down.