Transporting/Carrying a Canoe on the Z3

[inhocsigno]

Hello everyone,

Further to perusing the forum threads of our American counterparts, I have endeavoured to test some of their recommendations with regard to the transporting of a canoe on the Z3.

I am happy to report that, as far as I could tell, the instructions worked as intended!

I used the recommended set of Handirack inflatable roof bars, which I found on ebay for under £50; they came with two self-tensioning straps, alongside a useful little pump. I added another set of ratchet ropes and connected it all to the car like so:

I did not have to drive a long distance, maybe a couple of miles to the university sports grounds on the river Wear. I did so at a maximum speed of around 40mph.

I thought the setup was fairly stable and the whole thing remarkably fun. Who says they're not practical cars?!

The inflatable canoe is relatively light and did not appear to put excessive pressure on the frame. I may attempt a trip to Seaham in the future; any feedback/advice much welcome.

Have a good autumn everyone!

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Inflatable roofracks? What will the young people think of next?

 

[Pond]

Hello everyone,

Further to perusing the forum threads of our American counterparts, I have endeavoured to test some of their recommendations with regard to the transporting of a canoe on the Z3.

I am happy to report that, as far as I could tell, the instructions worked as intended!

I used the recommended set of Handirack inflatable roof bars, which I found on ebay for under £50; they came with two self-tensioning straps, alongside a useful little pump. I added another set of ratchet ropes and connected it all to the car like so:

View attachment 321325

I did not have to drive a long distance, maybe a couple of miles to the university sports grounds on the river Wear. I did so at a maximum speed of around 40mph.

I thought the setup was fairly stable and the whole thing remarkably fun. Who says they're not practical cars?!

The inflatable canoe is relatively light and did not appear to put excessive pressure on the frame. I may attempt a trip to Seaham in the future; any feedback/advice much welcome.

Have a good autumn everyone!

I hate to state the obvious, but I have a feeling you bought the wrong car.

If you look at the picture upside down it looks like an ice skate.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

I thought the idea of an inflatable canoe is to put it in the boot and pump it up when you get there .

 

[Stevo7682]

Very clever .
My only issue would be the straps leading to distortion of the roof edges causing water ingress.
Trust me I've been there water sports are best kept on the outside of your zed.
As zed 3's are capable of hiding just about as much water as you could pour into that canoe.
Stephen.

 

[ExMX5owner]

Inflatable roofracks? What will the young people think of next?

Don't get me started on that one...

 

[Ianmc]

Looks dodgy to me. Unsafe load comes to mind!