moving paddleboard from MI to FL

[paddlerjoe]

I'm going to be driving from Mt. Pleasant MI to Englewood FL in January, but don't have a way to transport my 12' paddleboard. Is there a forum where I might find someone to help with that?

 

[tlmgcamp1]

What are you driving? Even the smallest open uhaul trailer would do the job as the board could extend over the trailer tongue

 

[paddlerjoe]

I'll just be driving my Camry. This is a brand new board still in the box so I'm trying got be as careful as possible. It would be great if it could have fully covered transportation. I checked into freight shipping and that's definitely a no-go costwise.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

A class II hitch for the Camry shouldn't be too pricey. Slice some pool noodles lengthwise to go over the top rail of the trailer and you should be good to go. The uhaul trailers are built like tanks so they don't bounce much. If you are moving anything else, put that stuff in plastic tubs (waterproof) and load up the trailer as much as you can. More weight is smoother ride.

If you are still not comfortable, rent a uhaul truck that is long enough for the board and put the camry on a dolly

 

[SuwanneeDave1]

I'm going to be driving from Mt. Pleasant MI to Englewood FL in January, but don't have a way to transport my 12' paddleboard. Is there a forum where I might find someone to help with that?

Why not rent one in Florida?

 

[paddlerjoe]

Why not rent one in Florida?

The rentals are in horrible shape and overpriced. I have a brand new one I really want to break in down in FL.

 

[8Muddypaws]

I rented a sailboard in Florida. It was in horrible shape. The non slip deck was completely worn off.

A roof rack would work. I used to carry an 11'9" race board on the top of a Honda Element.

Check Amazon for fit & prices. Probably much cheaper than renting a trailer and getting a hitch installed.

One more tip: put the fin in the front.

 

[paddlerjoe]

I rented a sailboard in Florida. It was in horrible shape. The non slip deck was completely worn off.

A roof rack would work. I used to carry an 11'9" race board on the top of a Honda Element.

Check Amazon for fit & prices. Probably much cheaper than renting a trailer and getting a hitch installed.

One more tip: put the fin in the front.

This is valid point and one I've been considering because I will eventually need one for local use, but I'm completely unfamiliar with roof racks. Do they make one that can withstand 4,000 miles of travel (round trip) at 85mph on major interstates? And lock the board so it can't be stolen? This is the 12' board I'll be using: HD Gatorshell

 

[bigbAZ]

Probably best to stick with the name brands like Thule or Yakima. Thule states "under no circumstances exceed 130 KPH (80 MPH). Personally I'd see how it handles and probably stay under 70. I'd also probably take the board into in the hotel room at night.

 

[8Muddypaws]

Probably best to stick with the name brands like Thule or Yakima. Thule states "under no circumstances exceed 130 KPH (80 MPH). Personally I'd see how it handles and probably stay under 70. I'd also probably take the board into in the hotel room at night.

Both of those could be a problem.

When I had the race board on my roof rack I never went over 75. I had a bunch of different racks during the 60+ years I surfed or windsurfed and never had a board fly off the rack.

I even towed a car behind our first motorhome with three boards on it. No problems.

 

[RayIN]

Getting caught driving 85 MPH on I 65 or I 75 will most likely cost your more than renting U-haul enclosed trailer; plus the board will be safer from damage or theft.

 

[paddlerjoe]

Both of those could be a problem.

When I had the race board on my roof rack I never went over 75. I had a bunch of different racks during the 60+ years I surfed or windsurfed and never had a board fly off the rack.

I even towed a car behind our first motorhome with three boards on it. No problems.

Can you recommend a roof rack for a 12' stand-up paddleboard?

 

[Kirk]

Thule ~ Yakima

Cruiser ~ Thurso

 

[8Muddypaws]

What Kirk said.

 

[Rene T]

How long do you plan on staying in Fl. If you’re going to be there for 3 or 4 months, how about buying one and selling it on Craigslist when you want to come home. Just a thought.

 

[paddlerjoe]

Probably best to stick with the name brands like Thule or Yakima. Thule states "under no circumstances exceed 130 KPH (80 MPH). Personally I'd see how it handles and probably stay under 70. I'd also probably take the board into in the hotel room at night.

Was hoping to avoid having to go that slow over the course of 2k miles, but might be my only option.

 

[paddlerjoe]

Getting caught driving 85 MPH on I 65 or I 75 will most likely cost your more than renting U-haul enclosed trailer; plus the board will be safer from damage or theft.

Definitely not planning to 85mph the entire way, but there are stretches. Just need to make the best time possible.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'm closing this thread to further replies because there is a duplicate at looking for someone to transport my paddleboard

Please make replies on the other thread.