Transporting dinghies on a roof rack - A DIY Solution for Solo Sailors

Transporting your dinghy or small boat to other places for competition or holidays can be a challenge. While trailers have traditionally been the go-to for boat transport, roof racks offer an efficient and cost-effective alternative, especially for smaller boats. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of transporting dinghies on a roof rack compared to using a trailer, and I'll introduce you to a DIY solution I've developed that allows solo sailors to easily car-top their dinghies.

Roof Rack vs Trailer: Which Method is Better?

1. Cost

• Trailer: Trailers are a significant upfront investment. In addition to the cost of the trailer itself, you may also need to consider storage fees, maintenance, and potential modifications to your car (like installing a hitch). There are also ongoing costs like registering and insuring the trailer.
• Roof rack: Roof racks are considerably cheaper, especially if you already own one. You don't need to worry about registration or insurance, and there’s no annual maintenance.

2. Ease of Use

• Trailer: Can be very convenient for boat transportation especially if you can just slide your dinghy on the trolley into the trailer and secure it. Maneuvering the trailer can be a bit stressful, especially in crowded spaces. Additionally, trailers require storage or parking space.
• Roof rack: Not much space is required to store roof bars for the car and setting them up is typically very easy. The most difficult part of this transportation method is lifting the dinghy onto the car and taking it down again.

Solo Loading: The Key Challenge

One of the biggest challenges for solo sailors is lifting the dinghy onto the roof. Trailers remove this issue entirely since the boat can be slid into the trailer. However, a trailer isn't always the most practical or necessary for smaller dinghies.

This is where my DIY roof rack solution shines. Using lightweight yet strong aluminum profiles, I've designed a system that allows solo sailors to load and secure their dinghy without assistance. It works by integrating rollers, making it possible to roll the dinghy onto the rack and secure it single-handedly. This system is not only robust but can be adjusted to fit different boat sizes and vehicles.

The DIY Dinghy Roof Rack System

The design is inspired by some other solutions that I saw when attending dinghy sailing competitions. Similar systems were typically welded and hence specifically designed for specific dinghy / roof bar / car combination. It is designed to carry the dinghy inside its trolley with top side up. However, I wanted to have a more flexible solution that would allow me to use the system with different cars. Hence I decided to go for adjustable aluminum extrusion profiles which are connected using screws.

Key components of the solution

• Aluminum Extrusions: These lightweight, sturdy profiles can be purchased in any length and various connection systems allow for flexibility. 
• Roller: Made of an Aluminum tube put around a round aluminum profile to easily slide up and down the dinghy trolley
• U-Bolt Fastener: Made of U-shaped profile and a threaded rod are used to attach the dinghy trolley onto the aluminum frame and the frame onto the roof bars

Design considerations

Many aspects where taken into account when designing this system and the current version is the outcome of many design iterations.

Dimensions

I decided to go for the 3cm / 30mm aluminum profiles as a base system as from my perspective it provided best trade off between minimum weight and best possible stability. Another aspect is that I could only get round profiles for30 or 40mm.

The length of the carrier is somehow flexible. It should be long enough to provide good support for the trolley. For the RS Aero I decided to go for 180cm long profiles with 30mm x 30mm.

The cross bars of my carrier are 114cm long. Again it shouldn't be too long, I don't want them to hang over the roof bars but also not too short to provide ideal support for the dinghy trolley. The bars are wider measuring 60mm x 30mm so that they sit better on my roof bars which are 47mm wide.

Noise

As soon as you drive around with the carrier mounted on your car roof, wind will create noise. Driving for many hours with background noise can be a very unpleasant experience. Initially I had supporting blocks mounted on the cross bars but those caused severe noise. Removing the blocks helped a lot in bringing noise levels down. With the current system I can easily drive around 100-110 km/h without any significant noise from the carrier. I have also added caps to cover the aluminum profiles which helped reducing noise.

Accessories

Dinghy cover with integrated padding

I use a dinghy-specific cover that has some integrated padding around the transom. This allows me to lift the bow of the dinghy onto the roller protecting the dinghy from any damage that might occur when touching the ground.

Ratchet straps

Straps are used to attach the dinghy onto the trolley. I prefer to use ratchet straps.

Edge protection

To protect the edges of the boat from the straps I bought some corner protectors made of durable plastic. I covered them with some pieces of carpet so that the edge protection doesn't scratch the hull.

This DIY system offers a practical alternative to buying an expensive commercial solution. It’s designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, ideal for sailors who don’t want to rely on help or deal with the complexity of trailers.

Legal Considerations When Car-Topping a Dinghy

When transporting a dinghy on the roof of your car, you need to be mindful of certain legal regulations that vary from country to country. Here are some general rules to keep in mind:

1. Maximum Roof Load

Most vehicles have a maximum roof load, typically between 75 to 100 kg (165 to 220 lbs). This includes the weight of the roof rack itself and the dinghy. Typically you can find the maximum load in your vehicle’s manual. In certain countries the registration document of your car specifies the maximum roof load. Make sure to not exceed this limit.

2. Maximum Length / Overhang

The law usually dictates how far your load can extend beyond the front and rear of your vehicle. If it goes beyond a certain limit, you may need to use warning flags or lights. Likewise, the dinghy should not extend too far over the windshield, as this could obstruct visibility and increase wind resistance.

3. Securing the Load

Regardless of whether you use a roof rack or trailer, the boat must be securely fastened. Use strong ratchet straps and check that your dinghy is stable before driving. Loose or inadequately secured loads can result in fines and serious accidents.

Final Thoughts: Why a Roof Rack and My DIY Solution Could Be Right for You

For smaller dinghies or boats, transporting via a roof rack offers a hassle-free, cost-effective, and flexible solution. It's a great alternative to trailers, especially if you sail solo or don’t want the extra maintenance a trailer requires. Plus, you avoid the need for a hitch and don’t need to worry about trailer storage.

My DIY solution is designed to overcome one of the key challenges of roof racks: loading and unloading the boat by yourself. By integrating slide rails, pivoting arms, and a customizable framework, it turns the task into something any solo sailor can manage without stress.

With the right preparation and legal considerations, car-topping your dinghy can be a smooth, reliable process. Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend sail or a longer trip, this DIY roof rack system offers the freedom and flexibility to get on the water without the hassle of trailers.

Happy sailing!