Ready to haul your kayak or canoe to the water? To do so safely, you need a roof rack or a foam block base, plus the right attachments to secure the boat down.

Your Choice: Car Rack or Blocks

These inexpensive, temporary carriers attach to your car roof using the downward force of nylon straps, which are typically included. Some foam blocks (or saddles) are designed to fit between your kayak and your vehicle's roof; others are slotted to fit on the bars of roof racks as a mount. The whole system is held in place by 2 or 3 straps that attach either to your car's roof rack or circle through your car's interior and attach inside the vehicle.

Boat mounts come in a variety of designs, including cradles, stackers, saddles and even foam-block carriers. Attachments can be clamped, screwed or otherwise fastened onto rack bars to allow you to carry your boats and other gear safely.

• J-cradles and stackers transport kayaks on their sides leaving space for multiple boats or more gear.
• Saddle-style mounts nestle the kayak hull gently upright, grasping onto the sides of the boat without pressing in too hard on any one area, thereby saving wear and tear on the edges of the kayak's hull.
• Integrated lift systems are the ultimate. They feature a rack mount plus gas-assist shocks to help you raise the boat onto the rack.