12" Aluminum Boat on Car Roof?

[SteveO]

I plan on buying an older 12" aluminum boat today and I'm hoping to be able to put it on the roof of my car (Nissan Maxima).

I am concerned about the beam width (from spec'ing similar boats I expect it to be 60"), and also the bow hanging down and blocking visibility too much.

I'm going to try to get a roof rack today.

Does anyone know if a 12 footer generally can be car topped? Any comments greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Jebby]

hey.... i recently got a 14 foot with a 10 hp johnson from the 50s.... we dont put it on the car but we flip it on the pop up camper and strap her down with the motor and gas tank underneeth on a bracket i made to hold them.... id say ur gunna swallow ur car pritty good but if theres something to protect ur roof and u have er tied down VERY well... mark it with red flags take it easy and u should be ok..... vision will most likely be a problem though so good luck to ya....if ya can get a buddy to go with u might make things easier.....

[Ernest T Bass]

Seeing as this question is from last July I figure you have either bought a bigger car or found a trailer.BUT,my parents and I had a home made 10ft aluminum boat my Dad and I made,and carried it on top of a 1961 Corvair! The view out front was cured by moving the boat back,if you need to support the transom,run a support from your rear bumper up to the boat,securing it at BOTH ENDS! As for width,screw a 2x4 of sufficient length to each of your racks. OH YA,it's a good idea to put a stopper block on both racks to keep the boat from going OFF the other side(sic but true).


Good Fishin' Ernest T. BASS