The eco-friendly, highly efficient Prius has an amazing ability to get you there--wherever there may be--inexpensively, at least as far as gas goes. As many Prius owners have discovered, though, the vehicle does not come standard with any roof rack or exterior luggage carrying features. This leaves it entirely upon the individual to figure out how to get that canoe to the river or lake without having to enlist a truck or SUV. Fortunately, it's a pretty easy process. But you'll have to buy an after-market roof rack.
Visit your local Toyota dealership to view a list of acceptable after-market roof racks for purchase. Alternatively, you may contact Toyota directly about this.
Have the roof rack installed professionally, unless you are a skilled auto body specialist and have all of the tools to do the job. Most local retailers will offer installation with purchase, and this will give you assurance that both car and canoe will be safe.
Ask a friend to help you hoist the canoe on top of your newly installed roof rack. Make sure the top of the canoe is facing downward, and that the length of the canoe runs in the same direction as the length of the car.
Balance the canoe so that its weight is evenly situated on the roof rack's cross bars.
Take one length of rope and run it through the small hole at the front of the canoe, and tie it off there. Tie the other end of this length of rope to the Prius beneath the front bumper. There is a small metal D-ring that works well for this purpose.
Repeat this process for the rear end of the canoe. There will be another D-ring under the rear bumper as well.
Use additional lengths of rope to secure the body of the canoe to the roof rack cross bars. Make sure the canoe is securely fastened, and drive slowly.
