Portage Logistics History
Auto Top Boat Cradles & Loading Systems
Founded in 1992 by lifelong paddler/rower Rik Pauli, Portage Logistics LLC began the design, manufacture and sales of American Made auto top boat cradles, racks, loading/unloading systems and accessories for safe transport of all sizes, makes and models of solo and tandem kayaks, surfskis, canoes, outrigger canoes, paddleboards, rowing shells, and auto top fishing boats. Our novel, patented products for both women and men serve recreational and competitive boaters including the adaptive community.
It’s been said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” In 1992 I found myself in need of a car top portaging system to safely transport my variety of boats worry and damage free to and from regattas and my favorite waters. Disappointed with available products on the market, I began designing, refining and fabricating my own auto top rowing shell and kayak portage system.
Design goals included:
A. Safety, safety and more safety.
B. User-friendly cradle width and span adjustability to accommodate a snug/proper fit to any boat style or size.
C. Rapid and user-friendly boat tie-down options tailored to your specific boat and portage.
D. Maximize boat to cradle contact surface area to evenly distribute hull and deck pressures.
E. Minimize overall weight and size to store in trunk.
F. Maximize durability and rigidity.
G. Pitch adjustments to maximize aerodynamics and minimize boat lift.
H. Low and narrow profile cradles allow for additional boat or gear room with pleasing form.
I. Locking T-handles combined with snag free carriage bolts to eliminate the need for wrenches.
J. Shock absorbing cradles that evenly distribute hull/deck pressure and stress created by
various wind directions, speeds, gusts from trucks and changing conditions such as rain, strap tensions, etc.
K. Quick and easy cradle removal when not in use to reduce wind drag, vehicle height and potential costly damage due to low clearances.
L. Quick and easy boat span adjustability. Proper boat span support eliminates the dangerous
car top teeter-totter effect and need for bow and stern tie-downs.
After countless prototypes and refinements, all goals and novel features were accomplished. My heirloom quality Universal series includes width/span adjustable sliding cradles, multiple boat tie-down options, pitch adjustment and customizable one or multipiece span bars. Fully padded cradles can be used with or without cradle straps. This amazing system installs and adjusts in minutes to cradle surfskis, kayaks, rowing shells and outrigger canoes eliminating the need for multiple products. It is also paddleboard and canoe adaptable. Removable cradles and varied length, multipiece span bars easily detach in seconds to securely store in trunk eliminating potential theft. A multipiece span bar option allows unrestricted hatchback use. Custom bar lengths are available to accommodate your specific needs.
People often ask why I refer to the system as cradles since other products are commonly called racks. My patented designs cradle your boat in satin soft, 3” wide strapping that conforms and distributes pressures uniformly 360° around any shape or size boat, deck up or deck down. Positioned deck down, your cockpit, wash-box or hatches will not fill with rainwater or debris. In addition, a pitch adjustment option will lower the bow increasing aerodynamics and fuel economy while decreasing boat lift. These many user-friendly, customizable, time-saving, novel features extend boat life, value and performance while promoting a safe, damage free, enjoyable portage.
My philosophy is designing and engineering excellence in quality products at fair prices to enrich the paddling/rowing community. After accomplishing my goals with the Universal series cradle, I have designed and now offer additional cradles tailored to specific watercraft and needs along with several car top boat loading/unloading systems. The back-saving quickstep express loading/unloading series allows effortless, independent, solo loading/unloading and paddling on your schedule.
Portage Logistics Auto Top Boat Cradles and Loading Systems combine over 66 years of paddling and portaging experience born from a passion for paddling and rowing by paddlers and rowers. Built to last a lifetime and beyond, my designs ensure unmatched portaging safety and versatility. Prior to product release, Portage Logistics Auto Top Boat Cradles and Loading Systems are thoroughly tested by professional paddlers and rowers to evaluate performance, durability and potential redesigns and improvements. Product demands have grown beyond personal needs and requests from friends. Now you too can enjoy the product professionals have for years.
All products are my patented original designs built with the finest materials available. My product is 100% American Made. I proudly design and craft the very best products backed by my limited lifetime warranty.
Portage Logistics is continually improving and developing new products. Should you have a special need or idea, we would like to hear from you. We have worked with many to accommodate their special needs and enjoy doing so.
Upon product ownership, our relationship does not end; it only begins. We are lifelong paddlers/rowers and offer near limitless valuable portaging tips, product knowledge and 24/7/365 support. If you need it, and we don’t have it in our product lineup, talk to us and we’ll work with you to accommodate your needs.
My novel designs are a pleasing balance between form/function and logic; hence the company name Portage Logistics seemed fitting.
Your ownership is honored with a Lifetime Warranty.
Paddler, Rower and Designer
Rik Pauli
Sold worldwide, wholesale and retail.
All inquiries and orders welcome.
Please direct inquiries to portagelogisticsllc.com
Phone: 715.798.3784