American Made 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.
PORTAGING FACTS
More accidents and boat damage occur during portaging than paddling, that’s a fact. You always practice on water safety, now you can practice off water portage safety using our cutting edge designs. Boats are designed to paddle, not fly. Don’t become a statistic!
COMMON SENSE ENGINEERING
Basic common sense dictates you don’t place a round peg in a square hole expecting a favorable outcome or proper fit. Given an option, why would you compromise your be-loved boat, your safety or the safety of others? Designs such as V-racks or V-bars con-centrate and funnel tremendous force to a very small surface area where your curved hull meets the flat rack surface. In addition, history has documented when bungee cords fail at high speeds, and they have, boats fly and tragic accidents occur. All Portage Logistics models provide uncompromised highway safety.
WHY CHOOSE PORTAGE LOGISTICS CRADLES
Portage Logistics is the only patented, pro-endorsed, adjustable cradle and span auto top portage system available. Upon ownership, you will rapidly come to appreciate the importance of our amazing adjustable cradles and various boat span support features both equipped with glass filled / Nyloc (glass filled) T-handles and stainless steel carriage bolts providing rapid hassle-free use. With improper cradle span, your boat becomes an unsafe roof top teeter-totter. Inferior boat rack designs subject your boat to a gamut of damaging issues created by varied wind speeds, directions, and gusts from passing trucks, changing conditions such as rain, strap tensions and miscellaneous shocks to your boat. Our advanced designs correct these issues and eliminate the need for cumbersome bow and stern tie-down lines that create boat and auto damage. Upon product ownership, our relationship does not end; it only begins as we offer limit-less portaging tips and product knowledge and support. We welcome you into our family with open paddles and oars.
Experience, Expertise. Testing.
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.