NHRC Policy For Car-Topping Club Boats

In general, NHRC does not encourage transporting NHRC-owned shells on member's cars and vans. Shells owned by NHRC should be transported on the NHRC trailer or on a trailer of another rowing club. On occasion, however, members may reserve and transport NHRC shells to regattas to which the trailer is not traveling. NHRC shells may not be car-topped for any reason other than transport to a regatta.

Any member who car-tops a NHRC shell must have prior car-topping experience, must meet the reservation requirements for the shell being transported, and must:

• Ensure the shell is available and not reserved by another member.

• Sign a liability agreement. Members transporting NHRC shells by car-top are responsible for any shell damage that occurs during the period the equipment is away from the boathouse. NHRC will make arrangements for repairs and bill the member for all costs.

• Have vehicle property and liability insurance coverage to at least the minimum levels required by CT state law.

• Follow safe car-topping guidelines:

1. A suitable, appropriately sized shell cradle must always be used.
2. Use a vehicle of appropriate length. Doubles may not be transported on cars because they far exceed the legal 4-foot overhang. They may be transported on vans and large SUVs.
3. The cradle must be securely affixed to the vehicle through some standard roof-racking system in good serviceable condition.
4. Standard shell tie-down straps are to be used to fasten the shell to the trailer.
5. Oars may be fastened securely to the cradle, or stored inside the vehicle if possible.
6. A legal red flag must be affixed to the stern of the shell.
7. If possible, the shell should be transported in a bag.
8. The shell must be de-rigged and the riggers carried inside the vehicle. (The only exception is "Patches").
9. The bow and stern should have tie-down lines fastened to the vehicle to provide additional stability and prevent the bow or stern from flexing upward excessively.
   

The above policy was approved by the NHRC Board of Directors on May 6, 2009.