Every time I put my kayak on top of my car, it makes an annoying buzzing sound once we approach 30 mph or faster. I'm assuming this is from the cords used to strap it down. This weekend we are bringing it up to Minnesota and I need to minimize the sound as much as I can so that we don't go crazy on the 8 hour drive. Below is a somewhat helpful image of how we strap the kayak. There are cords that also run from the front bumper to the bow of the boat, then we have the two straps that go inside the car through the doors and over the boat. We also have a cord from the back bumper to the back end of the kayak. Any questions, please ask. Thanks for your help! 

Put a twist in the straps. Reduces the noise dramatically.

12 minutes ago, Tim Kelly said:

Put a twist in the straps. Reduces the noise dramatically.

x2 on the twist!

I agree about the straps.  However, if possible I'd also put the kayak on the roof upside down.  It will eliminate the buzzing, humming or whatever noise might be created in any gaps where the straps are not in contact with the hull.

 

 

What both of them said.  Putting a knot in it can help as well, but you have to know your straps well, and knots can weaken the straps. You can also twist a piece of pvc or a dowel into the strap.

Mine makes a ton of noise as well.  I may have to try the twist of the strap and see if that helps.  I'd like to flip mine over but can't because it's not level then.

I switched to rope for the bow/stern tie-downs and found it really cuts the noise down.  I have some cheap cam-locks but a trucker's hitch would work just as well.  

On 6/11/2017 at 0:39 PM, Tim Kelly said:

Put a twist in the straps. Reduces the noise dramatically.

 

Do the twist!

you have to twist them as mentioned, but i also agree with trying to go with the kayak upside down if possible.

Try turning the radio up.