Usually, its not too hard to find a willing volunteer or associate to get the boat(s) off the top of the car.

However, when all else fails, park the vehicle four or so feet away from a tree or sign post.

Take a line and tie it from the canoe rack to the tree tightly. Sometimes I run the line through a four-foot piece of plastic pipe first.

Lift one end of the boat off the vehicle and on to the rope.

Go to the other end of the boat and lift it from the vehicle to the ground. 

It is now relatively easy to walk under the 45 degree boat and shoulder it off the rope and walk it to the water.

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