Is there anything that would prevent me from entering international water territories on a kayak?

Warm/hot weather kayak rooftop storage?

• Okay... spring has sprung and it's about time to get the boats back into the water. There are a few lakes and rivers that are a lot closer to work than my house is. I'd rather try to bring the kayak with me than drive to work, go home strap the boat on and then drive back. Otherwise it would probably be one and a half hours of lost time, possibly two or more hours during the evening rush hour. If I were to strap my plastic recreational boat onto the roof, then go to work and try to get some time on the water after work, is there anything I should do to ensure that it can survive the day in the direct sun? The parking lot at work is gated, so it is the most secure place to leave it during the day. However, it is uncovered and treeless, so I cannot park in the shade. Would having a cover on the boat itself be enough sun protection? Or should I double up on the protection by covering the covered boat as well? ( I'm thinking of using a kayak cover and then throw a tarp over that ) I am aware that loosening up the tie-downs will prevent pressure points as the kayak heats up in the sun, but would it start to droop as it softens up? I could also take it off of the rack and use my car as shade, along with a tarp. The only downside is that there are several deliveries to the shop a day and it would be fairly easy to pick up a loose boat and drive away. Another option might be to borrow the bed of a pickup truck and cover it there. This would keep the whole boat supported instead of being held up by four little pads on the roof rack. I might also be able to put it on the ground under a truck - there are also a few redneck over-sized 4x4s. I'm not sure if the asphalt gets very hot, though. I can't bring it into the building, put possibly can stash it on the side of the building or under one of the equipment shelters we have. I would prefer not to have take it off and on more than necessary. Whaddaya think? Is covering a covered boat enough sun protection?

• Answer:

  Plastics are subject to ultra violet ray degradation. Long exposure to the sun's direct rays will cause plasticizers to migrate. This will also happen over time. Some plastic boats may have a protective coating over the hull plastic. Nothing is going to happen to your boat in the short run. Acquire a nylon or polyester sack for your boat. Inquire at a hospital supply shop about protective plastic blankets. You should be able to fashion a sack out of two of them.