> I'm in the process of building a Chesepeake 18 and decided to get a handle
> on what it would cost to transport it to the local put-in. I stopped by
> the local sports shop and asked about fitting my 88 Tercel with a kayak
> carrier. I had to stop the sales person after he reached $300 because:
> a)he wasn't done, b)he was foaming at the mouth, and c)I had a large cramp
> in my wallet.

> So...what can I do? Are there any designs or ideas out there? I checked
> the archive and only found one truck rack idea mentioned. I don't think it
> will work because of my small roof (4'long by 3' wide). The car is 13'
> long over all so there is going to be a little overhang.

> I saw an idea in a recent woodworking magazine where a guy transported all
> his long lumber by putting a deflated tire on the roof, strapping the wood
> on top, and inflating the tire to provide protection. Sounds like it would
> work with a kayak (cheep too) but not very good looking. Asthetics aren't
> every thing but I like the car and am very happy with the kayak. All
> brainstorming is greatly appreciated.

> John

John, Do you have gutters? My 85 Tercel (bought new) has gutters and I bought a used yakima rack for $25. I used foam blocks for awhile and they worked quite well. I made some v shaped wood saddles that are carpet covered for $3 and recently found 2 sets of yakima saddles Used at a very good price. Make your own or find used stuff. You can find gutter mount racks at garage sales. If you dont have gutters and dont love the car anymore you can put on the artificial gutters sold by yakima and use any rack. I made a set of these of stainless steel and will be mounting them soon on my new yakmobile™, a 1980 plymouth Volare station wagon that has a big long roof that I can reach. Need more ideas E-mail me

Larry C.