> 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

if you really want the low budget route ..there is a setup that is sold so that you use your own 2 X 4's as bars..( it only works with cars with gutters) and you could make your own cradles to bolt on. it's sold for car topping canoes. they come as just 4 gutter clamps that have a horizontal flange to bolt your 2 X4 on to. Addison

Addison