> I have just about finished my Chesapeake 17'! I am dying to try it out. I
> don't have a roof rack for my car and I am looking for suggestions on ways
> to transport it without spending a lot (or any) money. I have been
> transporting a canoe using the blue foam blocks, and then using a pair of
> ratcheting webbing straps. I looped the straps around the canoe, put them
> inside the doors, hooked the ends together and then cranked the ratchets
> down tight. It was quick and really solid. Would it work for a kayak? or
> will I have to buy a special rack. Also, I don't have a paddle yet. I was
> taking a look today and saw wooden ones that were quite cheap. They went
> for about $90 (canadian) and then the non-wood ones all seemed to be quite
> a lot more money. Are the wood ones okay? I haven't paddled before, so I
> don't anticipate paddling across the seven seas this summer or anything.
> Also, are nylon spray skirts alright? Budget is tight, so cheap options
> are more attractive to me now.

> Your expertise is appreciated.

> Thanks, Paul

From one Paul to another: Read the plans for making a Greenland style paddle. You can use a 2 x 4 (or a 2 x 6) and knock one out in a few hours that will perform as well as anything you can buy for 10 times the price -- even in Canadian funds. Several plans available on his BBS. Rough out the shape with a sabre saw, and finish with a plane, or a belt sander.

Campmor can help you with the carrier. www.campmor.com Or go directly to the carriers at:

www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=6782&cgmenbr=226

A complete carrier kit is $35 (US) and includes foam blocks, straps, clamps and ratchets. Since you seem to have most of the rigging from your canoe, just buy the carved foam blocks. They sell a pair of 14 inch blocks with anti slip material for $12 ( US)

While you are looking at Campmor's catalog, check out the Sevylor kayak paddles, and the Campmor paddle adapters. Sevylor's paddles seem to be usable as either oars in their inflatable boats, or paddles in their inflatable kayaks/canoes. Since they are lightweight, cheap and come apart into pieces small enough to fit into a backpack I carry one as a spare for canoeing. The 94BR model is $15 (US) and weighs 1.5 pounds. The 74B model is $18 ( US) and weighs 2.5 pounds. Campmor's paddle adapter ($10 US) lets you take apart the kayak paddles and turn them into two canoe paddles. Since you have both kinds of boats you might look at this as an option for having spare paddles for either. A lot of discount stores and sporting good stores sell Sevylor products, so you can probably find one near you that handles, or can order these things.

Hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson