> 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.

Came in kinda late to this discussion, but be sure to check out eBay. There is always some racks for auction here. I was fortunate in that I was able to pick up a set of the older Yakima SST towers with 4 sets of clips that would fit my older car for approx $30. I did end up buying a new set of bars for $40 (locally - you can find these on ebay if you are patient). So, $70 for a bomb proof set of racks, in my opinion is not too bad.

Don