Depends somewhat on whether you want your system easily removeable or not. Some go with a standard Yakima-type bar and kayak cradles over the cab, then build a simple inverted "U" of wood with a wood cradle on top covered in carpet. The "U" usually has gussets in the corners for strength and fits in the last pair of slots in the rear of the pickup box. This "U" is pretty quick to remove. The less-easlily-removed but cheaper version is just 2 "U"s, on either end of the bed with a beam connecting the two in the center. This saves you the cost of a Yakima bar and cradle, which is going to cost ~$120 or so.

Another neat thing about the wood option is that you could make a custom clamping system. You could drop your kayak in its cradles, then have another set on hinges that come down over the hull like the roof-mounted ski racks. You can custom-fit it to your kayak; it will be rock-solid and super quick to load and unload.

Dean

> I just bought a small pick up truck with a 7' long bed.Does anybody have
> any plans or ideas for making a rack to carry a 17' wood strip kayak.I
> don't have a cap on the truck.Thanks in advance Don