I have the snap-on V-shaped foam blocks for one car and saddles for the other. At $30, foamers were overpriced but about half the price of the yakima saddles. They are versatile because they snap on my yakima bar between the gunwale clips when I want to carry my kayak instead of my canoe.

BUT...they are not as secure a carry as the saddles, which have grippy rubber holding your hull. There are stories of people driving at interstate speeds with kayaks on the saddles they forgot to lash down! The foam blocks can roll or slide across the bars, and the hull slides easily across the foam (which I'll admit makes loading/unloading easier.) But you may have to crank down harder on your straps, which has its own dangers.

You could make your own saddles out of 2x6s, rubber and U-bolts, but you'd probably wish you had just spent the $60. Hate to admit it, because I think yakima and thule are price gougers who need some competition.

Bill

> Does any one have any good ideas about building kayak saddles
> for the top of my car?

> I have been getting by with foam padded Yakima bars. They have
> been fine for short trips but I would like some thing a little more
> secure for longer trips.

> I could buy the Yakima ones, but for two boats that is $160-
> $220. I could almost build another boat for $200.

> Does anyone have any cheaper suggestions?

> All thoughts are appreciated.

> CHad