: One more minor point to consider: If this stuff is loose in the boat, the
: weight will shift if you tip the hull--which you will, getting it on or
: off the rack, or just toting down the trail. I hate when that happens.

Interesting point. I use J saddles, and plan on having most stuff in the cockpit, so the shifting on/off the rack should be minimized. But then I worry about losing a cockpit cover en route, so I may go with the fancy kind that have straps to wrap the boat. I usually paddle with the wife and we tandem-carry, so down the trail shifting's not so much a concern.

This past weekend we did a group float down the Ohio - 500+ boats heading for 20 foot wide put-ins and take-outs gave me religion on getting a cart. Currently exersizing the skull trying to come up with a better version of the end-mount type. Strong, stable, quick on-off, folds to fit in a shirtpocket. May need to make some compromises.