I agree with Dale. Put a rack on the cab of the truck. This way you can spread the load better. You will have far less twisting from the wind. I have done this with 2 trucks, one rack on the cab, and the other on the cap (canopy or shell). I've logged a lot of miles at freeway speeds, in windy areas, it is a VERY secure setup. Instead of saddles, I use stackers, it makes loading easy, and I can carry 4 kayaks on a small truck. Plus, it shows off the decks of the kayaks, not just the hulls.

: I just sized up the truck for the rack I'll need to transport my almost
: finished creation. I have had an idea in mind but the actual measurements
: brought to light a concern. I think it is easily solved but since I've
: never transported a yak anywhere by auto I figured I get some opinions
: from those who have.

: The vastly intricate drawing attached is the scenario and what worried me was
: the amount of boat cantilevered over the front of the truck. I can cut
: down on it by putting a foam pad or some kind of pad on the cab roof to
: provide support. The front and back tie lines will not be pulled extremely
: tight, just taut. I was afraid to go much more than 24" in the rear
: but I have no reasoning for it.

: Should I move the kayak back another foot?
: Will a foam pad or some other support take care of the cantilever problem?

: Thanks in advance for your help.

: --Tony

: By the way, I just finished turning a $4 thrift shop pad into a seat,
: backrest pad and footpeg pads. Also I have the coaming glassed. I think
: that if all goes well this week with my rack and spray skirt that I can
: launch next Sunday (14th). Of course the kayak will not be painted or
: rigged. That will be about a week cure on the epoxy fill coat I plan to
: apply tommorrow. I'd like to wait until it's rigged and painted but that
: could eat up the rest of the month easily due to cure times.