Hi Steve;

I carry three kayaks on top of a Ford Focus, the little brother to the Tarus.

When the car is moving, the kayaks bows deflect the wind up and ride light. I'm more cooncerned with riping the racks off the top of the car than I am about the weight. When I'm moving, the bows are tied down to mounting points under the bumper.

These pix aren't very good, as they were just quick snaps as I was testing the placement of my racks when the trailer was attached to the car. The rack is of course custom (also a quick job one evening before a camping trip), and the mounting cradles are very close to the bulkheads.

I have no concerns about carrying the three boats like this.

http://www.rockley.com/kayaks/CarYak.jpg
http://www.rockley.com/kayaks/CarYak2.jpg

coop