: I want to be able to still haul a trailer, so I'd rather not use
: the tow hitch for a mounting bar, but some other type that would
: fit outside the cap might work.

Might try these guys, prices are better: http://www.rackattack.com/

Yakima, as well at Thule and others, make racks that bolt on too, I've got them on my utility trailer. The bases, towers and crossbars aren't gonna be anywhere near the price you quoted, not even close. Yakima makes inexpensive saddles btw that work ok, the "landshark" saddles, they are priced per 4, so one set per boat. Most of the other saddles are priced per 2 so you need two sets per boat.

I drive on the freeway alot with the boats including some long trips, having the boats get airborn isn't a wonderful thing. So I've invested in good equipment. Btw, you can make your own saddles and save some money. I've got a set for my catamaran-kayak since you can't buy racks that fit, and they work fine. They are just plywood bases with angled plywood supports epoxied together with outdoor carpet on them. I think Ross Leidy has instructions for making prettier ones on his site.

Bill H.