>Found a couple of articles about roof racks for Westies.
>One mentioned that Thule recommends no more than 2 bikes mounted to a roof rack
with the artificial rain gutters >drilled into the top.  It goes on to mention
that some people have had no problems with more than that mounted.  My >Q:
Anyone out there carried a canoe (~80lb) on this type of system (Thule with
artificial rain gutters drilled into >the camper top)?  How did it go and could
the top be opened with the canoe on?  Any other suggestions for carrying >a
canoe and maintaining functionality of the pop-top?
>Thanks for any info.
>Cory
>N. Bridgton, ME

Hi Cory --- I'll watch this thread with interest as I plan to do exactly what
you're proposing. I corresponded with a listee last year who sent me pics of
this kind of rack with three surfboards on it ---with the poptop opened as well
as closed. He estimated the weight of the surf boards at about 60 pounds. Thule
(I think it's on their website somewhere) actually recommends no more than 70
lbs for the Westy poptop. I'm just going to go for it and find out --- lots of
racks are drilled into lots of fibreglass truck caps ---- carrying more weight
than a canoe. I intend to run good tie down strap to the front bumper as extra
security and to avoid undo strain on the poptop latch from the windstream.

Cheers,
Doug Alcock
'84 Westy
Toronto, Canada