All,

Now that the "mystery machine" is getting out of its own way, i'm pondering
the roof rack question. In order of importance, the goals are to be able to
carry my two sea kayaks with A) minimum risk to the vehicle, B) minimum risk
to the kayaks, and C) lowest reasonable owner effort.

I've already priced the two standard options: Thule and Yakima. The costs
are comparable as is the quality. The difference is Thule offers artificial
rain gutters that would be attached to the Westy fiberglass roof, whereas
Yakima offers extra tall legs that would attach to the vehicle's rain
gutters. Neither brand publicly supports carrying kayaks with either
solution despite the fact the combined weight of my boats is below the
published max capacity. I've seen both methods in use out in the world.

As I see it my choices are drill eight holes through my roof and then
subject the fiberglass to the stress and strain of carrying two +17' boats,
or go with the Yakima tall legs but have to remove the boats and one, if not
both, racks whenever i want to pop the top. If I go with the Thule rack i'd
only have to remove the boats before popping the top. Once on Prince Edward
Island, i saw a Westy in a roadside rest area with the top up with two sea
kayaks still on the rack. Looked like a mobile missile launcher ready to
fire. The owner told me it was easier to get kayaks on and off with the top
up.

I can't do a half 'n half (tall legs up front by the luggage rack, roof
mount legs toward the rear) because the legs/artificial rain gutters are all
sold in lots of four and i don't have enough $$$ to buy extra stuff.

I'm leaning toward the Yakima racks since the thought of drilling through
already old, and possibly brittle, fiberglass fills me with dread. Not to
mention having bolt-ends menacing my canvas.

Anybody have experiences to share?

Thanks,

-jspeer

'89 Westy GL, "Mystery Machine"