Hi all,

Thanks to everyone who provided advice on how to lift the poptop with the
boat on the roof.  After some experimentation with spotting (and
occasionally catching) from a taller, stronger friend, I've figured out a
way to do it that works for me.  It involves an eight-foot 2x2, my trusty
stepstool, and some pillows.  (Pillows go on the upper bunk when letting the
top down - so in case I lose control it will come to a slow sighing halt on
the pillows instead of crashing on my head.  Which it did once in practice -
not good for the skylight, my head is hard!)

And to anyone who was offended by my GRRRR! email, my apologies.  I
certainly wasn't criticizing the list for not providing me professional
advice - just letting off steam because after a lot of hassle getting racks
onto the roof, being told I was using the wrong kind of racks and should
start over was a bit frustrating.  Even if, all else being equal, other
racks might be a better solution than what I have.

Thanks also to those who warned me about raising the roof with the boat and
possible damage to the hinges, springs, or other mechanisms, especially in
wind.  I'll definitely keep it in mind - keep the top down or remove the
boat in windy weather. Perhaps as I get more adept at loading and unloading
I'll take it off all the time.  I'm used to loading a kayak on a Prius or a
Civic, on which I can at least see the roof - a Vanagon is mountainous by
comparison!

Joy