Michael:  I don't see a problem using a quality hardwood 2x4 with
routered edges(ash,Oak, etc.) for your bars.  Adding a solid block of
wood or two under where the main wood bar bolts to the rain gutter
mount will give you all the lift you need and all the stability you'd
ever want.  And cost less than Yakima bars too.  You can customize
the length of the wood bars too and add eye screws for custom tie
down applications.  I epoxied some 3" wide strips of outdoor conveyer
belt material on mine so stuff wouldn't slide around.  Did the same
on my honkin' mega rack system made of aluminum channel.  I used
Quick N Easy brackets as they're cast aluminum and not plastic and
have  a taller profile than Yakima.

Good luck haulin all your stuff.

DM&FS

At 10:18 AM 8/21/2009, Michael Sullivan wrote:
>Please see the load bars installed yesterday.  I know I could use a hi-rise
>attachment to get them a little higher, but I have a chance to get another
>set just like these for cheap.  Advice if more than two are needed.  I have
>a 14 ft sit-in freshwater molded kayak.  May want to mount a cargo box or
>bike carrier also.  Thanks.
>http://picasaweb.google.com/sandwichhead/RoofRack08212009?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3GtJaChr30nAE&feat=directlink
>Michael in San Antonio
>91GL AT 'Gringo'
>73 Beetle