---- WELLHOUSE MAX <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET> wrote:
>
> My final point to this subject is that the cheapo kits have NO way of
> lashing the canoe laterally to prevent cross winds from blowing the boat
> off the van.  YMMV

Well, as one who has used foam blocks to transport a canoe (not on a Vanagon), I can say that lateral lashing is certainly possible, as I have done it.  Every canoe has thwarts running gunwale to gunwale.  Everyone can make use of lines from the thwarts to automotive pillars.  That might be more difficult on a Vanagon (or any van) than on a sedan.  The foam block kits as sold are completely inadequate.

But, a good rack is far better, and I gave up using foam blocks after an experience that made me believe I could lose the canoe despite lashing to the best of my ability.  mcneely
>
> DM&FS
>
> On Mon, Aug 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM, Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> > "...is it generally recommended to use the bars that fit into the
> > gutter, or to drill into the fibreglass and attach directly to the
> > poptop?..."
> >
> > Jeff: No bars required -- foam blocks suffice.  Google search "canoe
> > on westfalia" to get some ideas.  One example:
> >
> >
> > http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.westfalia.org/community/gallery/files/2/7/5/3/8/van-canoe.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.westfalia.org/community/gallery/showimage.php?i%3D1108&h=450&w=600&sz=48&tbnid=My5IwTtyiFTJyM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcanoe%2Bon%2Bwestfalia%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=canoe+on+westfalia&usg=__elNOfuXmbwn1CpjdqcezgAzDPkk=&docid=q8iXpjtORH9CXM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jgszUKHpHsfrygGW_4HIBw&ved=0CFAQ9QEwAg&dur=495
> >
> > I would choose some other position for the foam blocks so that the
> > canoe is not touching the van directly.  Could consider letting one
> > end hang off the back of the van sufficiently so that the other end is
> > in the luggage hold.
> >
> > Or could consider strapping a bar across the luggage hold to gain some
> > clearance or stability with the canoe resting on foam blocks at the
> > rear end of the pop top, depending on canoe length and beam.
> >
> > gabby
> >

--
David McNeely