Jim Fritz wrote:

<< I don't intend to tow
the sailboat BUT I have an 18.5 ft. kevlar canoe that I'd like to be
able to mount on top.  It only weighs 42 lbs. but the wind can really
"rack" the thing around if it gusts.  My concern is this:  Can the top
of the Westies handle this type of twisting?  If so, do the gas shocks
on the pop-top have enough oommph to hold the canoe up or would I need
to unload the canoe everynight (and chain it to the axle!)>>

I put my 16ft aluminum canoe on top of my 85 Westy with foam blocks. I
tie down the front and rear to the bumpers and a 'safety' strap accross
the canoe attaching to the rain gutter just behind the driver and
passenger front doors. (I use three motorcycle tie down straps).

Wind isn't a problem. In fact, I find that I get about 3-4 mpg better
than without it on the highway.

The pop top isn't held up by gas shocks (at least my 85 isn't). Its held
in place by a folding bar assembly. (Kinda like locking your elbow - or
so my 5 year old tells me). It would seem kinda awkward to keep the
canoe on top. I unload it everynight. Takes longer to unhook my tie down
straps than it does to actually take the canoe down.

I don't chain my canoe to anything although I do carry a chain and lock
in case. I generally try to take my family only to places where locking
things and safety are not a concern. If it is, then maybe we're not
camping at the right place. Once we 'set up' camp, things are pretty
much unsecure when we go fishing or on a hike, etc...

Thats my 2 cents.  BTW, I alternate towing a hobie cat sail boat (for
sale ... shameless plug) and a 3 rail motorcycle trailer (with Goldwing)
behind my van.  Been doing it for years and works great if you don't
mind draining the remaining power left in a 1.9l after you put your foot
on the gas pedal.  :-)

Happy Camping!

Gregg Carlen
85 Westy
76 Goldwing
51 Plymouth
75 Mercedes
... need more toys!