With the posts on canoes lately I am prompted to mention my solution to
carrying one (or two) on a Westy.

I have a Yakima rack with their accessory gunwale brackets and rain rail
attachment clamps that actually attaches to the rain rail.

The way I did this was to buy eight Yakima spacer blocks and long
assembly bolts (from a hardware store) to raise the rack high enough to
clear the top (two blocks at each clamp).  This method of attachment is
much stronger than the typical method of screwing mounting brackets to
the top itself.  I lash the canoe(s) to the rack and tie down the bow
and stern with webbing and hooks to the bumpers.  Very stable and safe.

The disadvantages are cost and having to remove the rack to open the
top.  Worth it to me to be sure that my canoes arrive with me!
--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208

Getting your share of the Net yet?
http://www.cobaltgroup.com
http://www.casedealer.com/demo
http://www.caseihdealer.com/demo