I've been using 3-point Grumman tie down straps for the past eleven years to
secure my canoe on my Westfalia. This requires that you drill two holes in the
bottom of the front bumper, into which you insert the two hooks from the strap
(the third hook attaches to the bow of the canoe).  The straps are easily
adjustable and cinch down tight.

Roy O.
'87 Westfalia
('till death us do part)

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Fritz <jfritz@DECORAH.K12.IA.US>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, June 03, 1999 4:51 AM
Subject: luggage compartment tie downs

Volks,
I'm leaving next week for a trip in the Boundary Waters and will be carrying my
18.5' Wenonah Kevlar canoe on the Westy's top.
My question:  How strong/dependable are the tie down anchors in the Westy
luggage compartment?  The canoe doesn't weight much and the wind really buffets
it around unless I lash it down good and securely.  I don't want to pull the
mounting anchors out of the fiberglass though.

Also, does anybody have a good way of lashing the front of the canoe to the
front bumper?  I can easily hook onto the tow hook below the bumper on the
passenger side but I'm still scratching my head about how to attach it on the
drivers side.

TIA
Jim in Iowa
91 Passat Wagon GL
89 Westy
66 Beetle