Date:         Wed, 3 Sep 2003 10:00:33 -0600
Reply-To:     KMcLean@MORROWENV.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kevin McLean <KMcLean@MORROWENV.COM>
Subject:      Re: Canoe rack for Westy?
Comments: To: Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <3F54438A.16240.2A71381@localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

> Just returned from a weekend trip with a borrowed 17' Coleman canoe on
> the roof of our '88 Westy. Seems to fit fine, but I would not want to
> continue this practice much longer on rough roads - the extra weight
> increases the amount of rubbing the poptup does on the roof. (I already
> have worn through the paint on part of the rear edge).
>
> Any recommendations for a suitable rack that is supported by the rain
> gutters, but still allows easy poptop operation? Preferably low profile
(2" or
> less above top) or quick release design to avoid overheight ferry fees
> (which start at 84").

Shawn:

I carry my canoe using Gary Lee's racks. <
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm>  Nice, well
made racks.  Takes two people but I can even pop the top with the canoe
on.

My van is a Syncro, and with the racks, it is almost exactly 84" tall.
Depending on the mood of the person at the ferry terminal, I may or may
not get charged as an overheight vehicle (this summer:  3 trips no extra
charge, 1 trip as overheight).

Kevin
Calgary, AB