Date:         Wed, 21 Jul 2010 06:46:16 -0700
Reply-To:     Doug <shirewood@WILDBLUE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug <shirewood@WILDBLUE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Brainstorming: Kayak on Top? (was: Gas Mileage Improvements?)
Comments: To: "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\"" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=response

I would suggest going with the top of the trailer.  Buy a pair of the
inexpensive foam kayak cradles to cushion between the boat and the trailer.
These also compress slightly as you strap the kayak down providing a secure
attachment.
Doug E.
'84  Van-Go
'67 vw convertible  Vert-i-go
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike "Rocket J Squirrel"" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 6:10 AM
Subject: Brainstorming: Kayak on Top? (was: Gas Mileage Improvements?)


> I'm acquiring a new kayak (my Very First) this weekend. I will be
> hauling it with me to Flathead Lake next week for a vacation. I will be
> camping on the way there and back so I want the thing in the way as
> little as possible while on the road.
>
> I can think of three ways to carry the thing and none are impressing me
> very much right now, so I could use a little assistance brainstorming
> this thing.
>
> Way 1. Inside the Westy. The kayak is only 10 feet long so it should
> fit. Pro: EZ 2 do. Con: In the way, but not a big deal.
>
> Way 2. Tied on top of the Westy. Pro: I already have anchor points to
> tie it to. Con: Reduced mileage, and the poptop won't pop without
> removing the thing. I can't afford a rack at this time.
>
> Way 3. Tied atop the trailer. Pro: EZ 2 do. Con: The top of the trailer
> is fiberglass with a skin of Mellow Yellow-colored paint, I worry that
> the kayak will wear through the paint.
>
> Picture of trailer here:
>
> <http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tOV1dWDwOXMSnopLSjrEWKGZse01VKwBV0kK2DXjCqc?feat=directlink>
>
> Picture of boat tied atop Westy to show present lashing points:
>
> <http://picasaweb.google.com/j.michael.elliott/BoatOnBus?authkey=Gv1sRgCNWmgq-f1Mb5rwE&feat=directlink>
>
> Picture of kayak:
>
> <http://www.rei.com/product/784205>
>
> --
> Rocky J Squirrel
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR
>
>
>
> Alistair Bell wrote:
>> or put a canoe on top, always got better mileage on summer trips with 18
>> foot cedar canvas canoe on top.
>>
>> alistair
>>
>> On 20-Jul-10, at 4:40 PM, Mike Rocket J Squirrel wrote:
>>
>> Or pull a small trailer. I get 2mpg better highway fuel efficiency in my
>> 84 Westy when the Westralia is hooked up.
>>
>> <http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XFS952PUlmQ/TBA8o-v0viI/AAAAAAAACV8/gXos84XiSf8/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG>
>>