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On 3-Nov-2003, (andrei) wrote:

Is there any cheaper solution to take two small kayaks on our van?

Get a couple of 2x4s (or 2x6 if the roof is highly curved). Cut them
so that the shape matches the curve of your roof and cover the cut
surface with either minicell or carpet scraps so they don't scratch
your roof. Place them across your roof, one near the front and one
near the rear, so that they carry the kayak weight directly on the
roof. Use the existing rack to hold them in place (get U bolts to
attach the wood to the crossbars).

Drill holes in the wood and/or use eyebolts to give you something
to tie the kayaks to. If you get fancy, use scraps of wood to
fashion some cradles. If you use cedar, you will not have to worry
much about rot. Oil (linseed/tung ) rather than paint if you do
want protection.

With a width of 1.5 inch and length of, say 72 inch, two supports
give 216 sq in of surface on your roof. With two 50 lb kayaks,
that's less than one-half psi of contact pressure on average.

--------------------------------------------
| front view | --2x4 or 2x6
| |
| __---___---___---___---___---___---___ |
|_/ \_|
^
Profile cut to match roof shape |

___ side view ___
| | | |
== | |-- Ubolt here | | == -- Ubolt here
== | | | | ==
__++_---_________________________---_++______
--------------------------------------------- -- roof

^ ^ wood ^ ^ rack crossbar
| |
Rack crossbar wood

Friends of mine have done this with no problems and low price.
Best solution for vans and SUVs with wimpy roof racks.

Mike