I have a 1996 Subaru Outback. I took a 2 x 4, glued on some neoprene,
stapled on some carpet, screwed on a couple of wood blocks, and just
dropped it onto the Subaru rack main rails. I tie the 2 x 4 to the
cross rails so it does not move around. I tie down the canoe to the
main rails with the heavy NRS straps. I then add a line from the bow to
a couple of pieces of webbing attached to the fender bolts. The bow
line is just a backup, I have run without it. You could add a stern line
if you like, most people do. Works well, installs quickly, I have used
it for well over 1000 miles. The rack cost me less than $5.

However, this strategy seems much less attractive if you want to carry
two canoes. I considered building a wide rack, and decided that it
would just be too complicated. Maybe I will revisit the wide rack
sometime, but I would need to figure out a good way to clamp the 2x4 to
the rails. Maybe I should fire up my forge, and make some custom steel
clamps. ;-)

Richard



wrote:
We're looking into purchasing a used canoe (an Old Town Penobscot 16, a
16 footer) and the only car we have to carry it is a 2005 Subaru
Forester. There's a roof rack on the forester, and from rough tape
measure estimates, it looks like it'll be close, but it will fit. I'm
curious, though, if anyone has any experience with trying to carry a
canoe on a stock Subaru rack, and what suggestions you would have.
We've done plenty of canoeing, but have never had our own to carry
around.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Todd



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