Re: [Paddlewise] Off topic--ski racks

At 04:32 PM 10/21/99 -0700, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:
>Now that I am renting cars rather than owning, I am in need of a
>cross-country ski rack setup that could be used on a variety of cars,
>all without rain gutters and all without factory OEM roof racks.

Awhile back I was looking for a rack for my wifes car to carry a kayak
or canoe.  It also doesn't have rain gutters.  Since I keep my boats right
on the water I didn't need it very often so couldn't justify cost of a
Yakima/Thule
especially because it required the extension kit.  It would have cost over
$300.
I also wanted something more than foam pads.

I ended up getting a Walden Multisport rack.   This rack comes with two
metal bars that have two rotomolded plastic pods on them.  The pods 
can slide on the bar a bit to fit almost any car.  The bottom of the pods are
lined with foam rubber to keep them from slipping and scratching the paint.
The racks are placed on the car and held down with web straps that run through
the pods and then trough the doors of the vehicle (remember to open them
first).
That holds the rack firmly to the top of the vehicle.  It will hold two
kayaks or
one canoe (which are tied down to the rack using webbed straps).   I didn't
order
it, but there's also a optional package that contains items for using the
rack to
hold skis or bicycles.   The basic rack retails for around $110.

Now, here's the good news.   About two weeks after I bought the rack we bought
a Ford explorer and I just replaced the factory racks with a set of Yakima
railriders.
I used the Walden rack once.   If you're interested in it I can make you a
good deal
on it.  There used to be a link on the Walden site for it but it's gone now.


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