Re: [Paddlewise] Subj: Cradles/rollers for EuroVan racks?

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erik Sprenne" <sprenne_at_netnitco.net>
To: "Michael Daly" <michaeldaly_at_home.com>; <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 06, 2000 10:29 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Subj: Cradles/rollers for EuroVan racks?


> > My only caution of having multiple bars on the roof would be not to secure
> > the kayak to more than two bars at a time.   Two supports is statically
> > determinate and the kayak flexing is independent of the vehicle.  Three
> > or more supports could, in theory, put undue stress on the kayak.
> >
> Depends on the vehicle (and the boat :-).
> 
> I drive a Mitsu pickup, and on this vehicle the truck bed 'flexes' and moves
> independantly of the cab of the truck.  

Another not so obvious problem is if the case where the three bars are not
quite level with each other.  In that case, you'd be bending the kayak over
the bars.  

I'm not so sure unibody construction is free of problems.  I've seen some
pretty flexible van roofs.  It would depend on how your rack is attached to 
the roof.

Mike

PS - this is similar of course to the problem of reefing hard on the bow
and stern lines if you tie down the ends of your kayak.  

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