Sometimes something is so obvious, one (meaning me) can feel stupid. This is particularly true when coming up with solutions or modifications. A key principle I meant in my newsletter, which is full of ideas and mods, is to work with what you have at hand. I was reminded of this when looking at another listserve in which Harry Shin of California suggested that a way to ease getting a kayak on to a roof rack is to take advantage of something you already have on your car rather than going out and buying some special contraption. His solution is similar to those extra end extension pieces you add to a roof rack that allows you to first lift one end of your boat on to it and then lift the other end of your boat on to the rack (then shift over the end that is on the extension piece). Harry's suggestion is to use your car door. It is simple. Open the car door, put something on top of it to avoid scratches, then lift one end of your boat on to it. It has all the advantages of those extension bar pieces. Actually a bit better since the door top is lower than any point of a roof rack (even the extension piece) and very close to you. Harry suggests using one of those split roof pads meant to protect windsurf boards on a roof rack but pipe insulation tubing will do. As a safety precaution against wind slamming the door, tie a cord to the door handle and to something on the car. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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